Iron County

Iron County is an administrative area in the southwestern Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bordering Wisconsin to the southeast. The county covers approximately 313,700 hectares (775,000 acres) of land, with Crystal Falls serving as its administrative center.

The county was established on April 3, 1885, following growth in iron ore mining and logging operations in the region. These resource industries shaped early settlement patterns and the area's economic development.

Crystal Falls, the county seat, maintains heritage trails that document the industrial past through preserved mining sites and historical buildings. Visitors can see how the communities once centered their lives around extraction and production work.

The area is accessible by highway, and Crystal Falls provides basic services and lodging for visitors. The Upper Peninsula's harsh climate requires proper preparation, especially during winter months.

The name refers to extensive iron ore deposits that fed early railroad operations, with substantial amounts shipped in the first year of rail service. This mineral wealth was central to the region's infrastructure development.

Location: Michigan

Inception: April 3, 1885

Capital city: Crystal Falls

Shares border with: Houghton County, Baraga County, Marquette County, Ontonagon County, Dickinson County, Gogebic County, Florence County, Forest County, Vilas County

Website: https://iron.org

GPS coordinates: 46.21000,-88.51000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23