Scenic Drives Near Bessemer, Michigan

Follow the route of mining on the Gogebic Range.  Staying to the route of the map will take you through many of the big mine locations which are off the beaten path.

Along the way:

1. Bessemer, MI
   Your starting point is at the stoplight in the middle of Bessemer.
2. Bessemer Area Historical Society
   Head up Sophie Street in Bessemer and make a stop at the Bessemer Area Historical Society Heritage Center during open hours where you will find tons of information on mining and other history in the area.
3. Second Avenue Railroad Bridge
   While in Bessemer head to the Historic Railroad Truss Bridge located at the intersection of Spring Street and Second Avenue.  This bridge is one of a kind in the country.  You can view from below at the intersection or visit the Iron Belle Trail trailhead on South Moore Street to walk across the top also passing over another historic railroad bridge.
4. Plymouth Open Pit Mine
   Head on US2 toward Wakefield and turn right across from the road to Blackjack Ski Hill  This will take you through Wakefiel's Verona Mining Location and to the former location of the Plymouth Open Pit Mine. You will see rock cliffs dropping into the now water-filled open pit which is hundreds of feet deep.
5. Ramsay Park & Keystone Bridge
   Continue into the small village of Ramsay situated between Bessemer and Wakefield. This mining community is home to the marvel that is the Keystone Bridge and includes an amazing playground and picnic areas.  Be sure to look around Ramsay, one of the cornerstone mining communities.
6. Bessemer Mining Locations
   From Ramsay, you will head up the hill at Jagger's Ore House Restaurant through some of the richest mining locations on the range.  Upon reaching the top of the hill you will come to Anvil Location followed by Palms Location.  Many of the mining areas have now been overtaken by nature, but you can still see parts of mining structures between the trees and buildings from the era. Continue on through Bessemer down Colby Hill and into Yale Location.
7. Colby Mine Memorial
   Upon entering Yale Location you will take a right and go a short distance to the Colby Mine Memorial.  This honors the spot where iron ore was first discovered. Parts of mining structures and open pits exist up in the hills surrounding.  Be sure, as you are continuing on through Yale Location to notice old mine buildings from the Yale Mine now being used by Bessemer Plywood Corporation and buildings from the Peterson Mine, the last operating mine on the range.
8. More Mining Locations
   As you continue along Old County Road you will pass through a beautiful canopy of trees that lights up with magnificent colors during the fall and looks like a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall.  This area passes through the locations of the Puritan Mine and Geneva Mine. This area is currently in use for logging and if you look into the trees you will see old railroad grades and a few mining artifacts.  Turn at South Davis Road and onto Bonnie Road which takes you into Ironwood Mining Locations of Bonnie, Jessieville, and Aurora.  Here you will see former mine buildings and other historic structures.  Some in use for industrial purposes and others no longer occupied.  You will notice Ironwood's iconic "Smiley Face" water tower overhead.
9. Miner's Memorial Heritage Park
   Be sure to make a stop at Ironwood's Miner's Memorial Heritage Park, where you can hike or bike the trails in the summer and ski or snowshoe in the winter.  The park trails go by several historic mining sites with signage along the way.
10. Historic Ironwood Depot Park & Historical Society
    Finish off the trip in downtown Ironwood.  Drive by the miner murals honoring those who worked during the era and visit the historic depot which includes a museum run by the Ironwood Area Historical Society and the Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce.  The park also includes restroom facilities, a pavilion, and a play area for the kids.