Ishpeming, MI

Ishpeming, Michigan

Introduction to Ishpeming, Michigan

Ishpeming, Michigan, in Marquette county, is 137 miles N of Green Bay, Wisconsin (center to center) and 238 miles N of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The city has a population of 6,686.

Ishpeming History

Chippewa Indians originally inhabited this region. The name "Ishpeming" was derived from the Indian word "ishpiming" meaning "on the summit". According to research, in the Ojibwa dialect of Anishinaabe language, this word meant "heaven". The community's history dates back to the 1840's when iron ore was discovered. Records indicate that in 1846, Madji-Gesick, a Native Indian, took explorer Philo Everett to the "shining mountain". This 1,000 foot wide, 180 foot high mountain contained ore. The spot was later named "Jasper Knob", and is currently referred to as the World's Largest Gemstone. Prior to the 1860's, the settlement was known as "The Lake Superior Location" but it was renamed "Ishpeming" in 1862. The concept of organized skiing in the US is also believed to have been born in this city.

Ishpeming and Nearby Attractions

• Marquette County Historical Society Museum
• Van Riper State Park
• U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
• Fayette Historic Townsite
• Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum

Things To Do In Ishpeming

Ishpeming is home to numerous places of historic interest. The Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum houses exhibits commemorating Marquette Iron Range's mining history. Old Ish Statue, a Native American figure, has been situated in the city since 1884. Jasper Knob is the historic hill composed entirely of jaspilite. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, which is located in Ishpeming, also includes the Roland Palmedo Memorial Library, a theater, a gift shop, and archive material and collections. The 1,044-acre Van Riper State Park is situated on Lake Michigamme and features a beach, as well as fishing and camping areas. Fayette Historic Townsite, which is the site of a productive iron-smelting operation in the Upper Peninsula, is another popular destination. The community also hosts the annual Italian Fest, and the ski jumping competition.

Ishpeming Transportation

Air transportation is available from the Sawyer International Airport.

Ishpeming Higher Education

Colleges close to Ishpeming are Northern Michigan University, Michigan Technological University, University of Wisconsin, and North East Wisconsin Technical College.

High Points

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

Category	Trophy
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 3%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 16%

Comparative Profile of Ishpeming, MI

Comparing Ishpeming 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
Children Under 5 Years Old
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population
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
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

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

Housing

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

Ishpeming Almanac

Ishpeming Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

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

Ishpeming Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Ishpeming, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Ishpeming Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Ishpeming High Schools (2004)

ASPEN RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
350 ASPEN RIDGE SCHOOL ROAD
906-485-3175
A magnet school.
Serves 618 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 16.9

WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
300 WESTWOOD DRIVE
906-485-1023
A magnet school.
Serves 397 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15.4

ISHPEMING HIGH SCHOOL
319 E. DIVISION STREET
906-485-1066
Serves 347 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17.8

NORTH STAR ACADEMY
335 SOUTH PINE
906-486-8311
A charter school.
A Title I school.
Serves 72 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15

Ishpeming Colleges

(List of All Michigan Colleges)

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