Downtown Ironwood

A.  Old Depot Park Museum:  The Chicago Northwestern Railroad Depot, constructed in 1892, was the center of activity during the iron mining boom days on the Gogebic Range until 1966.  The sandstone and brick structure in the Richardson and Romanesque styles is distinguished with walls of rockfaced masonry with arches and lintels.  The building in process of restoration, houses the Ironwood Historical Society and the Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce. (Location:   On Business 2, in Ironwood's Downtown.)

B.  Kuitunen Park:  Kuitunen Park, located next to the Ironwood Area Depot Park, is a place to rest, put up your feet, and enjoy the fountain water displays.  Flowering species of shade trees among a mix of other varieties provide a romantic spot to get away from it all.  The park was established by the late Dr. Emil Kuitunen who loved nature and resided adjacent to the park property. (Location: On Business Route 2 near the Old Depot Park.)

C.  Downtown Pocket Park:  Located in the center of the Ironwood downtown district, the Pocket Park provides a colorful and peaceful retreat for relaxation.  Displays of spring flowering Dutch bulbs, perennials, and annual flowers contribute to the ever-changing landscape of the gardens.  A waterfall adds the sounds of tumbling water.  Selected tree and shrub species contribute to the vertical scale of the bermed plantings.  Take your camera along for colorful photographs.   (Location:  Take Business 2 into Ironwood from either Hwy 51 while in Hurley, WI or follow the downtown signage from US Hwy 2 to Business Route US 2.)

D. Carnegie Library:  The oldest Carnegie Library in the State of Michigan, was built in Ironwood, Michigan at a cost of $15,000.  Since the opening, the library has been made handicapped accessible and computerized to include an automated circulation system.  Periodicals and newspapers are available for daily reading.  (Location:  Corner of Aurora and Norfolk Streets in downtown.)

E.  Ironwood Memorial Building:  The Ironwood Memorial Building is one of the few American memorials dedicated to the memory of our war dead.   The 1922 structure of Greek Ionic design was built to honor Ironwood servicemen and women of World War I.  Service personnel from other wars are also listed on brass tablets in the main lobby.  The showplace was built at a cost of a half million dollars in 1922.  Tennessee marble wainscot and murals decorate the lobby.  The main foyer leading to the auditorium is designed with a vaulted ceiling.  The intersection of the walls provide lunettes displaying history and industries of the Gogebic Range.  A collection of historic stained glass windows depicts the major battles of World War 1.  An 8 foot cast bronze doughboy statue is the central attraction in the lobby of the building.  The living memorial houses the American Legion Post #5 club rooms, the Ironwood Women's Club and the city offices.  The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.  (Location:   Intersection of McLeod Avenue and Marquette Street.)

F.  Historic Ironwood Theatre:  The Ironwood Theatre was built as a movie vaudeville house, opening it's doors in 1929.  The Italian-Renaissance designed structure has recently been restored to it's original splendor including murals depicting Greek mythology that are painted on the dome above the proscenium arch.  A Barton theatre pipe organ was installed to accompany the silent movies of the day.  The organ, with two keyboards produces a variety of orchestral effects.  The theatre is owned by the City of Ironwood and is operated by a volunteer board and volunteers.  A full time director oversees the operation.  Locally produced live community theatre and road shows provide entertainment for the regional audiences.  During the summer on Friday during the noon hour, a 40 minute live show comprised of local talent is presented at a minimal cost.  The business office,  a few doors west of the theatre entrance, hosts a gift boutique.   Tours may be arranged by calling (906) 932-0618.  (Location:  In the heart of downtown on Business Route US 2.  Look for the large Ironwood sign above the marquee.)

G:  Hiawatha:  World's Largest Native American Statue:  The Ironwood Chamber of Commerce purchased a giant Hiawatha statue which was erected in June of 1964.  Since that time, travelers have photographed their children and families sitting on Hiawatha's moccasins.  52 feet tall, his hand extends out 26 feet in a gesture of peace.  (Location:  Follow Suffolk Street from the Pocket Park south up the hill to the Hiawatha Statue Park.)

Old Depot Museum
150 North Lowell
PO Box 45
Ironwood, MI.  49938
906/932-1122 (phone)
906/932-2756 (fax)
email: chamber@ironwoodmi.org

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