Scenic Bypass around Iron Mountain

The lovely valleys and forested hills with rock outcrops make this route around the north of Iron Mountain a pleasure to take.

If you don't plan to stop and explore the central Iron Mountain area or eat in one of its good restaurants, you might want to avoid most of the ten miles of sprawl along U.S. 2 with this scenic route around the north side of Lake Antoine to a point on U.S. 2 east of the big paper mill at Quinnesec.

Here are directions from the west: from the blinker on U.S. 2 at Northside Cafe, go north on Lake Antoine Road around the lake to the Y. Take the left fork that does not go to the park and camping. This is County Road 396, also known as Upper Pine Creek Road. You will pass some beautiful big oaks and dramatic rock bluffs interspersed with dairy farms.

As you head out on the long path around Fumee Lake, you see it from up above through the trees.

The undeveloped Fumee Lake Natural Area ju is a favorite destination of nature-lovers. A 5-mile path goes around the big lake, with splendid views from well above it and its much smaller sister during the first 1.5 miles.

When CR 396 turns south, you could continue to U.S. 2 or take a left onto another road through a pretty "hidden valley." Then turn right at the T intersection and you'll wind into Old Norway on the north side of the town of Norway.

From U.S. 2 and the Norway area it is simplest to turn north (right) only County Road 396 after you have passed Norway Spring.

Return to Iron Mountain

IRON MOUNTAIN
POINTS OF INTEREST

Downtown Iron Mountain. More than meets the eye: striking historic architecture on Hughitt Street, an interesting collection of shops on A Street. Scattered in the area are a classic workingman's shoe store, a sophisticated Italian bakery, an interior decorator/accessory shop with a high-impact cottage style. ... more

Italian North Side. A trim working-class neighborhood with some serious vegetable gardens, small grocery markets, acorner bar, an Italian Catholic church ... more

Menominee Range Historical Museum. In a handsome 1901 Carnegie Library, museum focused on Dickinson County's history, based on local individuals' collections, from tin soldiers to Indian curios ... more

Cornish Pump Engine & Mining Museum. A huge 1893 steam-operated pump with 40-foot flywheel used to dewater the Chapin iron mine and displays on mining techniques and geology---mining equipment, historical photos, and geological specimens, plus displays about the WWII wooden gliders made nearby ... more

Pine Mountain Ski Jump. There's been more competitive ski jumping at this majestic slide than anywhere else in the U.S. Climb it in summer for a grand view ... more

Pine Mountain Resort. Developed by Milwaukee brewer Fred Pabst, this 1938 ski resort has developed into a beautiful, year-round facility with pleasant indoor pool and 18-hole championship golf course ... more

Lake Antoine Park. Popular large spring-fed Lake Antoine lies just beyond Iron Mountain's north side. On its northern shore lies this pleasant county park with its large oaks, campsites, swimming beach, nature trail, and fishing pier ... more

Scenic Bypass around Iron Mountain. A scenic route around the north side of Lake Antoine ... more

Iron Mountain Bat Mine & Vista. Great vista of Iron Mountain plus entrance to mineshaft where huge population of bats spends the winter. ... more

Iron Mountain City Park. Good locally available picnic food combines with this picturesque hillside city park west of downtown for a pleasant outing ... more

Northwoods Wilderness Outfitters & Adventure Store. There are lots of outdoor expeditions in this region, so the well-stocked store here is a welcome destination. Kayak, canoe, and fishing outings are also offered ... more

Best of the Best U.P. Maps

See our U.P. interactive maps that locate the best experiences the U.P. has to offer—from camping & hiking to good eating & vistas! We also have created useful maps to major U.P. TOWNS.

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here

Make Custom Gifts at CafePress