Things To Do
Running & Walking
Get out and get active! With safe, walkable streets, Bessemer and the surrounding areas are a perfect place if you’re getting out for that morning stroll or if you’re training for your next marathon.
The state-wide Iron Belle Trail runs right through Bessemer within blocks of most homes in the community. The local portion of this trail runs from the Wisconsin border of Ironwood and Hurley to Bessemer with expansions coming soon to the village of Ramsay and on to Wakefield. The full trail, upon completion will run all the way to Belle Isle Park in Detroit. When using the local path you will cross historic railroad bridges along, see historic interpretive signage, view amazing vistas of the surrounding bluffs, and stroll through diverse forest and wetlands.
Surrounding roads provide perfect country routes past fields and forests. Whatever your goal, you will find a route to keep yourself active and enjoy the outdoors.
Biking
Mountain Biking, Road Biking, BMX Biking… Whatever your two-wheeled passion is there are opportunities in the Bessemer area.
The Iron Belle Trail stretching from the Ironwood/Hurley border to Bessemer with future expansion through Ramsay and to Wakefield, part of the State of Michigan’s full trail that runs to Belle Isle Park in Detroit currently provides 7 miles of safe, paved trail only for non-motorizes use. For more road biking, miles and miles of country road provide rolling routes for the road bike enthusiast. Take a trip to south Bessemer, Erwin Township, and Ironwood Township for ups and downs and beautiful views of forests and fields or head north toward Lake Superior for both beauty and a challenging ride. A weekly local group ride happens during the summer months.
If Mountain Biking is your pleasure, Copper Peak provides over 5 miles of single track and Wolverine Ski Trails and Powderhorn Mountain combine for several miles more of old school Mountain Bike terrain. Future expansion of trail systems are happening at both locations and within the communities of Bessemer and Ironwood. A weekly local group ride happens during the summer months.
For the BMX rider, Bessemer’s Bluff Valley Park includes a new community constructed pump track and skate park.
Snowmobiling
Bessemer and the Western UP is consistently rated one of the top snowmobiling destinations in the Midwest. The area’s main trail runs through downtown Bessemer with a trailhead with access to restaurants and businesses. The local area is called “Big Snow Country” for a reason as the lake effect snow coming off of Lake Superior produces huge fluffy flakes just perfect for riding and getting that powder fix. Miles and miles of trails await for your snowmobiling adventure in Bessemer.
Downhill Skiing
Bessemer and the Western UP has long been known as “Big Snow Country” because of the massive amounts of snow from the lake effect off of nearby Lake Superior. This has made us a Midwest destination for downhill skiing. Here you can find snow when the ground is bare elsewhere and ski down perfect corduroy groomers, find that elusive powder after a big storm, and even cruise through gladed runs in the trees. Local hills provide some of the highest midwest vertical and have varied terrains for all skill levels. We are proud to boast six great ski areas, basically in your backyard. Get those skis or snowboards out and get ready to shred when you come to visit Bessemer!
ATV & UTV
Explore the outdoors on miles of motorized trails throughout the Bessemer area on your ATV or UTV. The main motorized trail runs through the middle of Bessemer with access to local restaurants, lodging, and businesses. The trail network stretches across the county and into Iron County, Wisconsin with amazing forest lands maintained by the Michigan DNR.
Hunting & Fishing
With lakes, streams, and rivers galore and acres upon acres of public lands available, the area around Bessemer is a hunting and fishing paradise. Find that secret fishing hole or stake your spot on one of the popular lakes or streams or get out in the woods to bag that trophy.
Cross Country Skiing
The Bessemer area and the Western UP has become a cross country skiing destination with one of the longest cross country ski seasons in the midwest. When other areas, only mere hours away have bare trails, we still have snow!
Miles and miles of trails await you on your visit. Ski perfectly groomed skate and classic lanes at one of our area trails including Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails, ABR Trails, Miners Memorial Heritage Park, and various other forest trails.
The annual Sisu Ski Fest in Ironwood greets hundreds of competitors each year looking to make it across the “Finnish” Line.
Snowshoeing
Strap on some snowshoes and explore the wilderness around Bessemer. Bessemer’s Bluff Valley Park is a perfect place right in town for exploring on snowshoes. For more miles of marked trail be sure to visit Wolverine Nordic Trails or ABR Trails. Other area forest lands and parks offer trails throughout or just blaze your own path on public lands. During the winter, a weekly social snowshoe hike is held.
Waterfalls
You can’t go far without finding a waterfall near Bessemer. Take the Black River Scenic Byway, which is a must-see on your trip to the area. Along the way visit Rainbow Falls, Great Conglomerate Falls, Sandstone Falls, Gorge Falls, and Potowatomi Falls on your way to Lake Superior. Be sure to check out the amazing falsl near Blackjack Ski Area, Gabbro Falls (or Baker’s Falls depending on who you ask). There’s just too many to list and who knows, if you wanter far enough down a stream you may happen upon one you never knew was there.
On The Water
Get out on the water and have some fun! Whether you are looking to paddle your canoe, kayak or paddleboard or take out your motorboat, there are lakes and rivers galore from the small lakes stocked with fish to the “Big Lake” know as Lake Superior. In the UP, swimming isn’t done in pools, you go to the local lake and you’ll find some great beaches to enjoy a refreshing dip.
Hiking
From a quick day-hike to overnight backpacking adventures, the Bessemer area has miles upon miles trails to explore. A must while you are in Bessemer is to visit Bluff Valley Park and take the short hike through the woods to to the top of the bluff for am amazing view of the city, surrounding areas, and Lake Superior. Get out on the North Country National Scenic Trail with a trailhead near Copper Peak and running next to the Black River Waterfalls through Black River Harbor and on to the Porcupine Mountains, a part of the premier National Scenic trail running approximately 4600 miles from North Dakota to New York. Also find many more trails to explore through the Porcupine Mountains, Sylvania Wilderness, and other outdoor recreation areas.
Golf
Ready to hit the links? Golfing in the Bessemer area is truly a picturesque experience as you are nestled among the woods and rolling hills of the Western UP.
You will find the Gogebic Country Club, which is open to the public nestled between Bessemer and Ironwood. This course offers 18 holes of challenging golf with a pro shop and food and drink available at the Elk & Hound Restaurant.
Located on the hills near Hurley, is Eagle Bluff Golf Club, another public course with majestic views. Another 18 holes awaits through rolling hills.
Whitecap Mountains Resort Skye Golf is located in Upson, Wisconsin just outside of Hurley. This 9-hole course runs through the hills at Whitecap with amazing views of the surrounding areas and the adjacent Weber Lake.
Fall Colors
From the brilliant reds of Maples to the bold yellows of birch to the vivid greens of our pines, Bessemer area has the most pronounced fall colors. Hike amidst the beauty to some of our top rated waterfalls or take a ride up Copper Peak to experience the awe of a colorful valley. You can’t get such bold colors anywhere else. After your color tour, be sure to stop in downtown Bessemer for fresh baked goods or a warm new hat to round off your trip.
Click below for in depth ideas on how to spend your day in the breathtaking Northwoods.
Events
Bessemer is known for it's events including the largest 4th of July celebration around, with a week's worth of activities, dances, games, music, and more capped off by a day of parades and fireworks. People travel from all around to pack the streets of downtown Bessemer. In the fall, be sure to attend the annual Pumpkinfest, with pumpkin themed activities, games, rides, food, and more. Other community events, held by local organizations celebrate holidays and more in Bessemer, not to mention the breadth of events throughout the surrounding areas of Ironwood, Wakefield, Hurley, and further. Click the button below to be brought to the area-wide Gogebic Range Event Calendar to see what's happening now.
