We recently published a complete Gravel Biking Guide for Iron Mountain, Michigan. It's a ready-to-plan tool for an epic gravel weekend in the Upper Peninsula and it's now available for everyone. Today we used the Gravel Guide to plan a full weekend itinerary full of woodsy gravel rides and small town exploration. Enjoy!
Photos by Dylan Juchemich @jukendorf . This itinerary is based on the Iron Mountain Gravel Guide that was built in collaboration with Andy Cabrera of U.P. Sport & Spoke.
Day 1: Friday
Check In to Your Cabin on the River
Check into the Edgewater Resort, a riverside spot that offers several country cabins along the Menomonee River, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for your gravel weekend.
Gravel Ride for Burgers at Solbergs
In the afternoon, kick off your gravel biking weekend with the Out and Back to Solbergs route (13.4 miles each way, starting at the DNR gravel pit). To start, drive out to the DNR gravel pit or leave right from town if you prefer a longer ride. This route takes you through the woods to Solbergs Bar & Grill, a small town bar with a rustic hunting vibe. Make it a leisurely social ride and enjoy some small town burgers or a fish fry. Need more miles? Start right from town and go the full distance.
Summer Evening on the Roof
After your ride and after the sun sets, head to Sandstone Terrace, a rooftop bar that offers a great evening experience during the summer months. Enjoy the warm weather, grab some food from the bar or Carlos Cantina, and gather around the fire pit. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding area while sipping on your favorite drink.
Day 2: Saturday
Breakfast & Coffee Plan
Start your day with breakfast at your cabin or venture out to one of the local coffee options. Contrast Coffee in Kingsford is a perfect spot to get a strong cup of coffee that will wake you up before your early morning ride. Alternatively, you can explore Moose Jackson, which not only offers custom roasted coffee blends and an espresso bar but also has a European-style bakery for those craving a fancy pastry.
A Big Gravel Day Through Norway, Niagara, & Wisconsin (52 miles)
First, stop at at Crispigna's Italian Market and pick up some fresh sandwiches for your ride. Connecting all the small towns, the Norway, Niagara, & Wisconsin Route is a nice and accessible gravel route from anywhere in the area. You’ll do the entire Norway Truck Trail and also connect Old Carney Lake Road and go right by Strawberry Lake.
When you get into town, this route cuts through the golf course and then rides some singletrack for a little bit and also runs right by Piers Gorge. There is some pavement connecting the towns and a big climb coming back to Kingsford. When you’re in Kingsford, feel free to stop at 51st State Brewing or Contrast Coffee.
Other Non-Bikey Stuff to Do
In the afternoon, go explore the area off-bike. There is tons to do in Iron Mountain.
Check out the fishing along tranquil trout streams or exploring the breathtaking Piers Gorge with its cascading rapids. Go nuts at the Millie Mine Bat Cave, home to a thriving bat colony. Sample local brews at 51st State Brewery or venture into the expansive Fumee Lake Natural Area for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. For even more outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, climbing, and more, visit True North Outpost in nearby Norway.
Or if you just want some non-gravel bike adventures, hit up the local mountain bike trails around Fumee lake or in Norway.
Dinner Out (steak, baby)
Head back to your cabin at Edgewater Resort, freshen up, and chill by the Menomonee River. If you're in the mood for dinner out, head to Kingsford for the area's best steak at Henry's Steakhouse. Call it a night or grab a drink at Sol Blu which is housed in a historic downtown building and is your central taproom with beer, spirits, and food.
Day 3: Sunday
One Last Lake-y Gravel Ride
Enjoy your last morning around the lakes on the Two Lakes Loop and stay close to town. Lake Antoine is mostly paved and includes a bike lane so you’ll see a lot of runners and families with kids. Lake Antoine also has a campground and a natural spring where you can get water. Once you get to Fumee Lake, you’ll find more gravel and double track around the lake. There are no motorized vehicles around Fumee Lake so it’s pretty peaceful and if you’re wanting some singletrack action, there are mountain bike trails on the north and south side of Fumee Lake.
Breakfast (or ice cream?!) on your way out of town
Before hitting the road, grab breakfast at Organic Grounds Coffeehouse which is located in Kingsford. They serve coffee, espresso, gluten-free treats, and some healthy organic options. Or if you're sticking around a little later in the afternoon, make sure to stop and get ice cream at the Ice Cream Barn then hit the road.
