Crystal Falls, city in and county seat of Iron County, Michigan, United States
Crystal Falls is a small city in Iron County in northern Michigan, sitting on a hill with a castle-like courthouse built in 1890 featuring tall windows and stone walls. The streets are lined with old trees and small shops, and the town sits along the Paint River, giving it a picturesque setting.
The city was founded in the late 1800s and takes its name from a waterfall on the Paint River with clear water. Iron mining was the primary industry for many years, later joined by timber, and many veterans settled in the area after wars.
Crystal Falls takes its name from a waterfall on the Paint River where the water once appeared clear as glass. The community keeps its heritage alive through festivals like the Humongous Fungus Fest and local sporting traditions that reflect its mining and immigrant roots.
The city is easily reached by car via US Route 2 or by bus services like Indian Trails from towns such as St. Ignace and Ironwood for daily connections. Winters are cold with heavy snow from November to March, while summers are warm with plenty of rain, so plan your visit and pack accordingly based on the season.
Nearby is the Humongous Fungus, a massive underground fungus called Armillaria bulbosa that spreads across a large area and was discovered in 1992 to possibly be the oldest living thing on Earth. The city celebrates this natural wonder with the Humongous Fungus Fest, drawing visitors interested in this extraordinary phenomenon.
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