By Joyce Wiswell, Contributing Writer
Those who travel to the Ironwood area, Michigan’s westernmost county, find much to explore, including stunning natural beauty and dramatic vistas along a 20-mile ORV system.
It’s all kept traversable thanks to the volunteers of the Gogebic Range Trail Authority ORV & Snowmobile Club, which was formed in 1973 when two organizations merged. The club has received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Ironwood Tourism Council.
“Ironwood is the start of the UP trails,” noted Club President Jerry Nezworski, who retired from Sara Lee after 47 years. He likes to cruise the trails while listening to music in his enclosed Polaris Ranger 1000 side-by-side.
“I don’t really snowmobile,” he confessed. “I will go for a ride, but I prefer to run a groomer.”
The Gogebic Range club has about 200 members, though not all are active. Like so many other volunteer organizations, “the same people are doing all the work all the time,” Nezworski said. “Don’t ask me how many hours I put in because I don’t keep track of it. That would scare me.”
Trail 160, which begins just west of the Wal-Mart in Ironwood, has a number of notable features – and 26 different landowners the club must appease to keep the area accessible. Look out for the 19-foot-tall teepee that overlooks Bald Mountain. It has a 16-foot circumference and is a great spot to take a break from riding with its benches, indoor fire ring, and outdoor cooker. The club erected it about five years ago. “It cost us $15 grand to put that up,” said Nezworski. “It’s right on the trail, and anyone can use it.”
The club also installed picnic tables and a grill 200 feet above the scenic Montreal River Gorge, and that same trail brings you close enough to walk over to the dramatic Superior Falls. Wild raspberries (through July) and blackberries (mid-August to early September) are abundant.
Most visitors make Ironwood their home base. It offers a variety of lodging and has an attractive downtown lined with shops and specialty stores. One unique spot is European Treats, where you’ll find unique imported food items and all sorts of exotic candy. Ironwood is the home of Stormy Kromer, where you can tour the factory where they make the iconic UP caps (it’s free, but reservations are recommended). The Wisconsin border is just a few miles away.
When it’s time to fill up, Nezworski recommends the QuikTrip on US 2 in nearby Bessemer. “They wanted our business for diesel, so they blacktopped the trail across their whole lot,” he said.
Upcoming events include the annual Calvin Kangas Fall Ride on September 15, held in memory of a beloved longtime volunteer and benefitting UP Honor Flight. On October 12, a fall ride will raise funds for Marty’s Goldenaires, a local parade and concert corps. •
For trail information, maps and events information, visit Gogebic Range Trail Authority ORV & Snowmobile Club at gogebicrangeta.org.
