Recreation

Summer

ATV / ORV Trails

Many roads on the Ottawa are open to visitors with no restrictions. Use on some lower standard roads is regulated to protect the road investment or other resources or to provide a desired recreational experience. Hikers, skiers, and other non-motorized users may use most roads at any time. ORV's and ATV's may use roads (with the exception of main collector roads) unless there is a sign prohibiting their use.

Hiking

The Western U.P. offers visitors hiking opportunities unsurpassed in the Midwest. Enjoy a day or a week or more in the Porcupine Mountains State Park or the Sylvania Wilderness Area or on scenic land throughout the Ottawa National Forest.

Tennis

The Gogebic/Iron Range Tennis Association is a group of local tennis enthusiasts, dedicated to growing the sport of tennis in Big Snow Country. Tennis courts are sprinkled throughout the Upper Peninsula:the centrally located courts are:

Patterson Courts (2 asphalt, no lighting), located across from the Ironwood cemetery.
Bluff Valley Courts (2 asphalt, lighting), located in Bluff Valley park in Bessemer, MI
5th Ave. Courts (3asphalt, no lighting), located on 5th Ave. in Hurley,WI, adjacent to the Hurley Football field near Dairy Queen.
Hurley School Courts (4 asphalt, no lighting), located on the campus of the Hurley K-12 school,on Range View Drive.
Montreal Courts ( 2 concrete, no lighting), located in Montreal,WI, off of Hwy 77.
Ironwood Township Courts (2 asphalt, no lighting), located on the top of the hill behind the Iroonwood Township building on Lake Road in Ironwood, MI.
Sunday lake Couirts (2 courts, no lighting), located in the Sunday Lake Park in Wakefield, MI.
Wakefield School Courts (2 asphalt, no lighting), located on the campus of the Wakefield School.

For more information, or to find a tennis partner, please contact the association at 906-663-4967.

Camping

From roadside camping to wilderness adventures, you can enjoy a friendly campfire and a night under the stars throughout the Western U.P.

Fishing

Fishing in the Western U.P.is good clean fun! Our endless variety of lakes and rivers will provide you with whatever type of fishing you want. From ''Big lake" charter boat fishing, to the fishing with a float tube on a small secluded lake, and every thing in between.

Kayaking

Whitecap Kayak offers guided kayak day trips, overnight camping trips & instructions on the pristine waters of Lake Superior & selected inland waters.

Mountain Biking

The growing sport of mountain biking has taken hold here in the Western U.P. Three complete trail systems to ride on make this a biker's paradise. Just about anywhere you stay someone can point out a favorite trail.

Winter

Skiing

The Western U.P. of Michigan is "Big Snow Country" and there are plenty of ski resorts in the area to keep even the most enthusiastic and adventurous skier busy! Whether your interests are in downhill or cross-country we offer a multitude of options.

Snowmobiling

You will enjoy hundreds of miles of connecting trails though our pristine forests. For the last 10 years we have received an average of 200 inches of snow. For two of the last three years our snowfall has reached record depths, over 300 inches. This heavy snowfall gives you, the rider, the very best conditions and trails.