Bessemer – With its abundant snowfall, there is no better place in the mid-west for winter sports than the area surrounding the Blackjack Ski Resort. Bessemer is the County Seat of Gogebic County and the Ski Capital of the mid-west. With five major ski facilities and major snowmobile trails in the immediate area, you can depend on one of the best winter vacations ever. In the summer, don’t miss the week long 4th of July celebration. Visit the Bessemer web site at www.bessemer.org.
Black River Valley – 15 plus miles of the Black River that wraps itself around the Blackjack Ski Resort on two sides as it makes its way to Lake Superior. Jackson Creek joins the Black River just north of the Blackjack covered bridge. The most spectacular waterfall, Thunder Falls, is at Blackjack. There are several other falls that you can visit as the river flows to Black River Harbor at Lake Superior. Deep Sea Fishing, picnic area, and beautiful sand beaches are waiting your enjoyment.
Copper Peak Ski Flying – Largest ski jump in the western hemisphere has not been used for several years but is available for visitors to ride to the top where on a clear day MI, WI, MN, and Canada are visible. See the great fall colors from the top. Easy access while on your Black River Valley visit.
Little Girls Point – Another must see on the shores of Lake Superior. Walk the beaches, rock hunt, and swimming for the very hearty.
Fishing – You can start by testing your luck at trout fishing at Blackjack or fish in one of the many lakes, rivers, and streams in Gogebic County. You are never more than 3 miles from water anywhere in the county.
Sunday Lake – Just a few miles from Blackjack is beautiful Sunday Lake in Wakefield, MI where you can fish, swim, water ski, and picnic. On even number years, the APBA National Outboard Championships are held here.
Other Major Lakes – Lake Gogebic is the largest lake in the county, 21 miles long and has many varieties of fish. The Cisco Chain of Lakes consists of 15 lakes with 271 miles of shoreline. Some of the lakes are actually in Wisconsin. This chain is worth boating and fishing.
Golfing – For those that like to golf, there are a number of courses available. The Gogebic Country Club, Boulder Creek Golf Course, Eagle Bluff Golf Club, and a Par 3 course at Indianhead Mountain.
Porcupine Mountains and Sylvania Wilderness Parks – The last of the pristine forests of virgin timber are part of the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. While you can see much beauty from the roadway, hiking and fishing, the likes you have never experienced, are waiting for you in this massive wilderness. You can canoe the Sylvania lakes where motor boats are restricted. Enjoy the wildlife and mother nature at its best.
Hunting – Lots of public land is still available for you to hunt ruff grouse, bear, deer, and water fowl.
Snowmobiling – At its best in the snow belt south of Lake Superior. The 200+ inches of lake effect snow that falls on the ski hills also provides hundreds of miles of groomed trails accessible from Blackjack.
Snowshoeing – A good aerobic exercise, is a good way to get off the beaten path or see the Porcupine Mountains and Sylvania Wilderness Parks.
Fall Colors – The spectacular array of colors is available in very few areas as it is in the north country. The vivid color of the hard maples mixed with other species and the evergreens is truly breath taking.
More Information – At anytime, please feel free to contact the lodging office for additional information. You can also visit the Western U.P. visitor and convention bureau at www.westernup.com.