Gogebic County

Gogebic County is a county in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Located along the Wisconsin border and the southern shore of Lake Superior, the county is known for its mining heritage, forests, waterfalls, winter recreation, and outdoor tourism.

The county seat is Bessemer, while Ironwood is the largest city and principal economic center.

Gogebic County was established in 1887 during the height of the Upper Peninsula's iron mining boom.

The county's development was closely tied to the discovery of iron ore deposits within the Gogebic Iron Range, which attracted miners, railroads, and industrial investment from across North America.

Communities such as Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield grew rapidly during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as mining became the dominant industry.

Although large-scale mining declined during the twentieth century, tourism, healthcare, forestry, and recreation emerged as major economic sectors.

Mining played a central role in the county's growth and development.

Historic industries included:

• Iron ore mining
• Railroad transportation
• Timber production
• Industrial manufacturing

The Gogebic Iron Range was among the most productive iron-producing regions in the United States during its peak years.

Today, mining remains an important part of local history and identity.

Gogebic County occupies Michigan's westernmost county along Lake Superior.

Major geographic features include:

• Lake Superior shoreline
• Gogebic Range
• Black River Valley
• Presque Isle River
• Ottawa National Forest
• Numerous inland lakes

The county contains extensive forests, rivers, and recreational lands.

• Bessemer
• Ironwood
• Wakefield

• Marenisco

• Bessemer Township
• Erwin Township
• Ironwood Township
• Marenisco Township
• Wakefield Township
• Watersmeet Township

Major industries include:

• Tourism
• Healthcare
• Forestry
• Government services
• Outdoor recreation
• Small business
• Manufacturing

Winter recreation and outdoor tourism contribute significantly to the county's economy.

Gogebic County is among Michigan's premier outdoor recreation destinations.

Popular activities include:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowmobiling
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Hiking
• Camping

The county receives some of the highest annual snowfall totals in the Midwest.

Notable winter recreation destinations include:

• Big Powderhorn Mountain
• Blackjack Mountain
• Indianhead Mountain
• Mount Zion Ski Hill

These facilities attract visitors from throughout the Great Lakes region.

Protected lands within Gogebic County include:

• Ottawa National Forest
• Black River Scenic Byway
• State forests and recreation areas

These lands support tourism, conservation, and outdoor recreation.

Major transportation routes include:

• U.S. Highway 2
• U.S. Highway 45
• M-28
• Gogebic-Iron County Airport

The county serves as an important gateway between Michigan and Wisconsin.

Educational institutions include:

• Gogebic Community College
• Ironwood Area Schools
• Bessemer Area Schools
• Wakefield-Marenisco School District

Educational services support communities throughout western Upper Michigan.

• Lake of the Clouds
• Black River Harbor
• Bond Falls
• Big Powderhorn Mountain
• Ottawa National Forest

Gogebic County is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners and provides county services including:

• Law enforcement
• Courts
• Public health
• Emergency management
• Property records
• Community services

County offices are located in Bessemer.

• Ironwood
• Bessemer
• Ontonagon County
• Iron County
• Upper Peninsula

• United States Census Bureau
• Gogebic County Government
• Michigan History publications
• Ottawa National Forest
• State of Michigan records

counties upper_peninsula gogebic_county ironwood bessemer gogebic_range