Summer Fun in the Dickinson Area
- Belong Dickinson
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
The summer season in the Dickinson County area of Michigan offers an abundance of outdoor activities and educational attractions about our region’s history.
It is no secret that summer is our shortest season, all the reason to take advantage of all the great outdoors has to offer. Since the Dickinson area is in a climate banana belt, many of these activities can be enjoyed well into the first weeks of October. If you are a fan of sweater weather, you have come to the right place.
Summer Outdoor Activities in the Dickinson Area
Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, golfing, disc golfing - this list of summer fun outdoor recreational activities in the Dickinson area is long.
Hiking
You might not think of hiking in the Dickinson area as our landscape is relatively flat, however, there are some hidden gems for beginner to intermediate fitness levels. Florence and Marinette Counties in Wisconsin are home to many waterfalls that require a short hike to take in some impressive views.
Quinnesec, Michigan
More than 1800 acres of natural wildlife area with three maintained trails, 1.55 miles around Little Fumee Lake, 4.95 miles around Big Fumee Lake, and 2.8 miles on the south ridge loop.
Florence County, Wisconsin
Known as the most impressive falls in Florence County, a 2-mile out-and-back path brings you to the 22’ falls on the Pine River.
Norway, Michigan
A 1.5-mile hiking path with views of the rocky gorges carved by the Menominee River.
Niagara, Wisconsin
A .4 mile out and back rugged trail brings you to falls on the Pemebonwon River.
The Dickinson Trail Network trails are multi-purpose and non-motorized. Read more below about the DTN trails and opportunities for hiking alongside bikers.
Water Sports
Dickinson County is one of the largest in the U.P. not situated on a Great Lake. Don’t let that fact fool you into believing there is not an abundance of opportunity for water sports. Whether you enjoy fishing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just like to cruise in comfort and style, we have an abundance of local waterways that offer something for everyone.
Beaches at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain and Cowboy Lake in Kingsford are great places to cool off. Both locations have parks, pavilions, and boat landings, including a kayak launch at Lake Antoine.
The Menominee River is the border of Michigan and Wisconsin stretching from Florence County to Marinette County on the Wisconsin side. There are multiple dams so while you cannot traverse the entire river, there are multiple boat landing to launch your fishing expedition, pontoon cruise, or kayak and SUP excursions. Adventure-seekers should connect with one of the river guide tours (True North Outfitters in Michigan and Wildman in Wisconsin) to really experience the power of the Menominee.
Groveland Mine Ponds and Carney Lake in northern Dickinson County offer the perfect staycation for many campers and fishermen.
View more about each waterway and others in Michigan by visiting uptravel.com.
View more about Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers in Florence County by visiting exploreflorencecounty.com/recreation.
View more about Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers in Marinette County by visiting exploremarinettecounty.com/where-to-play/activities.
The Badwater Ski-ters Waterski Show Team performs Wednesday and Sunday evenings throughout the summer at Vagabond Park in Spread Eagle, Wisconsin. The team is open to skiers of ages for those looking to become involved in this great community organization.
Power Sports
The Blue Ox Trail Riders and Tri-County Snowmobile and ORV clubs maintain a huge network of trails throughout Michigan and Wisconsin for ATV and UTV powersports.
Home of the Dickinson County Racing Association, the Norway Speedway Stock Car Races are every Friday night in the summer in Norway, Michigan.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
The Dickinson Trail Network’s mission is to build trails through partnerships that connect our community, and its trail network does just that – connecting mountain bikers to some of the best volunteer-built trails in Norway and Iron Mountain. Five different mountain biking trail systems that are more than 40 miles long, four bike routes in the cities of Iron Mountain-Kingsford, Norway and Merriman, and a stretch on the Iron Belle Trail connecting Detroit to Ironwood.
Quinnesec, Michigan
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Norway, Michigan
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Iron Mountain, Michigan
In the summer, the Pine Mountain Resort downhill ski hills turn into a bikers paradise. Professionally built trails twist and turn through the woods and black diamonds give thrillseekers a drop. Ride the chairlift back to the top and start all over again. Mountain bike rentals are available at the Pine Cone.
Summer Fun Attractions in the Dickinson Area
Dickinson County was settled by miners and fur traders, and many of these influences are still apparent today. Learn more about our community by visiting one of the following attractions.
World-famous underground iron mine guided tours, learn firsthand what it was like being a miner 400 feet beneath the earth’s surface.
Vulcan, Michigan
An abandoned iron mine that is home to one of the largest bat colonies in North America. You cannot enter the cave, but plan to be there at dusk in the fall or spring when bats are going into and coming out of hibernation.
Iron Mountain, Michigan
This museum features more than 100 exhibits that depict life in the Menominee Iron Range from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. The museum also includes the Cornish Pump & Mining Museum and the World War II Glider Museum.
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Nestled at the top of Giant Pine Mountain, this memorial is dedicated to paying tribute to the members of the armed services and their memory.
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Originally built in 1937 and renovated in 2020, the Pine Mountain Ski Jump is one of the biggest manmade ski jumps in the world. While the continental cup competition is held in the winter, a visit in the summer will give you views for miles. It is maintained by the Kiwanis Ski Club, which is always looking for volunteers.
Iron Mountain, Michigan
Fresh, artesian spring water is some of the purest water in the area. It was created by the Oliver Mining Company in 1903 in search of iron ore.
Norway, Michigan.
Paying homage to early settlers in Norway, the Jake Menghini Historical Museum tells the story of Norway. It is also home to the Joan Oberthaler Genealogy Center.
Norway, Michigan
All of these activities have community organizations with volunteer opportunities – a great starting point to Find Your Belonging in the Dickinson Area.
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