Stormy Kromer store & tour
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The famous, functional Stormy Kromer wool cap with adjustable earflaps has long been a northwoods classic. Now it comes in some 30 colors—a dilemma for some retailers. Bob Jacquart, second-generation owner of this specialty and custom fabric manufacturer, was stunned when he found out at his regular breakfast coffee klatsch that the original manufacturer in Milwaukee was discontinuing the hat. Bob's father and grandfather had worn their Kromers all winter long.
He saw a chance to both save a U.P. icon and grow some desperately needed jobs in his hometown of Ironwood. Kromer Manufacturing sold Bob the design details and rights for the original Stormy Kromer hat. Soon he figured out how to produce the cap fast enough to make money on it—at a basic sales price of $30 at that time. The cap has many more parts and more sizes (13) than anything sold at Wal-Mart. Production began in 2001.
In 2010 Jacquart Manufacturing (see jacquarts.com) has an 80,000-square-foot facility and a staff of some 140, making it a leading area employer. A label in each cap tells of how railroad engineer and former semi-pro ballplayer George "Stormy" Kromer of Kaukauna, Wisconsin devised this cap that wouldn't blow off, with the help of his wife, Ida. Currently the cap comes in over two dozen colors, including blaze orange, camouflage, and pink in addition to the traditional red.
The mercantile store at the Ironwood factory (open weekdays 8-5) and on the "Stormy Kromer" web site sells traditional coats, vests, shirts, gloves, etc. akin to the classic cap. The store also sells dog beds and cat furniture in discontinued fabrics.
The 45-minute tour includes watching Stormy Kromers and other items being made that day. It can be shortened to 20 minutes. The tour starts at 1:30 weekdays.
1238 Wall. From U.S. 2 at the light by Burger King and Citgo (just west of Super 1 Plaza), turn south onto Luxmore. In 1 block turn left to factory. (906) 932-1339 or (888) 445-2253.St. No charge for tours. Children welcome with adults. Wheelchair access: yes. Call ahead if possible.
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Return to Ironwood
POINTS OF INTEREST
Dan's Antique Mall . Colorful, rich assortment of interesting things. One of U.P. top antique shops ... more
Fabric Patch. A paradise for quilters, with eclectic selection of fabrics for many tastes ... more
Little Girl's Point and vicinity. On a high Lake Superior bluff, a tucked-away park with swimming beach, camping, boat launch, and long views to the Porcupine Mountains and Apostle Islands. ... more
Stormy Kromer store & tour. Stormy Kromer hats, designed for cold, blowy U.P. days, have become legendary. Here's the company store and how to tour the manufacturing plant ... more
Bald Mountain, Lake Superior Overlook, and the Powers Trail System. Little-known spots with nice views for motorists and mountain bikers ... more
Superior Falls. Little publicized, this thundering 40-foot waterfall in a deep gorge of the Montreal River settles into a quiet pool ... more
Interstate Falls. A couple miles northwest of Ironwood the wide Montreal River plunges 25 feet ... more
Saxon Falls. One of Gogebic's outstanding waterfalls 12 miles north of Ironwood ... more
Whitecap Kayak Company, Steep Creek Outfitters, and Steep Creek Cafe. Interesting shoreline trips for beginners and experienced kayakers alike give a fresh perspective of the region ... more
Ottawa National Forest Supervisor's Office and Book Shop. The place to get good individualized info on this vast forest (almost one million acres) dotted with lakes, rivers, wonderful waterfalls, stretching Champion, Baraga, and Iron River west to Ironwood. ... more
Mount Zion Scenic Overlook. This rock overlook close to Ironwood gives a fine view of surrounding hills, forests, and farms ... more
Depot Antiques & Gifts. In an old railroad warehouse, this unusually appealing shop offer a variety of items old and new, from gourmet foods to vintage toys ... more
Nature's Picks Rock Shop. Owned and run by a seasoned local rockhound, this shop carries rocks and minerals from all over. And you can get advice on where to look locally for interesting rocks ... more
Black Bear Sports. A veteran guide runs this well-stocked outdoors shop, with fishing gear and good advice ... more
Ironwood Memorial Building. A lavish Beaux Arts civic building, recently restored, features stained glass, murals, original light fixtures, and interesting local history exhibits ... more
Scenic back road to Ramsay. A pleasant ride on a country lane through hills and overarching trees and a fine vista ... more
World's Tallest Indian. What did they do to pump up the economy when the mines gave out in the 1960s? Attract tourists by building an 8-ton, 53-foot-high Indian chief and calling him Hiawatha, the "World's Tallest Indian" (actually Maine has a taller one) ... more
Norrie Park. Picturesque 1920s park along the Montreal River with paths through wooded areas and meadows, a fine picnic spot with playground ... more
Mountain biking in Gogebic and Iron counties. One of the country's great mountain biking regions, here's an overview of the vast number of trails in the area ... more
ABR Trails (Active Backwoods Retreat). 600 acres of meticulously groomed ski trails with lodgings, a warming cabin, sauna, and ski shop ... more
Wolverine Nordic Trails. Loops for serious cross-country skiers and mountain bikers from 3k to 7k ... more
Ironwood Wi-fi Hotspot. Ironwood Carnegie Library has wi-fi & public computers (limit ˝ hour use). 235 East Aurora ... 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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