Dickinson County, Michigan, Will Have You Knee-Deep in Snowy Fun

Winter is here, and what better place to visit than postcard-perfect Dickinson County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? Whether solo or with family or friends, your starting point should be Iron Mountain, billed as “the Gateway to the U.P.” and the entire Dickinson County Area.

The folks at the Tourism Association of Dickinson County say the scenery on the snowmobile trails is simply breathtaking. With over 118 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the county, there is plenty of room to roam. The county trail system networks with the rest of the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin, so there’s no shortage of trail riding available.

The nearly 150 miles of snowmobile trails weave their way through a pristine wilderness. They pass by vertical granite outcroppings, glistening with frozen waterfalls, and even to a crossing of the Menominee River via a trestle bridge. Dickinson County enjoys well-groomed and marked trails, thanks to the volunteers of the Tri-County Snowmobile Club.

Trailside restaurants and lodging mean lots more time on the trail. Iron Mountain has lodging and trail amenities for a snowmobile or downhill or cross-country ski trip.

There are about a dozen XC trails, all within 20 miles of downtown Iron Mountain. Most are groomed, well marked and have plowed parking trailheads. There are two public sledding hills for all-day family fun: City Park in Iron Mountain (lighted and steps) and Strawberry Lake Park in Norway.

Pine Mountain has excellent downhill ski opportunities for the family. The facility features a 500-foot drop with 26 runs, two double and one triple chair lift, rope tow, two terrain parks under lights, and more. The nearby Pine Mountain ski jump is one of the highest artificially created ski jumps in the world.

When hard ice allows lake travel, it’s time to catch walleyes, northern pike, and crappies on any number of lakes found in the county (over 7,600 acres in total).

When the last rays of sunshine have kissed the landscape goodnight, it’s time to check out local restaurants and taverns offering delicious food from hamburgers to steaks and Friday night fish frys. Craft beers from lagers to ales, IPAs, and everything in between are also available.