Aerial view of a forest with vibrant autumn foliage and a cascading waterfall.

Local Area

Beyond the Slopes: Discover Michigan’s Western U.P.

From roaring waterfalls to historic mining towns, cozy pubs to northern lights, the area surrounding Snowriver offers authentic Upper Peninsula adventure, culture, and charm.

Historic theater on a small-town street with parked cars and flags.

Heart of the U.P.

Wakefield, Bessemer & Ironwood

Your Snowriver getaway extends far beyond the mountain. Nestled among the small towns of Wakefield, Ramsay, Bessemer, and Ironwood, you’ll find the soul of “Yooper” culture. A blend of Finnish, Cornish, Irish, German, Norwegian, Swedish, and French Canadian roots that define the western U.P. Explore welcoming downtowns rich in mining history, handcrafted heritage, and the kind of Midwest hospitality that feels like home.

Burger with fries on a white plate in a warm-lit setting.

Dining & Après Ski

Refuel with hearty meals, local brews, and authentic U.P. flavor. From wood-fired pizzas to fine dining “Yooper style,” every spot offers a taste of local tradition.

Explore Dining & Nightlife

Wakefield

  • Korner Kitchen – Classic American breakfasts, UP-style hospitality.
  • Club 28 – A local favorite for burgers, pizza, and pasta.

Bessemer

  • Black River Valley Pub – Rustic dining and local craft beers.
  • Tacconelli’s – Famous for pizza and burgers in a casual setting.
  • Pit Stop Bar & Grill – Local hangout with hearty fare.

Ironwood

  • Mike’s: Midway – New! Wood-fired pizza and gourmet burgers.
  • Rigoni’s Inn – Italian-American comfort food.
  • Don & GG’s – Classic supper club feel with great cocktails.

Hurley

  • Iron Nugget – Burgers to homemade pasta, all with a local twist.
  • Kimball Inn – Fine dining U.P. style in a historic setting.
Coffee shop interior with wooden logo on wall.

Coffee & Local Brews

Warm up between runs with craft-roasted coffee or a cold pint after dark.

  • Copper Cup – Drive-through UP coffee roaster (Ironwood).
  • Contrast Coffee – Cozy coffeehouse and roaster in downtown Ironwood.
  • Cold Iron Brewing – Locally brewed beers and live music in a restored warehouse with true Yooper character.

Sip Local Favorites

Art gallery interior with colorful framed artworks on walls, two people browsing upstairs.

Shopping & Local Finds

Discover long-standing family businesses, handmade goods, and local art throughout the Gogebic Range.

  • Abelman Clothing & Footwear – Since 1887, offering the best outdoor gear in the UP.
  • Stormy Kromer Factory Store – Tour the factory and shop world-famous wool hats and accessories.
  • Downtown Art Place – Local art and creativity on display in Ironwood.
  • Leather & Gift – Locally owned shop in Bessemer.
  • Ben Franklin – The UP’s largest gift store (Ironwood).
  • Northwoods General Store & Coffee House – Local goods, produce, and coffee in one stop.

Outdoor Adventures Beyond Skiing

The western U.P. is an outdoor lover’s paradise, wild, untouched, and waiting to explore.

Find More Adventures

Waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by snow and evergreen trees.

Waterfalls

Visit Gabbro Falls near Snowriver or take the scenic Black River Parkway to discover five more waterfalls cascading to Lake Superior.

Two people cross-country skiing through a snowy forest trail.

Cross-Country Skiing

Wolverine Trails (25 km, Bessemer) – Groomed skate and classic tracks with night skiing.

ABR Trails (100 km, Ironwood) – One of the top XC trail systems in the country (#2 in USA Today Readers’ Choice 2024).

Two people tubing down a snowy hill, surrounded by pine trees.

Snowtubing

Mt. Zion in Ironwood offers family fun for all ages.

Autumn landscape with a lake, hills, and colorful foliage under a cloudy sky.

Hiking & Wildlife

Explore the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or Ottawa National Forest for endless trails, lakes, and solitude.

Northern lights above silhouettes of trees and a starry sky.

Aurora Viewing

With dark winter skies and minimal light pollution, the U.P. is one of the best places in the U.S. to view the Northern Lights — especially during the 2025 solar peak.

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Wooden statue of three figures near a red-roofed building and trees.

Arts, Music & Local Culture

Immerse yourself in authentic Upper Peninsula charm — where history, creativity, and community meet.

  • Historic Ironwood Theatre – Century-old venue hosting concerts and films.
  • Theatre North – Community theater productions.
  • Upper Block Bar & Grill & Deno Sports Bar – Local nightlife and live music.
  • Ironwood & Bessemer Historical Museums – Step back into the region’s mining roots.

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Skiers glide through snowy forest trail in winter setting.