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Nestled among numerous bluffs, Bessemer is the county seat of Gogebic County, home to Copper Peak, the world's highest ski-flying structure and the site of several international ski Flying Meets as well as two of the Midwest's premier downhill ski resorts, Big Powerhorn and Blackjack Mountains. Rushing waterfalls line the Black River Parkway which culminates where the Black River empties into Lake Superior.
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Attractions
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Algonquin Falls is technically a rapids or cascades. This area has limited access and is not often visited.
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Black River - The Wild and Scenic River section of the Black River of Gogebic County is known for the many waterfalls produced as the river tumbles down from near Copper Peak to Lake Superior. The river drops more than 200 feet (61 m) over five separate named cataracts beginning 2 miles (3.2 km) from its mouth. The first three named falls (not included in the five mentioned before) are smaller, farther apart, and have limited access. Some of these seven waterfalls are easily accessible from the parallel Black River Road (Gogebic County Route 513) north of Bessemer, while other waterfalls require a more strenuous hike to see. Roadside trails provide access to Gorge Falls and Potawatomi Falls.
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Black River Recreation Area [Wildlife Viewing Area] - U.S. Forest Service Phone: (906) 667-0261. From Bessemer, drive east on US-2 about 1 mile to County Road 513 (Black River Road). Turn left (north) and follow the signs for the Black River Scenic Byway. The scenic Black River corridor is part of the U. S. Forest Service’s National Scenic Byway system. Rolling forested hills, stands of old growth forest, wetlands, waterfalls, and dramatic relief along the river corridor grace this beautiful site. A campground, group shelter, boat ramp, beach, and other developments can be found in Black River Harbor, while much of the rest of this site is rustic and undeveloped. The Black River Harbor is the only harbor facility the Forest Service manages in the United States. Five picturesque waterfalls along the Black River and large vertical bluffs along the Harbor are major scenic attractions of this site. All are accessible from Black River Road. The North Country National Scenic Trail is another excellent way to access the waterfalls and old growth pine/hemlock forest that line the Black River corridor. The North Country National Scenic Trail, when completed, will extend 3,200 miles from New York to North Dakota. For more information contact: North Country Trail Association, P.O. Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349. Bald eagles have nested along the river near the North Country Trail. n addition to being very scenic, the Black River corridor is home to many uncommon and interesting ferns and wildflowers, and songbird viewing is excellent during spring. Watch for red-eyed vireos, hermit thrushes, pine siskins, and least and great crested flycatchers. Gulls, mergansers, and other waterfowl are common at the campground and day-use area beaches along Lake Superior. Merlins have nested near the bluffs and are often observed from the harbor. During spring and fall migrations, the harbor area is an excellent site to observe migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and birds of prey. A songbird trail with interpretive signage that highlights resident breeding birds has been developed from the campground. A songbird interpretive tape that features the trail and resident breeding birds is available from the campground host during summer months.
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Black River Road National Scenic Byway - The Black River Road was named a National Scenic Byway in 1992. The trails to two of the Black River waterfalls, Gorge and Potawatomi falls, have been designated National Recreation Trails due to their unique stairway designs (to provide easier access down the steep slopes) and observation platforms.
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Chippewa Falls Chippewa falls drops nearly 10 feet (3 meters) over boulders and dead tree limbs. This area has limited access and is not often visited.
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Rocky Forty Falls, Siemens Creek, 3.5 miles Northwest of Bessemer.
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Gorge Falls, the Black River constricts to about 7 feet (2 m) across and drops 20 feet (6 m) into a steep gorge, creating masses of foam as the water falls against the rocks below.
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Great Conglomerate Falls is the southernmost (the Black River flows North) of the more publicized falls and the first large waterfall on the river's approach to Lake Superior. The river drops 30 feet (9 m) around a large piece of conglomerate rock, boulders and tree trunks into a deep gorge.
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Heritage Center, 403 South Sophie Street, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 663-4091
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Manakik Falls, Maple Creek, 11 miles Northwest of Bessemer.
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Narrows Falls is technically a rapids or cascades. This area has limited access and is not often visited.
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Potawatomi Falls drops nearly 40 feet (12 m) in two sections around a piece of conglomerate rock, similar to Great Conglomerate Falls.
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Powderhorn Falls
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Rainbow Falls is the northernmost waterfall on the Black River, less than 1 mile from Lake Superior. It is also the highest. Here, the water drops 45 feet (13.7 m) down into a rocky gorge. The waterfall here creates much mist, which, on a sunny day, creates a constant rainbow. The approach to this waterfall is the most strenuous, 200 steps are built on staircases and into the side of the hill, creating a very steep approach.
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Sandstone Falls drops a total of 25 feet (7.6 m) in two sections, a 5 foot initial drop (pictured) and a 20 foot second drop. Sandstone Falls is named for the sandstone rocks along the riverbed that the river has cut channels through.
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Dining Out
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Lodging
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The Abbey, Sellar St., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (262) 524-0781
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Anvil House Bed & Breakfast, N10330 Baraga Rd., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 364-0797
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Big Powderhorn Lodging Association, N11360 Powderhorn Road, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-3100
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Black River Crossing B & B, N11485 Hedberg Road, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-2604
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Big Powderhorn Mountain, N11375 Powderhorn Road, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-4838
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Blatchley Haus, 1611 Hadley St., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-0746
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Bluffs Inn, 707 West Lead Street, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 667-0311
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Christie Lane Lodge, E6342 Christie Lane, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-0800
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Colby House, 501 Colby Hill Rd., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-0746
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Condos of Powdermill Inn, N11330 Powderhorn Road, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-0800
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The Copper House, 205 N. Sophie St., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (800) 822-7768
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Don's Vacation Homes, E 6515 U.S.Hwy 2, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (630) 632-3919
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Mallard Cove & Teal Wing, E6254 Hwy US 2, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-1411
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Michigan Bed & Breakfast Guide, 3980 Curtisville Road, South Branch, Michigan 48761, Phone: (989) 785-0600
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Northern Michigan Cabin & Cottage Rentals, 3980 Curtisville Road, South Branch, Michigan 48761, Phone: (989) 785-0600
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Pozega Ski House, Longyear St., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (517) 321-5802
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Sleepy Hollow, N10621 Powdermill Rd., Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (952) 447-5927
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Traveler's Motel, E U.S. Hwy 2 RR1 Box 21, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 667-0243
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Wingsong, Big Powderhorn Mountain Village, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (715) 453-9067
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Organizations
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American Legion, 209 N Moore St, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 667-0422
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Michigan Retiree Activities Office (RAO) (Military Retirees) , 5671 Skeel Ave., P. O. Box 438, Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Phone: (989) 739-2777
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Veterans of Foreign Wars, 605 W Lead St, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 667-0812
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Outdoors
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Big Powderhorn Mountain, N11375 Powderhorn Road, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-4838
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Black River Harbor Campground, 500 N. Moore Street, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-1330
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Blackjack Ski Resort, N11251 Blackjack Road, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 229-5115
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Bobcat Lake Campground, 500 N. Moore Street, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-1330
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Golfing Michigan, 3980 Curtisville Road, South Branch, Michigan 48761, Phone: (989) 785-0600
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Henry Lake Campground, 500 N. Moore Street, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-1330
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Langford Lake Campground, 500 N. Moore Street, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-1330
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Michigan Paddlesports Directory, 3980 Curtisville Road, South Branch, Michigan 48761, Phone: (989) 785-0600
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Moosehead Lake Campground, 500 N. Moore Street, Otttawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 932-1330
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Pomeroy Lake Campground, County Road 525, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer, MI 49911, Phone: (906) 667-0261
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Services
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Shopping
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Advertisements
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