Cities and Towns in Gogebic County, Michigan
Founded in 1887, Gogebic County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Gogebic County was formed from part of Ontonagon County. The city of Bessemer is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, Gogebic County has a population of 14,361 and area of 1,476 square miles (3,823 km²).
List of all cities in Gogebic County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bessemer, MI | 49911 | 906 |
| Ironwood, MI | 49938 | 906 |
| Marenisco, MI | 49947 | 906 |
| Merriweather, MI | 49947 | 906 |
| Ramsay, MI | 49959 | 906 |
| Wakefield, MI | 49968 | 906 |
| Watersmeet, MI | 49969 | 906 |
Major Cities and Towns in Gogebic County, Michigan
1. Ironwood
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 6.38 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,045 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49938
- Latitude: 46.4547° N
- Longitude: 90.1710° W
Location and History
Ironwood, the largest city in Gogebic County, is located in the western Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border. Founded in 1885, Ironwood grew rapidly due to the discovery of rich iron ore deposits in the Gogebic Range. The city was named after James Ironwood, a prominent early settler and businessman. Ironwood became a bustling mining town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the arrival of railroads further boosting its growth. After the decline of the iron mining industry, the city transitioned into a center for outdoor recreation and tourism, thanks to its proximity to ski resorts, lakes, and forests.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ironwood is served by Ironwood Area Schools, with Luther L. Wright High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks include the Historic Ironwood Theatre, a restored 1928 vaudeville and movie palace that now hosts concerts, plays, and other performances. Copper Peak, located just outside the city, is the only ski flying hill in the Western Hemisphere and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Downtown Ironwood features beautiful murals, art galleries, and historical buildings. The Miners Memorial Heritage Park pays homage to the city’s mining heritage with trails and interpretive displays. Mt. Zion Ski Hill provides year-round recreation, including skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
2. Bessemer
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 5.48 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,805 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49911
- Latitude: 46.4811° N
- Longitude: 90.0522° W
Location and History
Bessemer, located just east of Ironwood along U.S. Route 2, was founded in 1884 and named after Sir Henry Bessemer, the British inventor of the Bessemer process for steelmaking. Like its neighboring cities, Bessemer flourished during the iron mining boom of the late 19th century. The rich iron ore deposits in the Gogebic Range attracted settlers, and the construction of railroads facilitated the transport of ore. Bessemer quickly developed into a thriving mining town. Today, Bessemer retains much of its historical charm while offering access to outdoor recreation, including skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bessemer is served by Bessemer Area School District, with A.D. Johnston High School as the primary school for local students. Key landmarks include Ethnic Commons Park, which celebrates the diverse immigrant communities that shaped the town’s history. The Bessemer City Hall, a historic building, houses the Bessemer Historical Society Museum, which explores the city’s mining heritage. Blackjack Ski Resort and Big Powderhorn Mountain are both located nearby, offering premier skiing opportunities in the winter. Bluff Valley Park provides picnic areas and trails for year-round recreation. The annual Bessemer Fourth of July Celebration is one of the biggest in the region, featuring parades, fireworks, and family events.
3. Wakefield
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 7.94 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,702 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49968
- Latitude: 46.4750° N
- Longitude: 89.9414° W
Location and History
Wakefield, located along the shores of Sunday Lake, was founded in 1884 during the iron mining boom of the Gogebic Range. Named after George Wakefield, who was instrumental in developing the mining industry in the region, the town quickly grew as a mining center. The arrival of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway helped spur the town’s development by connecting it to larger markets. Like many other towns in the region, Wakefield’s mining industry declined in the mid-20th century, but the town has transitioned into a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts due to its beautiful lakes and forests.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wakefield is served by the Wakefield-Marenisco School District, with Wakefield-Marenisco High School providing education for the local community. Sunday Lake, located at the heart of the city, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming, with Sunday Lake Park offering picnic areas, a playground, and walking trails. The Wakefield Historical Museum preserves the city’s mining history, while the Indianhead Mountain Resort nearby offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, a short drive from Wakefield, is one of Michigan’s premier destinations for hiking, camping, and scenic overlooks.
4. Watersmeet
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.06 square miles
- Population: Approximately 437 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49969
- Latitude: 46.2708° N
- Longitude: 89.1750° W
Location and History
Watersmeet is located in the southern part of Gogebic County, near the Wisconsin border. The community was established in the late 19th century, and its name reflects the confluence of several rivers in the area, including the Ontonagon and Middle Branch Rivers. Watersmeet became a key location for logging and the railroad industries, benefiting from its natural resources and strategic location. The area is home to the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and their presence has had a significant cultural impact on the community. Today, Watersmeet is known for its outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, and access to the Ottawa National Forest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Watersmeet is served by Watersmeet Township School District, with Watersmeet High School as the main educational facility. Major landmarks include the Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center, which offers information on the vast forest’s trails, wildlife, and history. Lac Vieux Desert Lake, located nearby, is a favorite spot for fishing and boating, and the Lac Vieux Desert Resort & Casino is a key attraction for both locals and visitors. The Paulding Light, a mysterious light phenomenon seen near Watersmeet, attracts paranormal enthusiasts from around the country. The annual Watersmeet Fishing Tournament celebrates the area’s rich fishing heritage and draws anglers from across the region.
5. Marenisco
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 325.82 square miles (township)
- Population: Approximately 254 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49947
- Latitude: 46.3869° N
- Longitude: 89.6931° W
Location and History
Marenisco, a township located in the eastern part of Gogebic County, was founded in the late 19th century as a logging community. The town’s name is derived from “Marina” and “Cisco,” referring to nearby Lake Gogebic and Cisco Lake, which were critical for the logging industry. Marenisco thrived during Michigan’s lumber boom, with vast tracts of forest providing ample resources for sawmills. Today, Marenisco is a quiet, rural community known for its natural beauty, including access to the Ottawa National Forest and several pristine lakes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marenisco is part of the Wakefield-Marenisco School District, with students attending Wakefield-Marenisco High School. Landmarks in Marenisco include Lake Gogebic, the largest inland lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. Presque Isle River, running through the Ottawa National Forest, is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Gogebic State Park offers camping and trails with scenic views of the lake. The Marenisco Township Hall is a center for local events and gatherings. Summers at Lake Gogebic often bring fishing tournaments and boating events, drawing visitors to this peaceful region.