Dickinson County: Mining History, Museums and Nature

Nine miles of looped scenic trails, remnants of iron ore mining and a natural area of more than 1,800 acres give Dickinson County a variety of facets. You can plan your stay around hiking, museums, nature or an event. The combination of museums with rafting, golf and skiing is also part of the county’s tourism appeal. When planning a hotel stay, it helps to first consider whether your trip will be shaped primarily by scenery, cultural history or a specific event.

Nature, Trails and Water

The Merriman East Pathway offers nine miles of looped scenic trails in Dickinson County and is intended for hiking. There is a restroom, ample parking and a heated shelter at the trailhead. If you plan to visit the trail, check the latest Michigan DNR advisories before you go.

Piers Gorge is the northern unit of the Menominee River State Recreation Area. The Pemene Falls unit has a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. This distinguishes the different types of activities: the Merriman East Pathway is intended for hiking, while Pemene Falls offers a boat launch.

The Fumee Lake Natural Area covers more than 1,800 acres in Dickinson County and is home to bald eagles, loons and 17 orchid species. Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake have a combined five miles of undeveloped shoreline. The diversity of species and the long, undeveloped shoreline describe different aspects of this natural area: its wildlife and plant life, and the character of its lake landscape.

Museums and Mining History

The history of iron ore mining is evident on different scales. The Iron Mountain Iron Mine operated from 1870 to 1945 and produced more than 22 million tons of iron ore. The Menominee Range Historical Museum features more than 100 exhibits about life in the Menominee Iron Range. While the mine’s operating period and production volume are the focus, the exhibits turn attention to life in the region.

The Cornish Pumping Engine is designated a Michigan Historic Site and a National Historic Site. At the Jake Menghini Historical Museum, rotating seasonal exhibits sit alongside displays of local history; the museum also features artifacts related to local industries and cultural traditions. The rotating exhibits and artifacts offer different perspectives on local history.

The World War II Glider and Military Museum presents its subject matter through World War II footage and personal accounts from glider pilots and other pilots. For your visit, this offers a different way to explore history than the exhibits on the Menominee Iron Range: here, wartime footage and personal accounts are at the center.

Events and Getting Your Bearings

The Dickinson County Fair is held annually at the fairgrounds in Norway, Michigan. Since the dates change from year to year, check the dates for your travel year if you would like to plan your visit around the fair. The Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament has been held for more than 70 years and is now the site of a FIS Continental Cup Tournament. The fair is an annual recurring event, while the ski jumping tournament is distinguished by its long tradition and Continental Cup status.

For directions to two other named destinations, Kramer Drive leads to the top of the Pine Mountain Ski Jump and to the U.P. Veterans Memorial. Together with the various museums, the natural area and the trails, these offer a range of themes for planning your trip, without promising the same kind of visit at every stop.

Discover more destinations: Iron Mountain, Benzie County, Mackinac, Crawford County, Iosco County, Kalamazoo, Baraga County, Roscommon County.

For the main travel overview: Michigan.