Penokee Iron Range and Gile Flowage

Iron county was named for the “red gold” iron ore that was mined in the rugged Penokee Iron Range from the 1880s until the 1960s. The most famous mine in the range was the Montreal Iron Mine – the deepest iron ore mine in the world. Montreal is a true “company town” where many of the houses mirror each other in design. Urban birds are found in these small towns. The Gile Flowage is a 3,384-acre flowage. Waterfowl, Loons and Bald Eagles can be found in the flowage where they nest, feed and rest during migration.

Directions: From Hurley travel west about 3 miles on Hwy 77 through Gile to Montreal where you turn left on Kokogan and then right onto Giles Falls Street. Proceed on street to the overlook of the falls. A bridge crosses the top of the falls and can be accessed by foot. Park in the paved lot.

Gazetteer: Page 96, A-3 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 28, B-1 (10th edition).

Phone: 715/456-2240 (Mercer DNR).

Web Site: Iron Country Heritage Areas

Hours: 24/7.

Nearest Food & Lodging: Hurley, 3 miles east.