Ironwood, MI

Ironwood, Michigan

Introduction to Ironwood, Michigan

Ironwood, Michigan, in Gogebic county, is 94 miles E of Duluth, Minnesota (center to center) and 175 miles NE of St. Paul, Minnesota. The city has a population of 6,293.

Ironwood History

The first settlers arrived in Ironwood in 1885 and it was officially incorporated as a village in 1887. In 1889, Ironwood became a city and the northern township area was incorporated as Ironwood Township. Originally, the region was an iron mining town, and extensive exploration of the vast iron ore deposits led to the establishment of numerous mines. It also resulted in rapidly infiltration by immigrants. Fredrick Rhinelander named the place in honor of his mining captain, James (Iron) Wood.

Ironwood and Nearby Attractions

• Ironwood Historical Depot Museum
• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
• Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
• Northwoods Children's Museum
• Amnicon Falls State Park

Things To Do In Ironwood

Exhibits on regional history can be viewed at the Vilas County Historical Museum, the Madeline Island Historical Museum, and the Ashland Historical Society Museum. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which has 12 miles of lakeshore and 21 islands, is suitable for sailing, boating, camping, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, and picnicking. Bald eagles and black bears can also be seen in this area. Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which covers 225,000 acres, is another popular place to visit. Parks in the area include the Big Bay State Park, Lake Gogebic State Park, Porcupine Mountains State Park, and Copper Falls State Park. The community also celebrates the Gogebic County Fair, Festival Ironwood, and Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade every year.

Ironwood Transportation

Air transportation is available from the Duluth International Airport.

Ironwood Higher Education

The city of Ironwood is home to the Gogebic Community College. The University of Minnesota, Michigan Technological University, and North Central Technical College are also located close by.

High Points

Ironwood strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Michigan):

Category	Trophy
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. State)	Top 2%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 9%
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 10%

Comparative Profile of Ironwood, MI

Comparing Ironwood to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Michigan (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Male Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Well-Paid Single Men
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Property Taxes
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Ironwood Almanac

Ironwood Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Ironwood Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Ironwood Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Ironwood High Schools (2004)

LUTHER L. WRIGHT HIGH SCHOOL
650 E. AYER STREET
906-932-0932
Serves 714 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18.4

Ironwood Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Gogebic Community College

(List of All Michigan Colleges)

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