FLAMBEAU TRAIL

Follow the footsteps of Native Americans, voyagers, and first settlers as they journeyed through Iron County on the famous Flambeau Trail. Learn how transportation, via this ancient "woodland highway" and later by railroad opened up northern Wisconsin to new settlers and development.

Saxon Harbor: Gateway to The Flambeau Trail Native Americans and voyagers landed their canoes here to portage beaver pelts and trade goods between the Chippewa villages and Northwest Fur Trading Posts. The route used for these trips from La Pointe, on Madeline Island, to Lac du Flambeau, 90 miles to the south, became known as the Flambeau Trail.

Superior Falls: An ancient Native American footpath, called the Flambeau Trail, originally started here at the Mouth of the Montreal River. Ninety foot high Superior Falls offers visitors a spectacular sight, but it was the first of many impassable obstacles that forced travelers for centuries to portage their goods and gear 45 miles over the Flambeau Trail to reach the closest navigable waterway.

Little Finland: The proud heritage of the area's Finnish immigrants is preserved at the National Finnish American Cultural Center (Little Finland). The building's timbers, once part of the huge Ashland ore docks, are notched together using unique Finnish "fish tail" construction. Visit the Harma House - an authentic Finnish homestead. Special celebrations on traditional festival days feature dancers and choral groups. Traditional Finnish gifts and hospitality.

Flambeau Trail Crossing: Early travelers to Iron County may have stopped to rest here after  following the first 27 miles of the Flambeau Trail uphill from Lake Superior and over the rugged Penokee Mountain Range.

Continental Divide: Stand on the geological dividing line where water flows north to Lake Superior and the Atlantic Ocean or south to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Since the rivers north of the Divide were not navigable, early travelers had to portage 45 miles from Lake Superior across this point before they could reach a navigable waterway that flowed south. 

Turtle Portage: For centuries Native Americans and voyagers using the Flambeau Trail carried their heavy birch bark canoes and cargo across the wide "plain" between Echo and Grand Portage Lake. This was a summer camping site favored by Chippewa Indian bands, who raised corn and potatoes here. 

Mercer Depot and Historical Society: In 1889 travel by rail replaced travel via the Flambeau Trail when the first  passenger train reached Mercer. The Mercer Depot, the only remaining wooden rail depot in Iron County, has been restored to its turn-of-the-century quaintness. It houses a delightful collection of railroad memorabilia and the Mercer Historical Society. Open to the Public. 
 

Manitowish: Timberman William Henry Roddis built a logging mill here and established Manitowish as a railroad shipping point for timber throughout the mid-1930's. No longer would logs have to float down the Manitowish River to mill. Hardwood timber brought the railroad and helped to "open up" this area for development. 

Apostle Island Vista: View the Apostle Island archipelago and learn how the islands of this National Scenic Lakeshore were formed. On U.S. 2, 13 miles west of Hurley. 

Penokee Iron Range State Historic Marker: The rugged Penokee Range provides the backdrop for the story of how the discovery of iron ore shaped the areas history. On U.S. 2, 12 miles west of Hurley. 

Eagle Bluff Scenic Overlook: A spectacular vista of two states and Lake Superior. South of U.S. 2 on County D at the Eagle Bluff Golf Club, one mile west of Hurley. 

Annala Round Barn: The only barn in Wisconsin entirely made of massive field stones. Built in 1917 by Finnish master stonemason Matt Annala, it is privately owned. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One mile north of the corner of Dupont and Rein Roads, five miles south of Hurley. 

RODDIS LINE 

Take a ride on the Roddis Line Heritage Trail and relive the days when railroad logging was the only way to get the "big" timber out of the woods. 

Lake of the Falls: Lumberjacks drove white pine logs over beautiful Lake of the Falls to mills downstream until the pine was cut over in 1905. The valuable virgin hardwood timber that remained didn't float. Find out how a new solution to moving timber from logging camps to the mill was found. 

Turtle Flambeau Flowage: Called the "Crown Jewel of Northern Wisconsin" this 19,000 acre  flowage was purchased by the State of Wisconsin in 1990 as a "special recreation area" to preserve its natural character and scenic value. Excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, island camping, and wildlife viewing. Located between County Hwy. FF and State Hwy. 182 in the Mercer and Springstead areas. 

Area Resorts: Recognizing that the area's clear lakes and cool summer air could draw weary city dwellers, enterprising pioneer settlers opened resort businesses here as early as 1905. Area resorts continue to provide gracious lodging and dining cuisine that has made memorable north woods vacations for nearly a century. 
 

Turtle-Flambeau Hydro Dam: "The Hoover Dam" of Iron County. Built in 1926 at the
 junction of the Turtle and Flambeau Rivers, it created the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, Picnic area and canoe put-in for the North Fork of the Flambeau River. On Turtle Flambeau Dam Road on County FF. 

PINERY ROAD 

Timber! Follow Pinery Road back to the days when white pine was king and the immense "inexhaustible" stands of timber brought French Canadian loggers and settlers eager to make their fortunes in Iron County's pinery.

Springstead Historic District: For centuries, Native Americans bands came each spring to tap ancient maple trees on the bank of Stone Lake, French Canadian loggers built log cabins here at  the turn of the century. At this site the town of Springstead grew, was abandoned, and is now being restored. Site development in progress. Open to the public. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

 As the white pine was depleted, the lumberman transferred their attention to establishing resorts,  many of these are still in existence today. 

Picture of the newly constructed warming cabin
(Hemlock Chalet) at trail head B".
CURRENT MECCA TRAIL CONDITIONS

Enjoy winter family fun in Mercer, where there is something for all ages to experience. Experience the Mecca Trails near Mercer, with the rolling terrain, vistas of the Little Turtle River & Flowage and a variety of vegetation from aspen to pine plantation. They offer an annual moonlight (candle lit) ski. 

NORDIC SKI & HIKING TRAILS-MECCA is a non-motorized multi-use trail system.  In winter the trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing, as well as foot trails for snow shoeing.  The terrain is suited for both beginners and advanced skiers and there is a cozy log cabin shelter and privy.  Watch for the annual moonlight ski in January.  Hikers and mountain bikers will find wildlife watching an added amenity to the beautiful vistas of the Little Turtle River and Flowage.  The varied habitat, from open wetlands to aspen and pine plantations, offers an exhilarating and peaceful encounter with nature.  The MECCA trail system can be accessed at either of two trail heads. 
Take Hwy. 51 to FF to Popko Cr. E. to Joe's Shack Rd, or Hwy. 51 to Beachway Dr. to Mercer Lake Cir. towards the sanitary district. 

The Turtle Trail is approximately 4 miles of beautiful woods.  Experience a trail that meanders along the shores of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage over a beaver pond and along the old logging trails.  Located 15 miles west of Hwy. 51.  Turn left on OMeara Road and travel 1 mile to entrance of the cross country trail. 

DOWNHILL SKIING Big Snow Country -Iron County lies in the heart of Big Snow Country, with mountains of the most dependable, fluffy, white snow you can find in the Midwest. Four major downhill ski areas lie in Big Snow Country, with Wisconsin's largest downhill ski area, Whitecap Mountains, right here in Iron County. Other Big Snow Country ski areas; Big Powderhorn Mountain, Blackjack Mountain and Indianhead Mountain are located within 10 miles of the Iron County border in Michigan.

Snow blanketed forests filled with the sights and sounds of the Wisconsin North Woods is what allures many Snowmobilers to Iron County. Boasting nearly 200 inches of snow annually and over 450 miles of meticulously groomed trails and great reasons to set your sights on this beautiful county for your next riding adventure. Riders can also experience the mining heritage of days gone by with many remnants of how Iron County received its name.  Mercer, is a popular snowmobile hub located in southeastern Iron County, is a great place to begin your riding adventure. Mercer is the destination of choice for many riders wishing to enjoy a delicious meal or rest after a long  on the trails in one of many comfortable lodging accommodations.  Trails of interest throughout this county are numerous. Iron County, filled with wonderful scenery and rich iron mining heritage, is an excellent choice to spend a week or weekend exploring all this area has to offer. Snowmobilers will be able to experience fine dining and great accommodations to compliment their trail adventures.