Iron County

Iron County is an administrative division in northwestern Wisconsin. The landscape features thick forests, numerous lakes, and a rural character that shapes how people live and work across the region.

The county was established in 1893 and grew from a region known for substantial iron ore deposits. Mining shaped the area's economy and settlement patterns for many decades.

The county maintains living connections to Anishinaabe traditions through the Bad River and Lac du Flambeau reservations that occupy parts of its territory. These nations continue to shape the cultural identity of the region today.

Visitors can access the area via U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 51, which connect major communities. Traveling by car is practical, as towns are spread out with open roads between them.

The region is known for extensive freshwater lakes and wilderness areas that draw outdoor enthusiasts from surrounding regions. Despite these natural attractions, it remains one of the least populated areas in the state.

Location: Wisconsin

Inception: March 1, 1893

Capital city: Hurley

Shares border with: Gogebic County, Ashland County, Vilas County, Price County

Website: http://co.iron.wi.gov

GPS coordinates: 46.33000,-90.26000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40