Lake Superior Photos
Categories: Western UP Photos
Western U.P. Fishing
Categories: Recreation
Fishing in the Western U.P.is good clean fun! Our endless variety of lakes and rivers will provide you with whatever type of fishing you want. From ”Big lake” charter boat fishing, to the fishing with a float tube on a small secluded lake, and every thing in between.
Lake Superior offers many choices for the angler. Charter boat fishing is available at Ontonagon, Black River and Saxon Harbor. Many of the charter boats have a no fish-no pay policy. You may take your own boat out from one of the boat launches at Ontonagon, Silver City, Black River Harbor, Little Girls Point and Saxon Harbor.
Sylvania Wilderness area has special regulations for non-motorized fun on beautiful clear water. Enjoy excellent catch and release bass fishing with no live bait. You can get more information from Bob Z., owner of Sylvania Outfitters.
The “Porkies” - Spring and the Steelhead run is on the Presque Isle, Big & Little Carp Rivers, Union and the Big Iron rivers. In mid-summer you will find excellent catch and release fishing of smallmouth bass on the very scenic Lake of the Clouds.
Over 500 named lakes, and nearly 2,000 miles of river and stream fishing await the angler in the Ottawa National Forest. Stream fishing is available throughout the Forest, while lake fishing is concentrated in the southern half of the area. The Forest Service can provide you with details on the lakes and streams at 906-932-1330.
The Cisco Chain has 15 lakes with some being remote and adventurous. Access is available on Cisco and Thousand Island Lake. With 271 miles of shoreline take a map and compass. You can use a small motor boat, canoe or whatever. There is nice underwater structure around the many islands. Species include trout, musky, walleye, northern, small & large mouth bass and panfish.
With all the talk about lakes our region is also rich with clean rivers and streams. Fly-fishing is alive and well with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. A few streams have spring creek characteristics while others are classic freestoners. Insect hatches are wide and varied. Guides are available.
Hiking in the Western U.P.
Categories: Recreation
With miles of trails through scenic and pristine natural areas, the Western U.P. offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the Eastern United States. Spend a day or a week or a summer.. Treat yourself to views of majestic old growth forests, scenic overlooks, inspirational waterfalls… Relax on a river bank or on the shores of an inland lake…
Highlights of hiking adventures in the Western U.P. include:
Porcupine Mountains State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park, and one of the Midwest’s largest wilderness areas. Splendid scenery, pristine old growth forest, scenic vistas mark “the Porkies” as the premier wilderness area in the Midwest.
Sylvania Wilderness Area
The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Michigan and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, the 18,327 acre wilderness offers an outstanding experience for those who want to camp, fish, hike, canoe, ski or enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience.
Hiking In the Ottawa National Forest
Hiking trails on the Ottawa National Forest offer something for everyone. More than 196 miles of hiking and backpacking trails vary widely in character. Some provide short easy walks to points of interest, such as waterfalls and historic sites.
North Country Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail is a premier footpath that stretches for about 4,600 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states from New York to North Dakota. Already, more than 1,700 miles have been certified off-road. Additional miles follow shared paths, and some road walks yet remain . When completed it will be the longest off-road hiking trail in the United States.
Fishing Guides and Charter Services
Categories: Recreation
Bud’s Charter Service
Lake Superior Charter Fishing - Scenic Cruises, Custom Cruises on the “CACCHEN”, a 38 foot Chris Craft Commander.
128 East Larch Street
Ironwood, MI 49938
906 932-5652
Nomad Sportfishing Charters
Whether you are a shallow water fisherman, or fly fishing in the many winding rivers of Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, you will enjoy the challenge of the deep sea fishing. You have a chance to catch them all: Lake Trout, Brown Trout, King Salmon, Coho Salmon and Steelhead. The Lake Trout is the Prize fish in Lake Superior, the other fish are a bonus. Consider fishing with the NOMAD for your next fishing trip. And, by the way, we support Catch and Release, too. Captain Dan McManman.
211 W. Lime Street
Ironwood, MI 49938
906-932-1576
Scott’s Superior Inn Guide Service
GUIDED FISHING in the Ontonagon area. Pike, Walleye, Bass, or Trout. Fish out of a fully equipped 18 ft. Smoker Craft.
277 Lakeshore Road
Ontonagon, MI 49953
906-884-4866
Wilderness Bay Guide Service
Tom Schwanke of Wilderness Bay Guide Service offers you twenty plus years of experience in fishing the entire Cisco Chain of Lakes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and nearby Wisconsin lakes. Wilderness Bay Guide Service specializes in walleye but upon request will guide for: Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, and Pan Fish. Wilderness Bay Guide Service is the home of “Tom’s Timber Jigs”.
E20060 Thousand Island Lake Rd.
Watersmeet, MI 49969
(906) 358-4319 or (906) 358-9956
Bond Falls
Categories: Featured, Waterfalls, Watersmeet

Bond Falls is one of those “best kept secret” spots on the Western Upper Peninsula that you want to make sure you do not miss. This beautiful water fall is located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River near Paulding. Although it does not get the “press” of more famous U.P. water falls, Bond Falls has a large following of admirers and had even been part of a calendar listing the most scenic natural places in the world!
![]() Upstream ![]() Middle of Falls |
![]() Top of the Falls ![]() Falls From Below |
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Waterfalls of the Western U.P. Main Page
Superior Falls
Categories: Featured, Waterfalls

Superior Falls - Extremely beautiful gorge. Access is moderately easy. Directions: From Hwy US 2 in Ironwood. Go North on Lake Rd. This is approximately 25 mile drive. You will see a marker on the road that says Superior Falls. Turn north (right) on that gravel road. Continue down the small hill to the parking lot. Walk down the road to the River Mouth and Lake Superior. Then walk upstream 1/3 mile to Superior Falls. Superior Dam Falls is a little further upstream. If you have time, stop at Little Girls Point Park for a picnic. You will see this park on Lake Road on your way to the Falls.
Discovery Channel video of Tao Berman shooting through the falls during spring runoff in a kayak.
Agate Falls
Categories: Featured, Lake Gogebic, Waterfalls
Large beautiful waterfall that is visited by many people. Located just off of M-28 The short hiking trail is well-marked and easy to find.
Directions: Go 6.5 miles East of Bruce Crossing on Hwy M-28. You will see a sign on the Hwy at the Bridge. Park in the parking area on the south. Follow the well marked trail under the bridge to the waterfall.
Black River Waterfalls
Categories: Featured, Ironwood, Waterfalls
The National Black River Scenic Byway includes Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow Falls. — Video of Conglomerate Falls
The National Black River Scenic Byway includes, Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow Falls. As you visit our waterfalls, stop and take notice of the signs explaining the conglomerate rock formations.
Directions: From Hwy. US 2 in Bessemer take Powderhorn Rd North. When you come to the T in the road at the stop sign, make a left hand turn on Black River Rd. You will find all the waterfalls on this Road. This road is approximately 14 miles long, ending in the only Harbor & Marina operated by the USDA Forest Service in the lower 48 states.
Great Conglomerate Falls - This is a very large waterfall which is divided by a wide conglomerate rock formation. This waterfall is well marked. Walking trail 3/4 mile.
Potawatomi Falls - Potawatomi, which is barrier free, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Black River. This waterfall is well marked. A restroom is available at this site. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile.
Gorge Falls - This conglomerate canyon has a 34 foot drop. Potawatomi and Gorge Falls are acces sible by the same parking area. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile.
Sandstone Falls - This waterfall meanders over rocks giving it a unique appearance. It is located on a beautiful spot on the Black River, with a well marked, short 1/4 mile walking trail.
Rainbow Falls - A Beautiful Waterfall that is extremely photogenic on the East part of the River. Enjoy the scenery on your 1/2 mile walk to the waterfall. Take is easy, there are many stairs.
Presque Isle Waterfalls
Categories: Featured, Ironwood, Waterfalls
At the Presque Isle Park you will find Manido, Nawadaha, and Manabezho Falls. At the parking areas, you will find signs showing you the way to the waterfalls. Guests are able to walk both sides of the River on a well developed walkway with a suspension bridge over the river.
![]() The Falls ![]() The Hike |
![]() The Falls ![]() The Hike |
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Caution: The falls and Rapids of the Presque Isle River have very strong currents and numerous deep holes. Please respect the power and hidden dangers of this turbulent and beautiful river. The park includes a picnic, camping, and parking area. There are numerous other waterfalls within the Porcupine Mountains State Parks interior. For more information on these waterfalls you can reach the park office at 906-885- 5275
Directions: Just outside of Wakefield on Hwy M28 take Cty Rd 519 North up a incline. Follow that road! When you come to South Boundary Rd keep going straight (This will lead you to the park). Please take your time and enjoy the view. This road is approximately 22 miles long.
Manabezho Falls - This is a very wide beautiful waterfall with an extremely large drop. Easily - accessible and very few steps.
Manido Falls - This waterfall is a short additional walk from Manabezho Falls. It is smaller than Manabezho Falls, but proves to be just as wide and photogenic.
Nawadaha Falls - This Waterfall is an additional short walk from Manido Falls. The rapid current will be sure to grab your attention.
Waterfalls of the Western U.P. Main Page
Summer Photos of the Porkies
Categories: Photos
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Adventure Copper Mine - Greenland
Categories: Mining, Recreation
Underground mine tours of the historic Adventure Copper Mine provide visitors to Michigan’s Copper Country an experience that will not soon be forgotten. If you’re visiting the Porcupine Mountains at the base of the Keweenaw Peninsula, let the nearby Adventure Mining Company provide you with the highlight of your Upper Peninsula vacation. From historic surface tours, underground copper mine walking tours, or even underground hiking excursions that involve rappelling to lower mine levels with a rope and harness . . . the choice is yours!
Come experience mining with us!
Located in Ontonagon County of the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Open late May through mid-October
9 am to 6 pm daily, 11 am to 6 pm Sunday
Fall Hours:
After Labor Day the Adventure Mine wil be open 6 days a week, closed on Wednesdays
Your Hosts: Matthew & Victoria Portfleet
Adventure Mining Company
Phone: 906-883-3371
Visit Adventure Copper Mine Website >>>
Wake to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and delight your taste buds with our delicious home-baked cinnamon rolls. We have Delightful Historical Rooms, Charming Victorian Rooms, Cheerful Country Rooms & our newest Study/Bedroom — and all have inside access to our cozy fireside room. All rooms have private bathrooms and color cable TV. Saunas are available by reservations. Tour individual rooms for options available. 50’s ice cream parlour & soda fountain, great desserts and food. Come up and play some golf on one of 4 courses close to the Inn. Schedule a fall color trip and see nature in its most colorful splendor. 5 Major downhill resorts, miles of Nordic trails and 2000 miles of snowmobiling. Special occasions are our specialty. Gift certificates available.
Regal Country Inn
1602 East Highway 2
Wakefield, MI 49968
906-229-5122
regalinn@charterinternet.com
Wildernest is a premier chalet located in the Village of Indianhead Mountain. The chalet has two units which are surrounded by wooded lots with walking and snowmobile trails. Indianhead Ski Hill is about a block away with Blackjack and Big Powderhorn Mountain only 5-10 minutes away. Wildernest I, with it’s open floor plan can accomodate 10 guests. Wildernest II, is a cozy, yet roomy lower unit with full views of the surrounding wooded area and can accomodate 6 people. Both units have their own private jacuzzi tub and fireplace.
Wildernest Chalet I & II
Indianhead Mountain Road
Wakefield, MI 49968
800-461-3426
Wildernest Chalet I & II Website >>>
Jay’s Resort - Watersmeet
Categories: Lodging, Watersmeet
Jay’s Resort is right on beautiful Thousand Island Lake in the Western U.P. Since 1950, we have been offering a great place to “get away from it all,” to fish, boat, swim, snowmobile, ski, and just enjoy. Snowmobilers have access to the Western U.P. trail system directly from their door while cross-country skiers can enjoy miles and miles of cross-country trails in the nearby Sylvania Wilderness Area.
Jay’s Resort
E19848 Thousand Island Lake Road
Watersmeet, MI 49969
1-906-358-4300
theshifras@nnex.net
Rent your very own vacation ‘haus’ in Montreal’s Historic District and you’ll be based in one of Iron County’s most scenic and unique attractions. Two bedroom, 1 bath, sauna, sleeps up to 8. Close to hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country ski trails, and within easy reach of all four major ski resorts. We have discount ski coupons for Whitecap Mountains, Indianhead, and Blackjack.
Montreal Haus Rental
1132 W. Packard Street
Appleton, WI 54914
1-920-733-5766
Montreal Haus Rental Website >>>


























