Three Up North Events Celebrating Winter’s Last Hurrah

It’s March, folks! And just like that, we’re at the tail end of snowmobile and ski season. But don’t shove your snow gear to the back of your closet just yet. Whether you are mourning the end of winter or rejoicing in it, here are three events taking place in northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Michigan that are the perfect ways to top off your winter adventures.

First Friday: Craft Your North

Ironwood, Michigan – Friday, March 6

On the first Friday of every month, downtown Ironwood gives residents and visitors a reason to celebrate! And for the first time ever, this Friday, March 6, First Friday will be an all-day event, with a fun main activity happening from 5 to 7 p.m. You can visit businesses all day and then stop by in the evening for a unique experience.

This month’s theme is Craft Your North, featuring an art walk and crafter and artisan pop-up shops in many downtown businesses. The event showcases locally made goods and celebrates artisans from the North. Visit the event’s Facebook page for a full list of participating businesses.

In addition to admiring great northern craftsmanship, you can head to the Historic Ironwood Theatre to watch the First Friday movie: The Big Lebowski. Or grab a pint and listen to the live music at Cold Iron Brewing.

There will also be a special kids’ activity hosted by Ironwood Lodge No. 389, Free & Accepted Masons of Michigan. Children 15 and under can head over to Depot Park starting at 4 p.m. to build and dress their own snowman. Kids, bring your own supplies and outfits to compete for a prize for the best snowman. While all snowman builders win a prize, there will be special prizes for the top places: first place will receive $100, second place will receive $50, and third and fourth places will receive $25.

Bayfield Winter Festival

Bayfield, Wisconsin – Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8

Bayfield is throwing a party for winter! Join the fun on the south shore of Lake Superior this weekend, March 6 through 8, at the Bayfield Winter Festival. There will be something for everyone! You can hit the slopes at Mt. Ashwabay, dine and shop in Bayfield’s charming downtown, take a plunge into icy water, or even ride a bike right on the ice. The proceeds from year’s Polar Plunge will support the Bayfield Rec Center. For more information, call 715-779-5408 or email isaac@recreationandfitnessresources.org.

The festivities will also include the Poker Run on Saturday, March 7. Start at any of the participating retail businesses to pick up your Poker Run score sheet and draw your first card. Then, run around, shop, enjoy refreshments, and draw one poker card at each retail business. Turn in your Poker Run score sheet at the Creamery Bar between 5 and 5:30 p.m. for a chance to win prizes for the top three poker hands. Prize packages are valued between $100 and $200 and include Apostle Islands Cruises tickets, gift certificates, and merchandise. You’ll also have your shot at great door prizes!

After prizes are awarded at the Creamery Bar, be sure to stick around for the 10th Annual Freeze Your Glass Off party, with live music provided by Danny Blake & Friends. There’s no cover fee, but you must be 21 or older to join the party.

For the latest updates, check out Bayfield Winter Festival’s Facebook page.

Keyes Peak Winterfest

Florence, Wisconsin – Saturday, March 7

A full day of Wisconsin late-winter fun is in store for your and your family at the annual Keyes Peak Winterfest on Saturday, March 7, at Keyes Peak Ski Hill, which is located four miles south of Florence on Highway 101.

For $15 per person (or $5 for season pass holders), you can ski, snowboard, snow tube on the sculptured tube run with possibly the best vertical drop in the region (a shorter tube run is available for young children), snowshoe, and take part in games and contests—all starting at 11 a.m. This price includes your lift ticket, rental equipment, and all the other fun. And the lift ticket is good until the hill closes at 9 p.m. The Keyes Peak Ski Hill kitchen will offer a variety of delicious food and beverages all day to fuel you up for another trip down the hill.

In addition to quality skiing, join in the fun of these contests (with prizes!) and other activities.

• Snowshoe Potato Race. Noon to 2 p.m. Race against the clock as you visit each station on the trail. Return with a cookie-cutter imprint from each stations on your potato. (Snowshoes will be provided.)
• Human Bowling. Noon to 3 p.m. Participants of all ages snow tube down a portion of the ski hill, aiming to knock down bowling pins. (Don’t worry; helmets will be provided.)
• Slalom Ski and Snowboarding Races.
• Snowball Launch Contest.
• Disc Golf Demos with Disc Golf Experts.
• Snow Art Contest. Show off your artsy side!

The Florence County Chamber of Commerce, Forestry & Parks, and the Keyes Peak Ski Hill Committee co-sponsor Winterfest. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 715-528-5377, or visit exploreflorencecounty.com.