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Crystal Falls is located in the county seat of Iron County. As of the 2000 census the city’s population was 1,791. The community got its name from the falls on the Paint River. This city is still growing from the first settler’s shacks to a picturesque residential community.
The area for the town first developed as a major place for iron mining and the timber industry. Now the town is a popular place for tourism. By the year 1890 the city had grown to a population of 3,231. The town built a dam and electrical power plant on the Paint River. The plant provides a portion of the town electricity used by the residents to this day. It helps keeps the electric rates lower and most communities. The city operates their own cable TV system since 1958. There have been recent upgrades to allow expansion.

April of 1992, Crystal Falls discovered a giant fungus, Armillaria bulbosa, in a new by forest. This fungus covered more than 30 acres and had a total mass estimated to 100 tons. When the fungus was found it was made to believe it was the oldest living organism on earth, as well as the largest. Mastodon Township also had some of this fungus, but Crystal Falls adopted the tourist attraction. The city also holds and annual Hummungus Fungus Fest.
The Iron County Court House graces the west end of Superior Ave in the city. Superior Ave is the main business section of the city and runs straight down the river. The memorable Court House was built in 1890, and is also known as “The Jewel of Iron County”.

In 2003 Paint River Hills Campground was built. It sits on 36 acres on scenic bluffs along the river. The camp ground offers a clean, modern shower building, 5 fully insulated sleeping cabins, four FHU RV pull through sites, 12 RV sites and 12 tent sites. Within the campground there are scenic and unusual hiking trails through the cool bluffs. Also in 2003 an Ojibwa wigwam was constructed in the campground. There is also a documentary entitled “Earl’s Wigwam”. The wigwam was produced by Northern Michigan University, the Hannahville Indian School and local Ojibwa Native name Earl Otchingwanigan. You are able to purchase the documentary if you would like. Near the wigwam you will more than likely see deer and turkeys and some other kind of wildlife.

Another place where you can stay while on vacation at Crystal Falls is the Bewabic State Park. This park is on a chain of four lakes. If offers swimming, tennis, canoeing, and fishing. You can either walk or drive to the nearest lake within the campground. Pentoga Lake is the lake that is more used than any of the other lakes. The canoeist would like the lake that has the 40 acres of state land. On this lake you are able to set up camp informally if you would like. To get a map of the third lake all you have to do is ask the people working in the office.

After enjoying the warm weather of summer in Crystal Falls, come back in the fall for hunting season. Iron County has been known for providing excellent hunting for grouse and woodcock. Deer season open October 1st of each year, which brings archers from near and far. No matter if you are hunting with a longbow or a recurve bow, you have a good chance in taking home a trophy buck in the earliest part of the season. Gun season opens on November 15th for hunting whitetail deer. Believe it or not, most schools close on opening day because many won’t show up anyways. The town is always in “blaze orange” and visitors come in from everywhere to try their shot at the game. The county is usually found among the leaders in number of deer and number of trophy bucks taken home. Another animal that is popular to hunt is the bear. Large bears have been seen all over the county as they are getting ready to nap during the long cold winter. The only thing with bear hunting is the regulations change from year to year so if you are coming to Crystal Falls to hunt bear, make sure to check the regulations first. If you love to hunt Crystal Falls is the place for you to go!

If you are a fisherman, be sure to come to Crystal Falls in February for the Fisheree Tournament. This happens the last weekend in February, and it is a tradition that most of the locals look forward to all year round. After the Fisheree don’t just go home, enjoy the snow. Jump on your snowmobile and enjoy the 250 miles of carefully groomed trails. Another fishing tournament take place in July is the Annual Bass Festival. The Bass Festival take place all weekend long with a parade, k id games and races, volleyball and horseshoe tournaments and much more. This Festival is for the whole family!
Are you a golf player? If sure be sure to visit the challenging nine hole golf course located right in Crystal Falls. The golf course is called Crystal View Golf Course. Its location is on the banks of the Paint River and overlooking the City. As soon as the weather permits, the golf course opens in spring, seven days a week. Monday’s senior citizens are able to golf at a reduced rate, Wednesdays is set aside for men and Thursdays are set aside for women. You are also able to use rental carts and they offer your clubs if you don’t have your own.

Hotels in Crystal Falls, MI:

Cedar-Inn Motel
www.cedarinn.net
(906) 875-6655

Four Seasons Motel
www.fourseasons.com
(906) 875-6596

Michi-Aho Marine
www.michiahoresort.com
906) 875-3514

The Listening Inn
www.thelisteninginn.com
(906) 822-7738

Days Inn Hotels: Iron Mountain
www.daysinn.com
(906) 774-2181

The Falls Motel
www.crystalfallsmotel.com
(906) 875-3100

Chicaugon Lake Builders
www.chicaugonlakeinn.com
(906) 265-9244

americinn Lodge & Suites of Iron River, MI
americinn.com
(800) 396-5007

R Cabins
www.rcabins.com
(906) 542-6995

Skyline Motel
www.upskylinemotel.com
(906) 292-5556

Registering a snowmobile or need a trail pass? Click here

Check the latest trail conditions here

For the official Crystal Falls, MI site, click here.