Winter Outdoor Recreation in the Dickinson Area
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
There are many mantras commonly heard throughout the winter, many originating from the Scandinavians who settled in the area – SISU, No Bad Weather Just Bad Clothes. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find many opportunities to dig in and enjoy all the winter outdoor recreation activities the Dickinson area has to offer to residents and visitors alike.
The Dickinson County area sits in what is known as a banana-belt region, meaning we have a much milder winter than many other counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This weather pattern still results in ample snow and cold weather, allowing the enjoyment of a winter wonderland in the Dickinson County area.
Fat Tire Biking in Dickinson County
Over the past decade, the Dickinson Trail Network has built an expansive trail network throughout the county. In the winter, the volunteer group grooms its trails in Iron Mountain and Norway, as well as the trails at Fumee Natural Area for fat-tire biking.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding in Dickinson and Florence Counties
The Dickinson area is home to three downhill ski hills in Iron Mountain and Norway, Michigan, and Florence, Wisconsin.
Pine Mountain Ski Resort has 35 runs with a variety of levels suitable for beginner and
expert skiers and snowboarders. With night skiing available multiple times a week, you can hit the slopes later in the evening and hit up the Sitzmark for apres ski or Famers for dinner.
Norway Mountain reopened in 2024 and boasts scenic views on its 20 runs. The Moose Head Bar & Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ski hill opens its groomed lanes for tubing throughout the season for tubing. Online booking reserves a tube, however all tubers must sign a waiver and be 42” tall.
Keyes Peak is owned by Florence County and has regular hours of operation Friday-Sunday throughout the winter. The hill is open for tubing as well as downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Dickinson and Florence Counties
One of the great things about living in town in Iron Mountain, Kingsford, or Norway is the proximity to groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The central location of Iron Mountain's City Park and Fumee Natural Area provides easy access before or after work, or during your lunch break, to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Crossing into Wisconsin, you’ll find cross-country ski trails suitable for beginners to higher difficulty.
Ice Skating and Hockey in Dickinson County
Each city and township in the Dickinson area maintains its neighborhood ice rinks throughout the winter. The most popular are the Quinnesec and East Kingsford rinks in Breitung Township. Norway’s Strawberry Lake has a manmade ice rink made each winter.
The Mountain View Ice Arena offers open skating on the weekends. It is also home to Kingsford Flivvers hockey, Iron Kings club hockey, as well as youth and adult hockey leagues.
Ice Fishing in Dickinson and Florence Counties
It is always best to check with the local DNR fisheries management unit to ensure the ice is thick enough to go out on.
Lake Antoine on the north end of Iron Mountain
Hanbury Lake in Norway
Carney Lake in North Dickinson County
Bass Lake in northwestern Dickinson County
Hamilton Lakes in Loretto
Gene’s Pond in Felch
Twin Falls/Badwater on the Michigan/Wisconsin border
Access to winter outdoor recreation at your doorstep is just one of the many perks of living and working in the Dickinson Area.
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