Iron River, Michigan

49935

Photos courtesy of:
Ken Huisjen

Iron River is located in central Iron County in Michigan’s upper peninsula. This city originated because of the high yield of iron ore produced by the Nanaimo Iron Mine, founded by a group of investors and prospectors from British Columbia, the first to mine in this area. In 1882, a post office was opened under the name of Nanaimo. At about the same time, two brothers, Donald and Alexander MacKinnon, were buying land around the surrounding area and had it officially platted as Iron River. Investor James Innis built an inn , the first permanent local structure, which encouraged the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad to built a station. The town’s name was changed to Iron River in September of 1882, and it was incorporated as a village in 1885. It was later incorporated as a city in 1926.

Iron River has survived the years thanks to tourism and lumbering in the area. It also is supported by other business, including materials handling equipment, food processing and wood production toolmaking. There are a number of motels and resorts in the area, and it is an excellent center point for starting a vacation to the mid-western U. P.

Iron River, Michigan

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Iron River, Michigan

49935

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