Whitecap Kayak Company, Steep Creek Outfitters, and Steep Creek Cafe

One of Whitecap's kayak expeditions is a tour of the Apostle Islands.

What had started out as a church project offering summer kayak excursions through Whitecap Mountain Resort has evolved into a tour and teaching company, a café, a large outfitter's store selling camping gear, tents, and related clothing; accessories like roof racks and gear packs; and at the moment four brands of kayaks.

One-day and overnight camping trips, including instruction, explore sea caves and lighthouses of the Apostle Islands (not far away), Lake Superior waterfalls and shorelines, and whitewater kayaking on nearby rivers. Some costs are $110 for a day trip, $275 for a two-day camping trip, and $350 for three days. The excursion season is from June to September. See whitecapkayak.com for details and bios of the enthusiastic crew, headed by an emergency room doctor. He's pastor of the Range Community Bible Church and a 20-year veteran of whitewater paddling.

The in-store café offers wraps ($5.25-$6.35), some rather unusual; sandwiches; soups; and salads ($3.25), including roasted yam and apple, and acorn squash with kale and cannellini beans.

930 E. Cloverland/U.S. 2., west of Kmart, 1 ½ blocks east of Lake, next to Joe's Pasty. North side of road. (906) 364-7336. Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 9-5, Sun closed. Call to confirm in slow seasons. Wheelchair-accessible.
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IRONWOOD
POINTS OF INTEREST

Central Ironwood. Downtown is a shadow of itself during the mining and lumber booms. But visitors can find interesting spots, including the fabulous 1928 Ironwood Theater; the depot museum; a good quilt shop, antiques mall, and food co-op; impressive churches and Victorian homes; and good pizza, pasties, and Italian food. ... more

Dan's Antique Mall . Colorful, rich assortment of interesting things. One of U.P. top antique shops ... more

Fabric Patch. A paradise for quilters, with eclectic selection of fabrics for many tastes ... more

Little Girl's Point and vicinity. On a high Lake Superior bluff, a tucked-away park with swimming beach, camping, boat launch, and long views to the Porcupine Mountains and Apostle Islands. ... more

Stormy Kromer store & tour. Stormy Kromer hats, designed for cold, blowy U.P. days, have become legendary. Here's the company store and how to tour the manufacturing plant ... more

Bald Mountain, Lake Superior Overlook, and the Powers Trail System. Little-known spots with nice views for motorists and mountain bikers ... more

Superior Falls. Little publicized, this thundering 40-foot waterfall in a deep gorge of the Montreal River settles into a quiet pool ... more

Interstate Falls. A couple miles northwest of Ironwood the wide Montreal River plunges 25 feet ... more

Saxon Falls. One of Gogebic's outstanding waterfalls 12 miles north of Ironwood ... more

Whitecap Kayak Company, Steep Creek Outfitters, and Steep Creek Cafe. Interesting shoreline trips for beginners and experienced kayakers alike give a fresh perspective of the region ... more

Ottawa National Forest Supervisor's Office and Book Shop. The place to get good individualized info on this vast forest (almost one million acres) dotted with lakes, rivers, wonderful waterfalls, stretching Champion, Baraga, and Iron River west to Ironwood. ... more

Mount Zion Scenic Overlook. This rock overlook close to Ironwood gives a fine view of surrounding hills, forests, and farms ... more

Depot Antiques & Gifts. In an old railroad warehouse, this unusually appealing shop offer a variety of items old and new, from gourmet foods to vintage toys ... more

Nature's Picks Rock Shop. Owned and run by a seasoned local rockhound, this shop carries rocks and minerals from all over. And you can get advice on where to look locally for interesting rocks ... more

Black Bear Sports. A veteran guide runs this well-stocked outdoors shop, with fishing gear and good advice ... more

Ironwood Memorial Building. A lavish Beaux Arts civic building, recently restored, features stained glass, murals, original light fixtures, and interesting local history exhibits ... more

Scenic back road to Ramsay. A pleasant ride on a country lane through hills and overarching trees and a fine vista ... more

World's Tallest Indian. What did they do to pump up the economy when the mines gave out in the 1960s? Attract tourists by building an 8-ton, 53-foot-high Indian chief and calling him Hiawatha, the "World's Tallest Indian" (actually Maine has a taller one) ... more

Norrie Park. Picturesque 1920s park along the Montreal River with paths through wooded areas and meadows, a fine picnic spot with playground ... more

Mountain biking in Gogebic and Iron counties. One of the country's great mountain biking regions, here's an overview of the vast number of trails in the area ... more

ABR Trails (Active Backwoods Retreat). 600 acres of meticulously groomed ski trails with lodgings, a warming cabin, sauna, and ski shop ... more

Wolverine Nordic Trails. Loops for serious cross-country skiers and mountain bikers from 3k to 7k ... more

Ironwood Wi-fi Hotspot. Ironwood Carnegie Library has wi-fi & public computers (limit ½ hour use). 235 East Aurora ... more

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