"Moose on the Loose"

A bull moose made a surprising visit to Iron Mountain today. He was spotted in the fenced in area just west of the Chapin Pit area in downtown Iron Mountain, in a area the city owns. The area was blocked off this morning and authorities were trying to keep the moose in the area and calm.

The moose population typically stays to the north of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan since being re-introduced to the area in the late 1980's. On occasion, there have been sightings in Dickinson County, but I have never heard of or seen one in Iron Mountain.

Thanks to Diane Schabo of the Michigan Welcome Center, who saw the big guy as she was at her dentist's office, right across the street.


Chris LaVigne
Tourism Coordinator

Italian Fest...Tour da Dickinson Bike Ride

Italian Fest - August 25, 2007
Italy...Iron Mountain Style
Noon - 11 pm


Welcome to Downtown Iron Mountain's first Italian Fest! Come join us for a day of authentic Italian foods, wine and fun as we celebrate Iron Mountain's heritage. Local and Italian wines will be available at the event as well as domestic beers for the less adventuresome. Bocce Ball tournaments, grape stomp and Italian musicians will highlight the day.

A replica of the historic Immaculate Conception Church will be on display also. Father Giovanni Sinopoli, part of a Catholic order founded to minister to Italian immigrants, came to Iron Mountain from Italy in April, 1902. Immediately he set about organizing volunteers to construct a new church. Sandstone was quarried on nearby Millie Hill, just east of the Chapin Pit. A mere nine months later the church was dedicated.

Tour de Dickinson

											Welcome to the Dickinson County Hospital Foundation’s 1st Annual Tour de Dickinson Bike Ride for the Entire Family on Saturday, August 25, 2007. This event is a recreational bicycle ride for all ages with a portion of the proceeds to help support programs and services of the DCH Foundation. A portion of this year’s proceeds will be designated for Childhood Obesity programs. Our mission is to promote good health and family participation. The scenic ride will consist of four non-competitive routes with rest stops. All rides will begin at Giant Pine Mountain’s Popple Palace and head towards Fairbanks (25 location). The riders will continue through downtown Iron Mountain and Italian Fest. After the down town tour, the riders will be directed to Bass Lake Road and their individual routes. Police escorts will be provided for the downtown tour and major intersections. All riders are required to wear helmets. Show your Tour de Dickinson event wristband for FREE entry into the Italian Fest! For more information on both events www.ironmountain.org Chris LaVigne Tourism Coordinator

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Subscribe to our feeder and get all the latest news and 'Goings on!' in the Iron Mountain Area.

There will be monthly updates on whats happening in the following month and any special announcements like new business openings, new attraction openings, seasonal openings (ie like snowmobiling and skiing) and special event notices.


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Chris LaVigne
Tourism Coordinator

Its beginning to look a lot like....Summer

The trees are beginning to leaf out, lawns are being mowed, and kids are excited for the end of school!

Summer activities are starting 'to bloom'. Golf courses are "greening up" nicely, boat launches are filling up with boats and warm days brings out walkers and bikers!

As you make your summer plans, think about the Iron Mountain area and all it has to offer in recreation, attractions and beautiful relaxing settings.


For more information check out www.ironmountain.org!!


Thanks,

Chris

Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season!!

Currently we have a lack of snow that is curtailing many outdoor activities. Both ski hills are open and continue to make snow to add to their current base. New runs open as snowmaking or mother nature allows.

Ice fishing is picking up with fairly safe ice conditions currently. There are reports from 3-8 inches, so still be careful at this time.

It seems last year it was about this time when we started to get snow, and we do have some forecasted in the next week. Most trails/activities that need to be groomed will not be groomed until there is about 12 inches of snow on the ground. If anyone has a good snowdance.......start to boogie please!!!

Fall has come and gone

Well it seems the fall colors were quick this year. A dry summer, then a rather early "arctic blast" made for a short, but beautiful color season.

Now it seems to be time to get ready for Michigan deer season, the Holiday Season and winter activities. Yes, I did say winter!! In about a month the local ski hills will begin making snow, and hopefully just past that we will have enough natural snow for snowmobile trails to open!

Ready or not, winter is almost upon us!

Remember if you would like anymore information on our area, go to www.ironmountain.org!


Chris

Fall Colors`

Now is a great time to come to our area and see the "colors". About 30% of the trees have turned, so the mixtures of reds, oranges, yellows and remaining green really give a great spectrum of color. Fall color guides are available in our office, along with county maps.

Come on UP and enjoy the Fall Colors.


Chris

Top Destination in the World

"Top Travel Destinations in the World" includes The Upper Peninsula of Michigan in a recent ranking by ShermansTravel. ShermansTravel is a leading publisher of trip ideas, travel destination information and sales and specials.

It is no surprise to those of us who live, work and play here to be ranked with the best in the world. Four seasons of family fun and some of the friendliest people can be found across the entire Upper Peninsula.

Here in Iron Mountain and the entire Dickinson County area, variety is definitely our forte. Summertime has something for everyone, from:

Outdoor activities; like fishing, canoe/kayaking to atv.

History buffs will enjoy the world’s largest steam pumping engine and iron mine t tours 400-ft underground.

Adventure hunters will find white water rafting, abundant wildlife viewing and even a bat cave!

Events all summer long include nationally recognized water ski shows, BBQ contests and a variety f music festivals.

If anyone would like more information on our area or plan a trip, please contact:

www.ironmountain.org or 1-800-236-2447

Welcome Travelers

This blog is to help inform those looking for a great vacation place. The Iron Mountain/Dickinson county are is located in the scenic Upper Peninsula Of Michigan. With this blog I will update site visitors on attractions, sites and happenings in our area. For those of who that have visited our area, please respond with your favorite spots, events, restaurants or the area as a whole.

Hope to see you soon......in Dickinson County.


Chris