Is your idea of a fun afternoon pushing your body to its limits and returning home full of mud and ready for a micro-brew? Or do you prefer a leisurely day of treasure hunting followed by an elegant dinner and wine by a fire? It really doesn’t matter, because all great adventurers start at Union Station Depot.
Located at the doorstep of Union Station, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 48-mile, multi-use, year round trail that connects communities and people to the region’s historic sites and human stories. Through a multitude of interpretation methods, we can share the story of the Marquette Iron Range and our 160+ years of mining ore that changed the landscape of Marquette County and the United States.
Described by some as “the most beautiful trail I have ever skied on,” by others as “never dull,” and by a few as “deceptively tough.” One thing, however, remains constant: the beautifully rugged U.P. wilderness that surrounds skiers throughout the course.
The 48 mile race starts in downtown Negaunee, which is the “birthplace” of iron ore in Michigan. The first mile will be a roll-out on pavement, and then the race will hit the dirt as you make your way to Ishpeming. There you will detour through downtown and travel the city streets for another mile. Then you’re back on the trails. The course will roll with the hills as you gradually drop in elevation to Marquette. You will be captivated as you pass by the lakes, rivers, ponds, and wildlife along
Come join us up north in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan for the Red Earth Classic mountain bike race! Be a part of history and support local Michigan mountain bike races.
If you’ve got a sled, you’ll want to park it at Union Station right in the heart of the Upper Peninsula trail system.
