Get ready for a day of adventure along the Black River Harbor and be sure to bring your camera as you are going to see some amazingly beautiful sights!
Leaving AJ’s Walleye Lodge, head West on M28 and in about 18 miles you will come to the City of Wakefield where you will be greeted by Sunday Lake. (Note: Before you get to Wakefield you will see 519N which will take you to Presque Isle Falls and the back way to the Porcupine Mountains. If you continue on highway 2 west from Wakefield through Bessemer, you’ll make a right at Big Powderhorn Mountain which will take you to the Black River Harbor Bypass which is one of the Top 10 Road Trips in the Country as voted by Road Trip Magazine).
Your Black River Bucket List field trip should include some or all of the following:
1. PRESQUE ISLE FALLS:
Stroll alongside Presque Isle River and discover the numerous waterfalls flowing through ancient hemlocks- and these falls happen to be the second largest in the State. Take the trail downstream and you will find yourself at the suspensionbridge with an incredible view of the first of three falls and the “potholes” created by the forceful current of our mighty waters. Walk along the river’s edge out to Lake Superior.
2. SUNDAY LAKE: One block north of M-28 on the US 2 intersection in Wakefield, MI. Sunday Lake offers Eddy Park, a nice park with a pavilion, swimming, picnic tables, a playground, camping, fishing and boating. You’ll see many folks enjoying a walk around the lake, and it’s a beautiful spot to watch a sunset, too. While in Wakefield, check out 906 Cafe for some great food as well as Club M28 for homemade pizza! There is a great walking/biking path that will take you on a 3 mile trek around the lake to work off your meal
3. BLACK RIVER HARBOR SCENIC BYPASS:
Quietly cruise along the Black River Harbor Scenic Byway to the Ottawa National Forest’s spectacular signature site – The Black River Harbor. Scenic hiking trails through an old growth hemlock and hardwood forest and five waterfalls make this a favorite scenic stop along Lake Superior. Paddle, picnic, hike, and explore this signature site of the spectacular Ottawa National Forest. One of the area’s few access points to Lake Superior with boating as a major summer activity. The Black River area was officially dedicated as a National Scenic Byway in recognition of its exceptional beauty and recreational opportunities and has been rated as one of the top 10 road trips in the country by Road Trip Magazine.
There are five different falls that you can visit: Rainbow, Sandstone, Potawatomi, Conglomerate, or Gorge – which will be your favorite waterfall?
Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls
•Access: Rough Trail
•Walking Time: 5 min. – 10 min
•Vertical Drop: 15ft. and Over
Great Conglomerate Falls– This is a very large waterfall which is divided by a wide conglomerate rock formation. This waterfall is well marked. Walking trail 3/4 mile.
•Access: Improved Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Potawatomi Falls– Potawatomi, which is barrier free (from Gorge Parking Lot), is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Black River. This waterfall is well marked. A restroom is available at this site. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile. Shares common road in with Gorge Falls and 2 separate parking lots.
•Access: Improved Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. or Less
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Gorge Falls – This conglomerate canyon has a 34 foot drop. Potawatomi and Gorge Falls are accessible by the same parking area. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile.
•Access: Improved Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Sandstone Falls – This waterfall meanders over rocks giving it a unique appearance. It is located on a beautiful spot on the Black River, with a well marked, short 1/4 mile walking trail.
•Access: Improved Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
Rainbow Falls – A Beautiful Waterfall that is extremely photogenic on the East part of the River. Enjoy the scenery on your 1/2 mile walk to the waterfall. Take is easy, there are many stairs.
•Access: Improved Trail
•Walking Time: 15 min. – 45 min
•Vertical Drop: 20 ft. and Over
The Black River Pubis a great stop along the way, and while in Bessemer be sure to visit the Pit Stop, Abeleman’s Clothing and Dairy Queen!
4.COPPER PEAK ADVENTURE RIDE:
Copper Peak Adventure Ride is the only ski flying hill west of the Prime Meridian. Ride a 36-story chair-lift to a destination far above the trees. For the more adventurous soul, ascend the additional 18-stories to a panoramic view that will engrain 2,500 square miles known as The Wilds of Michigan into your mind for now and forever.
5. LITTLE GIRLS POINT: A scenic drive to Lake Superior’s coastline brings you to the place where legend tells of an Ojibwa maiden lost on her wedding day and later found at this very point. Camping, swimming, picnicking or searching for agates are perfect ways to enjoy this Gogebic County Park deep in Upper Michigan’s Wild West.
Restaurants and Grocery:
- Black River Pub has excellent food and is on the way to Black River Harbor
- Pit Stop in Bessemer has a great Fish Fry.
- Club 28 in Wakefield has the best pizza around
- 906 Café in Wakefield serves up a hearty breakfast
- There is a Walmart in Ironwood as well as a Super One Foods.
- SUNDAY LAKE GROCERY is in Wakefield and they have the best meat department anywhere!
