From the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce

 

• Skiing - Five major ski resorts in the area make Big Snow Country the ski capitol of the midwest. But don't believe me. Take a few minutes to check out their own web pages. And then come and ski on 250 inches (Yes, over 20 feet) of natural snow each year.
• Snowmobiling - in the snow belt south of Lake Superior couldn't be better. The same 250" of lake effect snow that falls on our ski hills gives us the best snowmobiling for hundreds of miles around. 2500 miles of groomed trails are accessible from Bessemer, MI. When will we be seeing you?
• Snowshoeing - is one of the best aerobic exercises. You can take an easy, guided tour in the Porcupine Mountains, or get off of the beaten path and give yourself a workout.
• Sylvania Wilderness Area - is part of the Ottawa National Forest. This is pristine wilderness with lakes, rivers, trees, and wildlife in abundance. The only thing missing are the crowds, and possibly you!
• XC Skiing - on groomed trails is available at several groomed trails through out the area. Or grab a map and compass and lose yourself in our forests.
• Copper Peak Ski Flying - While no ski flying has occurred at this sight in several years, you will still want to check it out and take a ride to the top of the scaffold. You will see three states (MI, WI, & MN), and Canada from the top. This is an especially good day activity during the fall colors.
• Black River Valley Parkway - is a 15 mile stretch of Black River terminating at its mouth. Do not miss Bakers Falls near the Blackjack Ski Resort, or Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, or Rainbow Falls near Black River Harbor. They are especially spectacular during the fall colors. Don't forget your fish pole, or maybe you will want to make reservations for a chartered deep sea fishing trip onto Lake Superior. Picnicking and camping are good additions to your trip to the mouth of the Black. Are you brave enough to take a swim in the chilly waters of Lake Superior? If not, spend some time looking for an agate!
• Camping - The Porcupine Wilderness State Park, along with the Sylvania Wilderness Area, provides unsurpassed peace and solitude at their rustic wilderness camp sights. The parks at the mouth of the Presque Isle and Black Rivers along with many others in the Ottawa National Forest are a little more developed, if that is what you are looking for.
• Canoeing - on the many areas lakes and rivers is a wonderful past time. The lakes of the Sylvania Wilderness area are restricted so you will not be bothered by motor boats. A canoe, camping, fishing trip in Sylvania will not soon be forgotten, nor will an evening paddle along the shore of Lake Superior.
• Fall Colors - New England has nothing on us when it comes to spectacular fall colors. Check out the Porcupine Mountains, the Black River Parkway, and Little Girls Point. Actually a drive or hike just about anywhere will catch your attention.
• Fishing - You are never more than 3 miles from a lake, river or stream anywhere in Gogebic County, and there is nothing like a couple brook trout for supper. Or how about a rainbow trout? Don't forget the walleye's on Lake Gogebic, or the lake trout, coho, and king salmon in Lake Superior.
• Hiking - If you haven't hiked in the Porcupine Mountains, you haven't hiked. It is possible to see more bear in a day, than humans. But don't ignore the many developed trails in the Ottawa National Forest. Or get off of the beaten path and just explore.
• Hunting - Ruff grouse, bear, water fowl, and deer. Lots of public land is still available to you. Check it out.
• Little Girls Point - You rock hounds will love Little Girls Point if you are not deep sea fishing, picnicking, or swimming. This is a great place to sit back and remember what the world should really be like.
• Mountain Biking - Check out the trails at the mouth of the Black River. The folks at the Bear Track Inn will point you in the right direction. Or pick up a map at the Bessemer Ranger Station (3 blocks south of the stoplight) and go exploring in the Ottawa National Forest or the Porcupine Mountains. Bring a compass and plenty of water. It is possible to get yourself 10 miles from a blacktop road.
• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - has one of the two stands of virgin forest left in Michigan. While many attractions are available from the roadways, you must pack your backpack and spend a few days hiking, fishing, and camping to really appreciate what 60,000 acres of wilderness is. But don't worry, there are well marked trails.