Iron+Mountain,+Michigan

__Iron Mountain, Michigan__
 Iron Mountain is part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.



Settlers came to Iron Mountain in 1879 after iron was found and the population exploded to 8,000 by 1886. The city was booming in all directions and money was very much a part of it. As of 1893, iron ranges made large layoffs and many of the mines closed after being bought out by capitalized operators.



In the early 1920’s the town became known for its Ford plants because of the availability of iron and wood to make the machines. By 1923, the village was known as Kingsford after Edward Kingsford who married to Henry Ford’s cousin and was an Iron Mountain Dealer and timber cruiser. After Henry Ford died however the plants were eventually sold off.

Currently, paper mills are their biggest employers and paper is their biggest resource. The largest plant built in 1985 is International Paper’s Quinnesec Mill pictured above.

Iron Mountain holds the largest congregation of bats from September to April in its old Millie mine, about one million. Michigan’s DNR along with Bat Conservation International, have teamed up to educate and protect these bats.

In the Iron Mountain area is many outdoor attractions with lakes, waterfalls, bike and ski trails, lighthouses, parks and campgrounds. It is the home of the largest Ski Flying Hill in North America, attracting people from around the world. There are many indoor attractions as well with museums, restaurants, and shopping. Iron Mountain is also known for its good old-school Italian cooking.