Bessemer Lodgings

BIG POWDERHORN LODGING ASSOCIATION
(906) 932-3100 (condos); (906) 932-4838 (lodge and ski hill)
Nearly 3,000 rooms in various forms of condos and chalets (all with kitchens) are rented through the association. "Value," premium, or ski-out units—it's very hard to generalize; best check the web site. There's a big indoor pool in the center of this far-flung development. The resort is done up in a generally Alpine style. In summer expect a good deal on rates. You should have a lot to choose from. The ski resort is about 13 miles to Black River Harbor and a Lake Superior beach with water that's not too cold. The five Black River waterfalls are a little closer. There's outstanding mountain biking in this area. Rates vary widely, in winter from $90 for a one-bedroom apartment to $800/night for a 6-bedroom chalet with a view.

POWDER HOUND LODGE
(906) 932-4303; (855) 270-7937
This lodge with 11 guest rooms used to be the Christie Lane Lodge, a ski hill activity center at the base of Big Powderhorn Mountain. Chris and Anne Reimer of Minneapolis have turned it into a guest lodge, open year-round to groups and to individuals during ski season. (In 2013 they plan to host individuals year-round too.) It's a short walk to the Caribou Restaurant and bar. A complimentary shuttle goes to the slopes. There's a very large rec room with fireplace, pool table, big-screen TV, and loft/game area. It and the adjoining heated deck with bar and grills have fine views. Outdoor hot tub. Bonfire pit. Room sizes vary. Six have shared decks. Rates are $99/weekday, $125 weekend, $25/extra person. Coffee and bakery, but no breakfast at the time. Anne is an adaptive ski instructor—and organizes Antarctic expeditions. Chris, a builder/preservationist, is happy to spend time back in the north woods near his hometown of Eagle River, Wisconsin. He intends to offer guided snowmobile tours.

BLACK RIVER CROSSING B&B
(906) 932-2604; BlackRiverCrossing.com
Computer consultants Stan and Sue Carr designed their spectacular log country home to share with guests, and they obviously love playing host. Sue flies off to her work on the East Coast and in Europe from the nearby Ironwood airport. Stan flies back most weekends to relax with guests. Breakfast is served at the big table in their two-story great room with a view of Big Powderhorn Mountain. Evening brings beverages and dessert. Tea and snacks are in the pantry. Guests may borrow bikes, kayaks, showshoes, and cross-country skis. A wood-fired Finnish sauna in a separate cabin is used almost every night. Bird feeders attract many species. There's a pond and two waterfalls next to a screened gazebo and other sitting areas. Trout fishing is just down the hill at the Black River. The 3 guest rooms, all with private baths, are $149, $199, and $199. Two have two-person whirlpools. Two have gas fireplaces. Decor includes high-caliber art by Lake Superior artists. It's a fine romantic getaway for sociable people. Common areas include the great room with cozy nooks, the loft, a big front porch, and lower-level TV and exercise rooms with fireplace and TV/DVD. Air-conditioned. WiFi.

BLACK RIVER LODGE
(906) 932-3857
This small, informal lodge, aimed at families and groups, has a rustic feel and friendly, casual atmosphere. It's on 65 acres in a pretty, undeveloped rural setting, just a few miles from the Black River waterfalls, Black River Harbor beach, Big Powderhorn ski area, and Copper Peak Ski-Flying Hill. Geared to skiing, it's a summer bargain and an outstanding family vacation headquarters.
Morning coffee and a free continental breakfast are available in the big lobby with fireplace and seating. (The dining room is only open for catered events.) Other common areas include a deck, an indoor pool (54' x 22') with a small sitting area, whirlpool, and hot tub; and a large lounge with books and magazines, DVDs to borrow, tables for card games. The game room has video games, pool, foosball, darts, and a jukebox. Outside are picnic tables, volleyball, a playground, occasional bonfires, plus trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. The 20 lodge units vary greatly in size. Off-season rates (from the end of ski season to Dec. 1 until Christmas): $55- $174 for rooms and suites sleeping 2-6, depending on holidays, weekend, weekdays and number of guests. Pay phone in the lobby; office takes messages. TV (poor reception) and many videos to rent for a nominal fee. All units are air-conditioned. Rates in high season vary from $72 to $364 on weekends and $59 to $228 on weekdays. Five units sleep 10, have kitchens, and rent for $240-$364/night in ski season. Of these, 4 are attached to the lodge; 4 are townhouses with fireplaces in a separate building. Substantially reduced rates for weekly or monthly rental. WiFi internet in some rooms and the main lobby.

TRAVELER'S MOTEL
(906) 667-0243
Among modest, older ma-and-pa motels this well-maintained 12-unit motel on Bessemer's east edge stands out for lots of little reasons. Owners Donna and Mike Maslanka have steadily remodeled rooms with contemporary furniture and a bright, cheerfully woodsy look. All rooms have mini-fridges, phones, Wi-Fi internet, and 75-channel cable TV. Families like 2 adjoining rooms. Rates for two are $44 in summer, $49 in winter, sometimes $69 for winter holidays. Picture windows look out to ranges of hills. The motel is set back from the highway, with picnic tables on the lawn. A side street connects with neighborhood streets for walkers and joggers. A minute away is a picturesque roadside park with wildflowers—a place where the hills really do seem to sing. It's called "Memory Lane," and there's a good view from the ridge top (no real trails).

Return to Bessemer