Negaunee MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Negaunee, Michigan.
1. Michigan Iron Industry Museum
RICH MINING HERITAGE
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum shares the fascinating stories of everyday life in the mining community that shaped Negaunee's history. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the tools, technology, and personal accounts that bring the iron mining era to life. The museum offers a comprehensive look at how the iron industry influenced the development of the Upper Peninsula and Michigan as a whole.
2. Lowenstein's
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Lowenstein's offers visitors a charming shopping experience in the heart of Negaunee. This local establishment features a variety of unique items that reflect the character and history of the Upper Peninsula. Shoppers can spend hours browsing through the interesting selection while experiencing the warm hospitality that Negaunee is known for.
3. Negaunee Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Negaunee Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural heritage of this Upper Peninsula mining town. Exhibits feature photographs, artifacts, and documents that chronicle the development of Negaunee from its mining boom days to the present. Visitors gain insight into the lives of early settlers, miners, and community leaders who shaped this unique Michigan municipality.
4. Irontown Antiques
TREASURES FROM THE PAST
Irontown Antiques invites collectors and casual browsers to discover an eclectic array of vintage items and collectibles in Negaunee. The shop features carefully curated pieces that reflect the cultural and industrial history of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Visitors often find themselves transported through time as they explore the diverse selection of antiques and memorabilia.
5. Saint Paul Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Saint Paul Catholic Church stands as a testament to Negaunee's religious heritage and architectural history. The church's beautiful design features elements that reflect both the faith and cultural identity of the early immigrants who settled in this mining community. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating this spiritual landmark in the heart of Negaunee.
6. Upper Peninsula Luge Club
WINTER SPORTS ADVENTURE
The Upper Peninsula Luge Club operates the only full-length natural-track luge course in the United States, making Negaunee a unique winter sports destination. Visitors can experience the thrill of sliding down a section near the finish line that's open to the public during winter months, using equipment provided by the club. The original track layout features an impressive 29 curves along its 88-meter vertical drop, offering an exhilarating adventure for winter sports enthusiasts.
7. Irontown Pasties
AUTHENTIC UP CUISINE
Irontown Pasties serves up the quintessential Upper Peninsula culinary experience in downtown Negaunee. These savory hand pies, filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, reflect the mining heritage of the region and the influence of Cornish immigrants who brought this lunch staple to Michigan. Visitors can enjoy this authentic local treat that has been satisfying hungry miners and travelers for generations.
8. Pioneer Days Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Pioneer Days Festival brings Negaunee to life each year during the week following July 4th with a celebration of the city's rich heritage. The festival features parades, music, food vendors, games, and activities that highlight the pioneering spirit of this historic mining community. Visitors from across the Upper Peninsula gather to enjoy the small-town charm and festive atmosphere that makes this annual event a cherished tradition.
9. Suicide Hill Ski Jump
LEGENDARY NORDIC FACILITY
Suicide Hill Ski Jump stands as an impressive winter sports facility where the Ishpeming Ski Club prepares athletes for Nordic competitions. The training center supports classic cross country skiing, Nordic combined, and the thrilling discipline of ski jumping that has deep roots in the Upper Peninsula's winter sports tradition. Visitors can marvel at the towering jump structure and, during events, witness the courage and skill of athletes who launch themselves from this Negaunee landmark.
10. Heritage Trails
HISTORIC PATHWAY NETWORK
Heritage Trails provides a network of recreational pathways that wind through Negaunee's historic landscapes and around former mining operations. Visitors can stroll, hike, bike, or snowmobile through Old Town Negaunee while learning about the city's industrial past through interpretive signage. The trail system offers year-round outdoor activities including access to a newer disc golf course that adds to Negaunee's recreational appeal.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping in Negaunee offers visitors a charming small-town retail experience featuring locally-owned businesses with unique Upper Peninsula character. Visitors can browse through shops offering everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafted items made by local artisans. The welcoming atmosphere and personal service create a shopping experience that reflects the warmth and authenticity of this historic mining community.
12. Dining
UP CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining in Negaunee introduces visitors to authentic Upper Peninsula cuisine highlighted by local specialties like pasties, whitefish, and hearty comfort foods. The city's restaurants and cafes offer welcoming environments where travelers can refuel while experiencing the flavors that reflect the region's mining heritage and diverse cultural influences. Many establishments feature locally-sourced ingredients and recipes passed down through generations of Negaunee families.
13. Hiking
SCENIC WILDERNESS TRAILS
Hiking around Negaunee offers outdoor enthusiasts access to scenic trails winding through the rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Visitors can explore paths that showcase spectacular views of forests, historic mining sites, and natural formations shaped by the region's unique geology. The trail systems accommodate various experience levels and provide opportunities to observe local wildlife and seasonal flora throughout the year.
14. Fishing
PRISTINE ANGLING SPOTS
Fishing near Negaunee provides anglers with opportunities to cast their lines in the pristine waters of the Upper Peninsula. The area's lakes and streams support diverse fish populations including trout, bass, pike, and panfish that attract fishing enthusiasts throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy peaceful days on the water surrounded by the natural beauty that characterizes this historic mining region of Michigan.
15. Camping
WILDERNESS OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping in the vicinity of Negaunee allows outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Campsites range from developed facilities with amenities to more rustic options that offer a genuine wilderness experience under the stars. Visitors can establish their temporary home among the forests and near the waterways that define this beautiful region while exploring all that Negaunee and its surroundings have to offer.