Iron Ore Heritage Trail

Visit Website

Negaunee – Ishpeming: Groomed trail for classic and freestyle skiing.

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, multi-use, year round trail that connects communities and people to the region’s historic sites and human stories. Thirty of the 47 miles are now surfaced with either asphalt or crushed granite or limestone. That section is from Chocolay to Ishpeming.  We will begin working west of Ishpeming in 2014. The trail west of Ishpeming will be truly multi-use and open up to all users.

Through a multitude of interpretation methods, we can share the story of the Marquette Iron Range and our 160+ years of mining ore that changed the landscape of Marquette County and the United States.

Reaching from Republic Township to Kawbawgam Road in Chocolay Township, this surfaced and signed transportation/recreational corridor will be preserved for generations to come.  99% of the trail is now in the public’s hands through city, State or Recreation Authority ownership.  A small portion is private with lease agreements for 25-50 years.  We have the ability now to secure this trail for our children and grandchildren.

If you  walk, bike, run, inline skate, wander into natural places, ride a horse, cross country ski, snowmobile, consider yourself a  history buff or ride an ATV…this trail is for you! The trail is being designed for a multitude of users. Wherever possible and allowed, parallel but separate trails will be developed for motorized and non-motorized for the safety and enjoyment of both types of trail users.

This is an opportunity for our community to work together for a community asset that benefits everyone. All ages and abilities can utilize this corridor while learning about our unique natural resources and iron mining history.