I’m so glad I’m finally sharing about my hometown in Upper Michigan. Ishpeming is home to about 6,400 people and is 15 miles from Marquette, Michigan, 165 miles from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and 182 Miles from Mackinaw City, Michigan. In the past couple of years, Ishpeming’s downtown has been revitalized and new businesses have made the area a joy to visit. On a day trip to Ishpeming, Michigan, discover museums, antique shopping, and small-town charm. The area has a rich mining history that is prevalent in the community and makes this little town stand out from the rest! Check out the best day trip itinerary for Ishpeming, Michigan below.
Starting Your Day in Ishpeming, Michigan
The best way to start your day in Ishpeming is by visiting Lodge Coffee, located in the Jubilee parking lot, or visiting Huron Mountian Bakery for a fresh doughnut or baked good. After this, you’ll want to map out your day. Decide whether not you want to go for a hike, hit the antique shops, wander through a museum, or head downtown to see some sights. With your coffee and a plan, get straight to exploring the area!
Things to Do in Ishpeming, Michigan
If taking advantage of the natural wonders is on your list for the day, try hiking at Al Quaal along the shore of Teal Lake. If shopping is your favorite way to explore a new area, check out the small businesses and antique shops downtown. My favorite antique shop is the Main Street Antique Mall. Here you will find three stories of antiques and vintage goods.
While you’re downtown, check out the sights. Find ski chair lifts repurposed into street benches, ski poles used as street signs, and find the Carnegie Library on Main Street that was first opened in 1904. The public library is a beautiful old building and features a thick see-through glass floor that is cool to check out!
Must-See Museums
If you’re all about skiing, head to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Yes, that’s right; my little hometown is home to the National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame! In the area, you’ll also find Suicide Hill where ski jumping tournaments have been held annually for 135 years. Click this link to read more about the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame!
To dig deeper into the local mining history, head to the Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum. The museum is open seasonally, from May 28th to September 25th, as a good portion of the museum is outdoors. This was my favorite museum growing up! Expect to see displays of mining equipment, tools, rocks, minerals, and historic maps of the area. One of the unique experiences offered at this location is the ability to walk underground to look up through the mine shaft. The Iron Cliffs Company operated an iron ore mine from 1867 to 1967 at the museum’s present-day location. While wandering the museum you’ll also find an iron ore haul truck with tires that are 12 feet tall!
If you go one place, go here…
Once you’ve seen the museums, check out Da Yooper’s Tourist Trap, for a comical take on Upper Michigan’s culture. The area has deep Finnish ties and as a result, there are some unique phrases and ‘lifestyle hacks’ for living somewhere that is freezing cold for about 6 months out of the year. This is a place I bring people who are visiting the UP for the first time and no matter what I cannot stop laughing after a visit. Enjoy!
Shopping in Ishpeming, Michigan
Where to Shop for Local Products:
- Partridge Creek Farms: Find fresh grown produce, canned goods, and support the local community!
- Da Yooper’s Tourist Trap: Funny gifts and quirky souvenirs
- White Bear Maple Products: local maple syrup, handcrafted candles, and homemade gifts
- Rare Earth Goods: Natural foods and products, local art, extensive beer and wine selection
- Yooper Goddess: Clothing and gifts from Upper Michigan
- Be Inspired: Local artisan jewelry & handcrafted goods
Where to Shop for Antiques:
Best Places to Eat in Ishpeming, Michigan
Huron Mountain Bakery
Huron Mountain Bakery has the best doughnuts in Ishpeming, Michigan, and they also offer a variety of sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. This bakery was my favorite place growing up. I always got a doughnut with chocolate icing and rainbow sprinkles!
Mama Mia’s
Mama Mia’s is a great place for a hearty Italian sit-down meal. The garlic bread is heavenly and so is the pasta. This used to be the restaurant my parents would go to for date night and leave us at home! When I was older, I definitely understood why they wanted to keep this place all to themselves.
Congress Pizzas
Congress Pizzas is a thin crust area staple. It’s the most popular pizza place around and where community teams gather after sporting events. This bar and restaurant has tons of photos on the walls sharing the area’s history and about Anatomy of a Murder, a film shot in the area. I definitely recommend going in to check out these walls!
Ralph’s Italian Deli
Ralph’s Italian Deli is where it’s at if you’re looking for delicious Italian foods. You can get hot sandwiches, salad, pasta, or pizza from Ralph’s. The menu is quite extensive and there is a deli where you can buy Italian foods and goods. I love the lasagna and the Italian sausage.
Rare Earth Goods Cafe
Rare Earth Goods Cafe is a great place to enjoy a cup of tea and a panini or salad for lunch. One of my favorite things about this cafe is that every teacup and teapot are different. It’s fun not knowing which cup you’ll get with your tea! Speaking of tea, their selection is extensive! When eating here, you’ll also be able to see where the local food producers are located on a map in the cafe. Expect delicious local meals here!
Sherrie’s
Sherrie’s is an area classic and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, it’s most popular for breakfast. Everyone knows each other at Sherrie’s and you’ll feel incredibly welcome. Sherrie’s serves a variety of foods including Friday night fish fry.
Lawry’s Pasty Shop
Lawry’s is our local pasty shop. Pasties are traditional cuisine for Yoopers(or residents of Upper Michigan) brought to the area through our mining heritage. You’ll find pasty shops all over Upper Michigan and you’ll find all sorts of pasty variations. I recommend trying the beef pasty as that’s the classic recipe and don’t be afraid to try it with ketchup. I recommend Lawry’s for a pasty but you should also know the best pasties are homemade so if you can get someone in the area to make you one, never pass up that opportunity!
Now that you have things to do, places to shop, and places to eat, I hope you plan your day trip to Ishpeming, Michigan! For my local friends and family, did I forget anything or leave out one of your favorite places? Let me know by adding a comment below! Happy Adventuring!
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