History of Downtown Ishpeming

No person in the past was more important to shaping Ishpeming's history than Robert Nelson. In 1869, Mr. Nelson, who can rightly be called the "Father of Ishpeming", purchased the surface rights of the area now known as the original plat of the downtown area from the Iron Cliffs Company for $470. This area was the middle of a large cedar swamp, but Mr. Nelson made the land usable by getting the waste rock from the Cliff Mine and used it as fill. Once filled in, the lots sold rapidly, within 4 months, there were 10 businesses on Division Street and 7 on Main Street. (read more)

Return application to:
    Ishpeming Development Authority
    Director, Dan Mitchell
    119 West Division Street
    Ishpeming MI 49849

Direct questions to (906)486-6853.

A Message From
Gary Nelson, Mayor

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Ishpeming, Michigan a city with a long heritage of mineral extraction and the birthplace of ski jumping in the United States.

Situated just 20 miles from the shores of Lake Superior and abundant salmon, lake trout and other game fish, Ishpeming sits in the middle of great inland lake and stream fishing where there are perch, bass, brook and brown trout, walleye, northern and muskellunge. Local sports shops are more than happy to help you out.

Not into fishing? How about visiting the Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum and experiencing the life of an Iron Miner or walk or bike along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and visit historical sites depicting the history of Iron Mining in this area. Stop at one of the Antique Shops and find that treasure you have been looking for. Afterwards, visit either Lake Bancroft Park of the Al Quaal Recreation area and enjoy a picnic or take advantage of the miles of walking trails and scenic Teal Lake. (read more)

Ishpeming Business Association

Visit the Ishpeming Business Association at ishpemingbusinessassociation.com to find out more about what you can find in Ishpeming!