Hurley Area, Black River Harbor, Wakefield.
BIG POWDERHORN LODGING ASSOCIATION
www.bpla.com Big Powderhorn Lodging Association (800) 222-3131;
250 rooms in various forms of condos and chalets (all with kitchens) and in the lodge are rented through the association; they can accommodate nearly 3,000 people. "Value," lodge, 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, too. The ski resort is about 13 miles to Black River Harbor and a Lake Superior beach with water that's not too cold. The 5 Black River waterfalls are a little closer. There's outstanding mountain biking in this area. Rates vary widely, in winter from $64 for a room in the lodge to $800/night for a 6 bedroom chalet with a view of a couple of the runs. Internet in lobby with internet café. 30% smoking rooms. March, 2008
Two miles north of U.S. 2 between Bessemer and Ironwood. Turn north by the figure of the giant skier. Some handicap-accessible rooms. Children 6 and under free. $25-$40/extra person. Dogs: call.
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 doing it. Sue flies off to her work on the East Coast and Europe from the nearby Ironwood airport. Stan is trying to spend more time in Michigan, so he flies back most weekends to relax with guests. Breakfast is served at the big table in their two-story great room, a room highlighted by a large fieldstone fireplace and view of Big Powderhorn Mountain.
The B&B, with 3 guest rooms, also offers evening beverages and dessert, plus a pantry stocked for tea and snacks. "Car not required," it advertises online. Guests may borrow bikes, showshoes, and cross-country skis. A wood-fired Finnish sauna in a separate cabin is used almost every night. The landscaping by the road and around the gazebo is almost done. The pond is in. It will take awhile for prairie plants to establish themselves.
Stan and Sue want to see tourism in their adopted home go well beyond its mainstay attractions, skiing and waterfalls. They keep on top of area happenings and attractions. Birders, take note: they supply their bird feeders to attract many kinds of birds. Decor includes high-caliber art by Lake Superior artists. Trout fishing is just down the hill at the Black River.
Guest rooms, all with private baths, are $119, $139, and $159. 2 have two-person whirlpools; two also have gas fireplaces. It all makes for a fine romantic getaway for sociable people. Common areas include the great room with its cozy nooks, the loft, a big front porch, and a lower-level game room with fireplace and TV/DVD. On snowmobile trail. Air-conditioned. 24-hour wireless Internet. No smoking inside.
N11485 Hedberg Road 2 miles north of Bessemer and a mile east of Big Powderhorn Ski area. Open year-round. Not suited for children. Handicap access: two first-floor guest rooms. 32" doors. No pets.
BLACK RIVER LODGE
(906) 932-3857
Black River Lodge
(906) 932-3857; blackriverlodge.net
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 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 70' lounge with books and magazines, videos/DVDs to borrow, tables for 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) in 2007 were $55- $174 for rooms and suites sleeping 2-6 are depending on holidays, weekend, weekdays and number of guests. Pay phone in the lobby; office takes messages. Wi-fi internet throughout. 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 $348 on weekends and $59 to $228 on weekdays. 5 units sleep 10, have kitchens, and rent for $199-$348 /night in ski season ($299/Fri & Sat nights, weekdays $228/night). Of these, 4 are attached to the lodge; four are townhouses with fireplaces in a separate building. Substantially reduced rates for weekly or monthly rental. Some CAMPING SITES, with water, electricity, and bath house, are $15/night. No smoking inside. March, 2008
On Black River Road, 8 miles from U.S. 2. Turn north at the sign of the big skier, by Powderhorn Rd. east of Bessemer. Wheelchair accessible: two units. Reserve early. Children: no extra charge. Rates are by the room. Dogs: call.
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. Bed configurations vary; ask about family rooms. Rates for 2 are $40 in summer, $47 in winter, sometimes $69 on prime ski weekends. 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). 2 smoking rooms. March, 2008
On U.S. 2 at the east edge of Bessemer, north side of road. Handicap accessible: no. Children: $5/extra person No pets.
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