Runkle Lake Park and Recreation Complex

A pretty, rustic-style park from the 1920s affords swimming on Runkle Lake, barely a mile east of Crystal Falls. A picturesque log shelter overlooks big red pines and a lawn going down to the lake and narrow sand beach. There's a big dock, a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, and a boat launch.

Away from the lake are the sports facilities: tennis courts, ball diamonds, volleyball and basketball courts, and an enclosure with tame deer. Also see "camping."

From M-69 about 1/2 mile east of the Paint River, turn north at sign. Park is just ahead. (906) 875-3051 or in off-season (906) 875-6647. No entry fee. Open from Mem. Day weekend throught Labor Day weekend. Wheelchair access: good for wheelchairs but not paved.

Return to Crystal Falls

CRYSTAL FALLS
POINTS OF INTEREST

Iron County Courthouse. This 1890 courthouse, among Michigan's most memorable, has just been meticulously restored. The courtroom and history room/research area are of special interest. ... more

Downtown Crystal Falls. A classic 1930s WPA post office mural; a 1920s theater with impressive organ; an exceptional sausage shop with takeout sandwiches and soups; a shoemaker/shoe store that's a time trip, a big antique shop; and a pasty/pierogi factory that sells seconds for less. ... more

Harbour House Museum. This unusual cement block house with two-tiered wraparound porch is a local house museum with an outstanding collection of Ojibwa baskets, beaded clothing, and more. ... more

Paint River Boardwalk. Easy access to a beautiful in-town stretch of river ... more

Crystal View Golf Course. A scenic, inexpensive 9-hole course on the steep slope of the Paint River valley, with mature hardwoods framing a grand view of the town ... more

Horserace Rapids. A delightful attraction - not just the rapids but the path twisting around massive boulders among birches and then towering dark pines down to a magical glen. ... more

Runkle Lake Park and Recreation Complex. A mile east of Crystal Falls, this 1920s park has swimming and a beach on Runkle Lake, a log shelter in the pines, a fishing pier, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. ... more

Glidden Lake & Lake Mary Plains Pathway. A swimming beach and 10-mile hiking trail through pine plantations and oak uplands adjoin this 23-site rustic campground ... more

Peavy Pond & Michigamme Reservoir /Wisconsin Electric Power. Fishing, paddling, boating, and primitive camping in wilderness areas are possible at these impoundments with long shorelines and many arms. ... more

Bewabic State Park. The four Fortune Lakes are fishing and birding destinations at this beautiful, uncrowded state park with picturesque CCC projects and a good, sandy beach. ... more

Chicaugon Falls. A mile hike leads to the top of this striking, little-visited waterfall that creates a dramatic deep glen among massive, dark boulders ... more

Margeson Falls. Tough to reach, but the reward is a waterrfall in a striking canyon ... more

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