Hiking path to "Treaty Tree" & Mile Post Zero
A 10- to 15-minute hike on this easy, secluded path leads to the spot at the head of the Brule River where the once-disputed Michigan-Wisconsin border heads off in a straight line toward Lake Superior near Ironwood. It's part of the Ottawa National Forest.These woods and wetlands are quite placid, unlike the dramatic, rocky settings farther downstream. This would be a pleasant walk in fall color season. Hikers pass a log border marker in the young maple forest before reaching a more elaborate sign marking the site of the so-called Treaty Tree.
Here in 1840 surveyor Captain Thomas Cram of the U.S. Corps of Topographical Engineers established Mile Post Zero for the straight, overland state boundary with Wisconsin. Michigan had only recently acquired the Upper Peninsula as a consolation prize in the "Toledo War" (a border dispute with Ohio over the mouth of the Maumee River),
In 1847 the eventual boundary line was set by William Austin Burt. That new state line headed northwest to the Montreal River outside present-day Ironwood, Michigan, and Hurley, Wisconsin. Burt was the famous Michigan surveyor who earlier had accidentally discovered the Marquette Range's iron riches near present-day Negaunee.
The U.S. had earlier acquired by treaty the Upper Peninsula and what became the Wisconsin Territory from its Indian inhabitants. However, local Ojibwa still regarded their ancestral land as their own hunting territory. Hence, Cram and Burt drew up more treaties, agreeing to give gifts in return for passage.
For years Wisconsin contested the line Burt established. In 1924 a joint boundary commission had it surveyed again, and Burt's survey proved accurate.
About 12 miles southwest of Iron River. First, head toward Lake Ottawa: take U.S. 2 west. In less than 2 miles turn at M-73. In about 1 mile, look for Forest Hwy. 101 and signs to Lake Ottawa Park Continue southwest on Forest Hwy. 101 about 4 miles to West Brule Lake Rd. Follow it 2 more miles to Stateline Recreation Area and parking. Open year-round.Handicap accessible.
Return to Iron River
POINTS OF INTEREST
Iron County Museum. Multifaceted museum includes satisfying exhibits on the area's geology, logging, musical and ethnic heritage, life in mines (great video), plus 24 outdoor buildings (10 old log barns, houses, outbuildings), intact Caspian Mine headframe ... more
Downtown Iron River. A trim, pleasant shopping district with an art supply/gift shop/book shop, a combination of shops in an big old department store, a mild-long trail along the Iron River ... more
Angeli's Central Market/Plaza Cinema. A terrific supermarket with quality, fresh produce, something hard to find in the U.P., as well as a good wine selection, meats, ethnic baked goods. ... more
Ski Brule. In a scenic hilly setting is a resort with miles of cross-country skiing trails, two snowboard parks, Alpine skiing, and in summer mountain bike trails, horseback riding, canoeing and tubing ... more
Lake Ottawa Park/Ge Chi Ski Trail. This pleasant Ottawa National Forest park is on crystal-clear, 551-acre Lake Ottawa. It has hiking trails, a swimming beach, fishing pier, and a handsome CCC-era pavilion/bathhouse with fireplaces. ... more
Hiking path to "Treaty Tree" & Mile Post Zero. A short, secluded hike leads to the head of Brule River and the much-contested border between Michigan and Wisconsin ... more
George Young Recreational Complex. Open to the general public, this plush golf course and indoor swimming pool is sited on a 3,300-acre complex bordering 3 lakes. Foxes, deer, and eagles are not unusual sights for golfers here ... more
Wolf Track Nature Trail. A scenic 1.5-mile woodland nature trail with wonderful paintings and text to illuminate one's experience ... more
Pentoga Park. Opened in 1922, this is one of Michigan's very first county parks, located at an Ojibwa burial ground. Take an old 3-mile Indian Lake to the Brule River, fish the deep, 1,100-acre Chicaugon Lake for walleye and muskie, or use the swimming beach and picnic area ... more
First Roadside Table. Michigan was a pioneer in providing pleasant rest stops for motorists, and this 1918 picnic spot may well be the very first ever ... more
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
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