Northern Michigan Land Brokers

Gogebic County

Gogebic County

Gogebic County is located in the south-central part of the Upper Peninsula, and neighbors Iron & Ontonagon counties, as well as Wisconsin. As of 2023, it had a population of 14,224, and spans over 1,400 square miles. Gogebic County was organized in 1887, when it partitioned from Ontonagon County. It is one of the four U.P counties that are in the central time zone, and its largest city, Ironwood, has a population of just under 5,000. Some other well known cities within Gogebic County are Bessemer, Wakefield, Watersmeet and Marenisco. Its original name was actually Agogebic, an Ojibwe Native American word of uncertain meaning, but it was shortened to simply Gogebic at some point lost to history. The county has a rich history rooted in the iron mining industry. The discovery of iron ore in the late 19th century led to rapid growth, bringing in immigrants from many different countries and providing a booming local economy. As mining declined in the mid-20th century, the Gogebic County transitioned towards other industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.

Gogebic County has a diverse economic landscape with various industries and employers contributing to its economy. Major employers include Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, which provides critical healthcare services, Gogebic Community College and Jacquart Fabric Products, known for manufacturing Stormy Kromer hats and other outdoor gear. In 2001, Jacquart Fabric Products acquired the rights to produce Stormy Kromer hats, revitalizing the brand and maintaining its production in Ironwood. There are also multiple K-12 school systems throughout.

Gogebic County is a great place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. It is filled with many beautiful, serene areas, and is a fantastic place to get away from more heavily-populated & congested areas. The county boasts the majestic Porcupine Mountains, often referred to as simply "The Porkies," which provide extensive hiking/biking trails, waterfalls, and viewing points. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park spans over 60,000 acres!

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The area's numerous lakes and rivers, including Lake Gogebic and the Black River, offer wonderful opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Gogebic County is also home to the oldest ski jump in the United States, the Copper Peak, which stands as a testament to the area's rich winter sports history. A true winter paradise, the area provides ice fishing, ski slopes & hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails. Gogebic County is also home to the Ottawa National Forest, which spans nearly 1 million acres. Throughout the park there are a number of inland lakes, rivers and waterfalls to explore. With tons of year-round opportunities and many different industries, Gogebic County has some fantastic real estate, and is a perfect place to call home! 

View our current listings in Gogebic County

Additional resources for Gogebic County:

Gogebic County website with courthouse information: http://www.gogebic.org

Health Department: http://www.wupdhd.org

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