Iron County, Michigan

Iron County is a county located in the uppermost region of the U.S. state of Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,134. The county seat is Iron River, and the largest city is Crystal Falls. Iron County is known for its vast forests, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its historical role in the iron mining industry.

History

Iron County was established in 1844 and named for its iron ore deposits, which were discovered in the region and led to the county's early economic development. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa and Menominee. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, and the mining of iron ore became a key part of the local economy.

Iron mining, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, played a significant role in the county’s development, as the iron ore was shipped to industrial centers in the U.S. and Canada. The decline of the iron mining industry in the mid-20th century led to economic diversification, with agriculture, tourism, and forestry becoming more important.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Iron County has a total area of 1,193 square miles, of which 1,175 square miles is land and 18 square miles (1.5%) is water. The county is located in the western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is bordered by:

Ontonagon County to the north
Vilas County, Wisconsin to the west
Forest County, Wisconsin to the south
Dickinson County to the east

Key geographic features of Iron County include:

**Iron River**: A river that flows through the county, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.
**Crystal Falls**: A waterfall located in the city of Crystal Falls, popular for photography and nature walks.
**Hiawatha National Forest**: A large national forest that spans across several counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Economy

Iron County’s economy is based on a combination of natural resources, tourism, and services. Major sectors include:

**Forestry**: The county’s vast forest resources support the timber and paper industries, with logging and pulp production being key industries.
**Mining**: Although iron mining is no longer as dominant as it once was, the county has seen some mining activity in recent years, including the extraction of other minerals.
**Tourism**: The county’s natural beauty, including its forests, rivers, and lakes, attracts tourists for outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, boating, and snowmobiling.
**Agriculture**: Agriculture is an important sector in the county, with farming of crops such as corn, hay, and potatoes, as well as livestock farming.

Communities

Iron County includes several cities, villages, and townships.

Iron River (city): The county seat and largest city, known for its small-town charm and proximity to outdoor recreation.
Crystal Falls (city): A city known for its historic buildings, natural attractions, and as a gateway to the Upper Peninsula’s forests and parks.
Gaastra (village): A village located to the east of Iron River, known for its rural character and surrounding natural beauty.

Townships

Iron County is divided into 12 townships:

Bates Township
Crystal Falls Township
Gaastra Township
Hematite Township
Iron River Township
Mansfield Township
Mastodon Township
Marenisco Township
Michigamme Township
Stambaugh Township
West Iron Township
Wychock Township

Parks and Recreation

Iron County offers a wide variety of parks and recreational opportunities, including:

**Iron County Parks**: Includes multiple parks for hiking, fishing, and camping, including the nearby Hiawatha National Forest.
**Ottawa National Forest**: Located to the south of the county, offering hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
**Michigan Iron Industry Museum**: A museum in the county that highlights the region’s mining history, featuring exhibits about the local iron ore industry.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Iron County had a population of 59,134. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Hispanic, and Native American residents. The county has a mix of rural and suburban communities, with most residents living in the cities of Iron River and Crystal Falls.

Education

Iron County is served by several school districts:

Higher education opportunities include:

Bay College: A community college located in Iron Mountain, offering a variety of associate degrees and vocational programs.

Transportation

Iron County is served by several major highways:

U.S. Route 2: Runs through the southern part of the county, connecting Iron County to cities like Iron Mountain and Escanaba.
M-69: A state highway that runs through the northern part of the county, providing access to Crystal Falls and the surrounding rural areas.

Public transportation is available through the Iron County Transit system, providing bus services for local residents.

References

United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Iron County, Michigan."
Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "Hiawatha National Forest."
Romig, Walter. Michigan Place Names. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1986.