​If you are looking to visit the West End of Marquette County, you’re probably already aware of the fact that this is not an urban metropolis sprawling with people and traffic. Perhaps that is the very reason you are coming here. Retreat into nature and enjoy an unpolluted starry sky, lush green forests, and the crickets singing at night.
 
Almost anywhere you go within the West End, you’ll be just minutes away from a trail, lake, and/or woods.
 
A beautiful and easy-to-access spot for hiking and biking trails, rich with history, is Old Town Negaunee. To get there, you can park in one of the parking spots along Tobin Street in Negaunee, just by Jackson Mine Park. This is a trail-head for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and will lead you right in by foot or bike. Or you can head down Snow Street and drive right in.  You’ll see some roads you can follow along, and there you should find another parking area. (Keep in mind you cannot drive or use any motorized vehicles on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.)
 
The hiking and biking trails are beautiful, or you can just meander through the woods. We came across a bike trail that led us up higher and higher, and soon we were above trees and enjoyed a nice little view.

We found so many raspberry bushes, and stumbled across this cool ghost plant (or Indian Pipe). 

It’s so nice to get lost within the trees and not hear anything other than the sounds of nature around you, whether it’s birds, bugs, wind, or chipmunks throwing acorns out of the trees (don’t be alarmed if one hits you on the head). It’s a great way to slow down and take a break from the daily stressors of life.
 
Check out this article to read more about Old Town Negaunee. It also has some great information about the Republic Wetlands Preserve, which I have yet to explore. It’s on my list, though! There’s also this blog post from one visitor’s perspective that goes into thorough detail with many photos.
 
Bonus: there’s also a disc golf course in Old Town for those who enjoy a good game.  
 
Old Town is a favorite for many around here. We hope that you check it out when you come this way so you can enjoy the beauty, and please remember: leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but pictures. 

I know I barely scratched the surface on this unique area, let me know what your favorite part about Old Town is! 

We’ve been experiencing some rain this week in the West End. While I love the sunshine and warmth of a classic summer day, I can also appreciate a nice rainy day every now and then. It’s a great time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season.
 
The brief change in weather inspired me to reflect on all of the indoor activities we have around here. From eating, to learning, to relaxing, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy. Here’s my ideal rainy day in the West End.
 
(Feel free to play a video of some rain background noise while reading for the ultimate effect. Here's a nice one.)

Start early with coffee and a sweet treat. Rare Earth Goods & Café or Huron Mountain Bakery in Ishpeming and Midtown Bakery & Café in Negaunee are all perfect stops for this endeavor, but if you’re looking for a bigger breakfast there are a couple other options: Buck’s, Sherrie’s, and Lawry’s Pasty Shop (breakfast pizza anyone?) are all great for a more filling meal. If you’d rather spend your rainy-day morning by sleeping in, there are many delicious places to hit up for lunch.

Aside from antiques, there’s other great shopping around here. In Michigamme, you will find the Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery, home of beautifully curated pieces of work. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming is fun for locals and tourists alike, and offers humorous Yooper themed-souvenirs along with many other unique gifts. Make sure to check out the Rock Knockers Rock Shop while you’re there. 1844 in Negaunee is your stop for both Negaunee Miner and U.P. apparel. 

Done with shopping? Take an hour or so to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the West End. Step back in time by learning about our mining roots, organized skiing (did you know Ishpeming is the birth place of it?), or how day-to-day life was many years ago at the various museums. You can also do a self-guided Anatomy of a Murder or historic Ishpeming tour. You can find free brochures for these at the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce. You could also head down to the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, the second oldest Carnegie Library in the U.P. The Michigamme Community Library is another option, and they’re even open 24 hours! 

End your day in the West End by winding down with some pizza. Being the Self-proclaimed Pizza Capital of the U.P., and all, we have a few places to choose from 😉
 
There you have it! That’s my ideal rainy day in the West End, though I’d have to say that this sounds like a great day no matter the weather. How do you like to spend your rainy day?