Location: Ishpeming
Top Things to do in Ishpeming
What to do and see in Ishpeming, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Ishpeming /ˈɪʃpəmɪŋ/ is a city in Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 6,470 at the 2010 census. This is down from a higher population in the 1950s and 1960s when the economically supportive iron ore mines employed more workers. A statue of a Native American figure, erected in 1884 in the small town square, is referred to as "Old Ish".
Restaurants in Ishpeming
1. Da Yoopers Innovation Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Charlie M
Ya gotta stop, I would be surprised if you bought anything but you gotta stop and see this place. Somebody has too much winter on their hands and must build this stuff but it is pretty amusing.
2. Michigan Iron Industry Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderlust777 - Baltimore, Maryland
My husband and I both enjoyed this museum enormously. It deserves a much larger audience (the place was completely empty when we visited). The museum offers a comprehensive look at the local iron industry, including the geology, historical events, and technological innovations and tries very hard to offer insights into the human side of the work. After viewing a film, you work your way through well-organized exhibits showing how the iron industry was launched and evolved around the Great Lakes. As we left, we were more than happy to contribute the suggested donation (there is no required entrance fee.) We visited in rainy weather so we did not take advantage of the outdoor trails around the museum.
3. Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Don T - Naples, Florida
A very interesting tour of a working shaft mine (but not of the working mining). The mine itself, and the shafts, were closed some years ago.
The museum tour was very interesting and also very educational. The guide was very knowledgeable, and kept us all fascinated.
The "Egyptian Obelisks" that you will see against the skyline are facades built at the end of the Nineteenth Century for cosmetic purposes to disguise (for aesthetic reasons) the engines and pulley system towers that ran the shafts.
Well worth a visit!
4. Cognition Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By M0llyMI
This brewery is wonderful! The space is amazing. (I hope they turn a few of the apartments upstairs into hotel rooms) The beer was delicious. Try the Deep Scream Cream Ale. Not usually my style but I loved it. The staff was friendly and even offered a look at their brewing set-up. We would definitely visit again if in the area. Note: the only food available is popcorn.
5. U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
An extensive collection of artifacts, including a 4,000 year old ski and pole replica, depict the history of skiing and show the development of and technological advancements in skis, poles, and bindings.
Reviewed By Wanderlust777 - Baltimore, Maryland
In addition to endless photos of those inducted into the Hall of Fame, this place offers some scattershot exhibits on the history of skiing, mostly focused locally but also with some references to early developments in Europe. There are lots and lots of skis on display, and exhibits on the development of chairlifts and skiing in the military. My husband (the skier in the family) found it all very interesting. Myself (a non-skier) not so much. The building is very modern and dramatic from the outside, with a ski jump profile, which made the old-fashioned, poorly presented exhibits inside even more disappointing. The one man on duty went out of his way to explain that he knew nothing whatsoever about the exhibits, which added to the general air of disarray
6. Al Quaal Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By FancyFree55 - Florida
This natural wonderland is an amazing site for a large family reunion. We reserved the Teal Lake Lodge in the lower park for a gathering of about sixty people and were easily accommodated.
The lodge is perched atop a hill overlooking the west end of Teal Lake, a very large and extremely clean lake for swimming, kayaking, canoeing. Only non-fuel powered watercraft are allowed on the lake. There's a small sandy beach on the lakeside, as well as a boat ramp.
The area surrounding the lodge is lush with green grassy play areas and large shade trees. There's plenty of paved parking adjacent to the lodge.
The lodge is a large enclosed building with indoor picnic tables that can seat dozens of people. Lots of windows make it easy to keep an eye on outdoor happenings. More picnic tables are situated outside on a covered porch overlooking the lake.
The restrooms are clean and well supplied. There's plenty of power for keeping catered food warm and for powering musical and sound equipment.
The park area has five cross country ski trails for winter weather, ranging from beginner difficulty up to a 7.5k trail for experienced skiers. In summer, hikers can enjoy miles of nature trails. Ski trails are open till 10:00 p.m in winter, and the park is open till the same hour in summer.
There is no fee to enjoy the park, the lake, the picnic areas, etc. If you want to reserve the lodge, there is a fee. And of course there's a charge for cross country skiing - daily or season passes are available.
Our reunion group spent nine hours enjoying Teal Lake Lodge and Al Quaal Recreation Area. About eight years ago, we held a smaller reunion in the upper park area. That too was a beautiful venue for picnicking and enjoying all that U.P nature has to offer.
7. Rare Earth Goods
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
An eclectic find in downtown Ishpeming featuring an art gallery, natural foods, incredible craft beer and wine selections, full service cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, hand crafted jewelry, collectibles, musical equipment, grass fed beef, local eggs and local coffees, fine cheeses, essential oils, unique clothing line, library, art classes, musical instruction.
Reviewed By Raymond B
Good coffee and atmosphere, great food and deserts. A lot of local artists and unique good featured in store as well as a great selection of wine and beer.
8. Heritage Hills Horseback Riding
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ticketme - Amelia Island, Florida
We chose to do the one hour trail ride during a beautiful fall day. The owner Joanie, led us and had two of her wranglers bringing up the rear so we were absolutely supervised the whole time. We were offered helmets and our mounts were suited perfectly to us. All horses were calm but responsive and perfectly safe. These horses are trained properly and do not have the sour tempers many trail horses do.
The forest trails are well-maintained and offer enough variety that you will not be bored. The stables offer pony, wagon and sleigh rides as well.
Joanie and her wranglers see everything and help you all along the way. If you are a beginner you will be well-supervised and have a safe horse. If you are experienced sit back and enjoy the scenery on a horse that you won't have to train while you are riding.
Rides of this calibre are getting harder and harder to find so take advantage of one of the very few in the U.P.--don't forget to bring a few carrots along for your new friend.
9. Sleighman
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
One hour private bobsled ride or three hour party with bonfire, warm enclosure for your potluck, and toboggan hill. Norwegian Fjord HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH-RIDE brings you everywhere. Book a three hour party for $500. Party accommodates 20 to 30 party goers. Individual rides: Hourly rate $150, sleigh accommodates 6 riders, including driver.
Reviewed By Sheri M - North Branch, Michigan
Bill the sleighman of pond house ponies is an awesome host. He offers sleigh rides and horse drawn toboggan. Bill is very personable and he loves these horses. Very knowledgeable about horse behavior and driving. It was great fun, I don't think I stopped laughing,...MoreThanks for bringing your family, I had fun, come Sleigh with us another time.
10. Upper Peninsula Inspired
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
Upper Peninsula Inspired, formerly Garden Bay Winery, is a wine tasting room. We carry 4 Upper Peninsula Wineries (Garden Bay Winery, Northern Sun Winery, Leigh's Garden Winery, and Threefold Vine Winery) and 4 Upper Peninsula Breweries (Upper Hand, BlackRocks, Ore Dock, and Keweenaw Brewing Company) for tasting and for purchase. We have Michigan Made Products including gourmet food and candy.
Reviewed By ShrimperDan - Weston, Wisconsin
From the moment you walk in you feel right at home. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. Some excellent wines for sampling all from the U/P. If you like great wines and enjoy meeting and learning about the locals this place won't disappoint!
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