Ironton WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ironton, Wisconsin.
1. Rustic Road 112
SCENIC COUNTRY DRIVE
Rustic Road 112 offers visitors a picturesque drive through the rolling countryside of Sauk County with stunning rural vistas. Travelers can enjoy the changing seasonal colors while winding through farms and woodlands. This designated scenic route provides an authentic glimpse of Wisconsin's beautiful rural landscape.
2. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts featuring former mining pits transformed into crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking on world-class trails, paddling, fishing, and swimming in the pristine waters. The recreation area showcases the region's mining heritage while offering exceptional recreational opportunities throughout all seasons.
3. Portage Lake Trail
SERENE LAKESIDE PATH
Portage Lake Trail provides a peaceful walking experience along the shores of one of the area's beautiful mine pit lakes. Hikers can observe local wildlife and enjoy spectacular views of the clear turquoise waters throughout the seasons. The well-maintained trail offers a moderate hiking experience suitable for most fitness levels.
4. Cykel Bike Shop
CYCLING HUB AND RENTALS
Cykel Bike Shop serves as the essential starting point for cyclists looking to explore the renowned Cuyuna trail system. Visitors can rent high-quality mountain bikes, get expert local advice, and purchase necessary gear for their adventures. The friendly staff provides trail maps and up-to-date conditions to ensure visitors have an exceptional riding experience.
5. Pike Chain of Lakes
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
The Pike Chain of Lakes is a connected system of eight pristine lakes offering exceptional fishing and water recreation opportunities. Anglers can target walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish in these clear, well-managed waters. The surrounding shorelines feature a mix of natural areas and vacation properties, creating a classic Northwoods lake experience.
6. North Country National Scenic Trail
EPIC LONG-DISTANCE PATHWAY
The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through Iron River as part of its 4,600-mile route spanning eight states from Vermont to North Dakota. Hikers can explore segments of varying difficulty through forests, along waterways, and past historical sites. The trail offers opportunities to observe abundant wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species in their natural habitats.
7. Iron County Historical Society Museum
RICH LOCAL HERITAGE
The Iron County Historical Society Museum is housed in the old courthouse, a structure listed in the National Register of Historic Places with three full floors of fascinating exhibits. Visitors can explore historical artifacts, publications, documents, and photographs dating from before Iron County was founded in 1893 to recent years. The museum features special exhibits on logging and mining, including demonstrations of traditional rag rug weaving on antique looms.
8. Corrigan's Lookout
BREATHTAKING SCENIC OVERLOOK
Corrigan's Lookout rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views after a short 0.25-mile hike. Located off Highway 122, this overlook provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding Northwoods landscape. The site is particularly stunning during fall color season when the forested hills display vibrant red, orange, and gold foliage.
9. Plummer Mine Head Frame
HISTORIC MINING LANDMARK
The Plummer Mine Head Frame stands as a towering reminder of Iron County's rich mining heritage from the region's iron ore boom. This preserved historic structure offers visitors insight into the mining operations that shaped the economy and culture of the Penokee Iron Range. Interpretive displays help visitors understand the significance of the 'red gold' that transformed the area from the 1880s onward.
10. Copper Peak
EPIC SKI FLYING SITE
Copper Peak is the only ski flying hill in the Western Hemisphere, offering breathtaking views from its 26-story observation deck. Visitors can ride an 800-foot chairlift followed by an 18-story elevator to reach the top, where they'll enjoy a 360-degree panorama spanning three states and Lake Superior on clear days. The historic ski jumping facility provides both thrilling height and educational insights into this unique winter sport.
11. Black River Harbor Recreation Area
SCENIC WATERFRONT PARK
Black River Harbor Recreation Area features a picturesque harbor where the Black River meets Lake Superior, complete with scenic waterfalls and hiking trails. Visitors can cross the river on a suspension bridge, enjoy picnicking facilities, and access a sandy beach along the world's largest freshwater lake. The area offers excellent fishing opportunities and serves as a perfect spot to watch spectacular Lake Superior sunsets.
12. Little Girls Point
LAKE SUPERIOR SHORELINE GEM
Little Girls Point offers visitors a beautiful Lake Superior beach experience with stunning shoreline views and opportunities for rock collecting. The county park features picnic areas, camping facilities, and access to miles of pristine shoreline. Visitors can hunt for Lake Superior agates and other interesting rocks while enjoying the powerful waves and spectacular sunsets over the world's largest freshwater lake.
13. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres of diverse ecosystem spanning the western Upper Peninsula. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, numerous lakes, and extensive trail systems for hiking, biking, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing. The forest provides habitat for abundant wildlife including black bears, wolves, eagles, and countless bird species that nature enthusiasts can observe throughout the seasons.
14. Interstate Falls
CASCADING BORDER WATERS
Interstate Falls creates a natural boundary between Michigan and Wisconsin with its dramatic cascading waters. Visitors can follow a short hiking trail to reach multiple viewpoints of the falls as they thunder over rocky ledges. The surrounding forest setting provides a peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for photography throughout the changing seasons.
15. ABR Trails
PREMIER NORDIC SKIING DESTINATION
ABR Trails offers over 60 kilometers of meticulously groomed cross-country ski trails through beautiful Northwoods terrain. During summer months, these same trails transform into excellent hiking and mountain biking routes through varied forest landscapes. The family-owned facility provides equipment rentals, professional instruction, and warm hospitality to ensure visitors have an exceptional outdoor experience regardless of skill level.