Ironwood and Gogebic Range

Understand

The cities of Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield in the east, along with Hurley and Montreal to the west, share a history deeply rooted in iron mining and logging. In the late 19th century, the discovery of iron ore in the Gogebic Range led to a mining boom, attracting immigrants—especially from Italy, Finland, and Eastern Europe—who built the towns around the industry. Ironwood, the largest, became a regional hub with railroads and industry, while Bessemer, the county seat of Gogebic County, and Wakefield, near Sunday Lake, developed around major mines like the Colby and the Wakefield Mine.

Across the border, Hurley gained a reputation for its bustling mining economy and lively nightlife, catering to workers from both states. Montreal, established as a company town by the Montreal Mining Company, became one of the best-preserved examples of planned mining communities. The mining industry thrived until the mid-20th century, when demand declined, leading to mine closures. Today, these towns embrace tourism, outdoor recreation, and historical preservation, with sites like the Ironwood Theatre and remnants of the mining era drawing visitors to the region.

Regions

The immediate area comprises the western third of Gogebic County, Michigan and portions of Iron County, Wisconsin.

Cities

• Ironwood - largest city in the area, and the largest on the Michigan side of the range
• Bessemer - county seat of Gogebic County
• Wakefield - city along the southern shores of Sunday Lake
• Hurley - largest city on the Wisconsin side of the range and the county seat of Iron County
• Montreal - bedroom community of Hurley

Other destinations

• Bergland - Largest settlement on Lake Gogebic, at the intersection of M-28 and M-64.
• Saxon Harbor - Location of Iron County's only harbor, destroyed during a 2016 thunderstorm and then rebuilt.

Get in

By car

The most realistic way would be to get in and around the area by car as the nearest commercial airport is in Duluth, almost exactly 100 miles away.

Area highways

• US 2 comes in from the west towards Ashland and exits the area to the southeast toward Iron Mountain.
• US 51 ends at US 2 in Hurley. Southbound, US 51 heads towards Minocqua and Tomahawk.
• M-28 begins at US 2 Wakefield and heads east on a largely remote course towards Ishpeming, 120 miles to the east.
• M-64 begins at the Wisconsin state line at CTH-B. CTH B runs southeast towards Land O Lakes, while M-64 skirts across the western shores of Lake Gogebic, and ultimately toward the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. M-64 eventually ends in Ontonagon while the road continues northeast to Houghton.
• WIS 77 ends at the Michigan state line in Hurley. To the southwest, WIS 77 runs a largely remote course to Hayward.
• WIS 122 begins at WIS 77 in Upson, and runs along the west side of the area before ending near Saxon Harbor at the Montreal River. WIS 122 south of Saxon is in poor condition, though it is set to be resurfaced sometime in 2025.
• WIS 169 ends at US 2 in between Ashland and Hurley, while heading southwest towards Copper Falls State Park and Mellen. The section in neighboring Ashland County is also in poor condition, though it is also set to be improved in 2025.

Get around

As mentioned, the best way to get between towns will involve a car, though there is a trail that runs from Hurley to near Wakefield.

Stay safe

Several roads in the area are dirt roads, which might be flooded during rainfall, and may be unmarked on many state and county highways.

Go next

• Porcupine Mountains