No trip to the Upper Peninsula is complete without a few days spent at Lake Gogebic – the largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula at approximately 3 miles wide at it’s widest point and 18 miles long. The north half of the lake is in Ontonagon County and the Eastern Time zone. The south half of the lake is in Gogebic County, Marenisco Township, and the Central Time zone. This lake is 13,380 acres of prime fishing water where you will find walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, jumbo perch, bluegill and crappie. This region is also a prime hunting hot spot for deer, bear, small game and birds.
In addition to fishing, Lake Gogebic is also a great place for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, sightseeing, waterfall touring, and hiking the surrounding forests. Winter is a “world of its own” with an annual snowfall in excess of 200 inches. Lake Gogebic is situated within a vast snowmobile trail system extending throughout the Upper Peninsula. Cross country ski trails are abundant and five area downhill ski facilities are less than an hour’s drive.
The following is a list of our “guest favorites”. AJ’s Walleye Lodge is conveniently located in the center of these activities and if you followed in order you would be led out of the lodge and directed back in a big circle. However, it’s important to note that you’d had to have a very aggressive schedule in order to accomplish all these items in one day . Pick the ones that are most appealing to you and remember that in the summertime that our days are really long so there’s a lot of time for enjoying our quality of life! Make sure you save some time for enjoying the view from our lakefront!! We have grills throughout our property – and in December 2019 we will be opening our bar and grill where we will be serving wood fired pizzas, burgers, fish and more!!
- Explore Lake Gogebic from the water: In addition to experiencing a continuous vision of beauty, guests of AJ’s Walleye Lodge have access to rent pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and paddleboards right at the property. Lake Gogebic has several bays and streams coming into the lake, making it an ideal spot for kayakers. Be sue to head out to the water and enjoy the view from the lake. It’s spectacular no matter what vantage point you are at! Be sure to take a moment to check out the eagles as they fly over the lodge and listen for the loons on the lake.Enjoy the beauty of our untamed wilderness
- Porcupine Mountains – Summit Peak, Lake of the Clouds and Mirror Lake
Spend the early afternoon discovering the wilderness of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. - Begin with a hike to the highest point of the Porcupine Mountains, Summit Peak, reaching an impressive 1,958 feet! Viewed from an easily accessible scenic overlook lays Lake of the Clouds. A sight to behold, this lake is surrounded by historical old-growth forests, abundant wildlife and natural beauty. Bring binoculars, a camera, and a keen sight for a chance to embrace a soaring eagle! Don’t forget to check out Mirror Lake while you are there! (approximately 35 min from AJ’s Walleye Lodge).
- OLD VICTORIA COPPER MINE: A JOURNEY TO THE PAST: A relic of the copper-mining days is the town of Victoria, built near the original site of the site of the famous Ontonagon Boulder. Like so many communities, Victoria lost its spark of life when the copper industry abandoned the area. But unlike other small, almost forgotten mining towns, Victoria is being brought back to life by a large restoration project aimed at recreating the mid-1800’s community as it was in its peak. The Old Victoria Restoration is located four miles west of Rockland, Michigan in Ontonagon County The road is clearly marked off US-45. (this is about 45 min from AJ’s Wwalleye Lodge).
- Adventure Mine Tours – Rockland: Experience tours as authentic as you’ll ever find. No fancy lights or modern marvels here, just real mining the way it really was! All guests are furnished with a hard hat and headlamp. There are no other lights underground, period. Walk or propel down!
- Cascade Falls: The Cascade Hiking Trail is a short scenic trail. Head out of the Lodge east on M-28 about 2-3 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 400. Go North for 7 miles and you will come to a parking area. The trail consists of two routes to the Falls. The Bluff route is the more difficult route, but by far more scenic. Each trail is approx. 1 mile and will lead you to the picturesque Cascade Falls.
- O-Kun-De-Kun Falls: Head west on M-28 to Bruce Crossing (approx. 18 miles) and go North on M-45 about 8 miles and there will be a sign for the falls on the right. This waterfall is an absolute delight for hikers. As you pass through tall pine forest and undercut ledges, it allows hikers to go under the ledge and look out from behind the water. Just below the falls is a suspension footbridge that leads the tail across Baltimore River where you get a spectacular view of the falls.
- Agate Falls: 5 miles east of Bruce Crossing on M-28, there is a roadside Park (Joseph F. Oravec) just past the bridge on the Ontonagon River.
- Bond Falls (about 35 minutes from AJ’s Walleye Lodge) 100′ of craggy rock surrounded by an easily accessible trail brings you up close and personal to The Wilds of Michigan most glorious waterfall. The altitudinous 50′ of rushing water will rekindle your senses. See its majesty, listen to falls cascade into the Ontonagon River, smell the fresh air. Head South on 45 when leaving Bond Falls and you will go by the Northern Waters Casino and US2 is about 4 miles from there. Head West on 2 and turn right on 64 in about 14 miles.
- Allegator Eye: The face of this rock looks like the alligator’s eye, giving the hill its name. Part of the Ottawa National Forest. On M-64 about two miles south of Lake Gogebic State Park and about 6 miles north of U.S. 2. Look for a parking area, big enough for busses, on the road away from the lake. This is a great hike and the view at the top is amazing – be sure to bring your camera! Head North on 64 when leaving and you’ll hit M28 in about 14 miles. Follow the Pure Michigan sign and head East for 3.5 miles and you’ll be back at AJ’s Walleye Lodge.
Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our untamed wilderness!!! Plan your trip now – you will be so glad that you did!
