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Cities and Towns in Iron County, Wisconsin

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Founded in 1893, Iron County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Iron County was formed from Ashland and Oneida Counties. The city of Hurley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Iron County has a population of 6,178 and area of 758.17 square miles (1,964 km²).

Map_of_Iron_County_Wisconsin

List of all cities in Iron County, WI alphabetically

  • Gile, WI
  • Hurley, WI
  • Iron Belt, WI
  • Mercer, WI
  • Montreal, WI
  • Saxon, WI
  • Upson, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Iron County, Wisconsin

Hurley

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 3.44 square miles
  • Population: 1,473 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 54534
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 46.4481° N
    • Longitude: 90.1857° W

Location and History

Hurley is the largest city in Iron County and serves as the county seat. It is located near the border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering scenic views of the Northwoods and proximity to Lake Superior. The city was founded in the late 19th century during the iron mining boom, quickly becoming a vibrant community known for its bustling nightlife, with numerous saloons and entertainment venues catering to miners and travelers. The city’s location along the Montreal River made it an important hub for the transportation of iron ore. Over the years, Hurley transitioned from its mining roots to become a center for tourism, particularly for outdoor activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and fishing. Despite the changes, Hurley has preserved much of its historical character, with several early 20th-century buildings still standing.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hurley is home to the Hurley K-12 School, which provides education for the local community. The Iron County Courthouse, a historical building reflecting early 20th-century architecture, is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Another notable site is the Ironwood Memorial Building, which offers insights into the city’s rich history and its ties to the mining industry.

Montreal

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 2.49 square miles
  • Population: 807 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 54550
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 46.4333° N
    • Longitude: 90.2340° W

Location and History

Montreal, Wisconsin, is a small city in Iron County known for its historical significance in the iron mining industry. Established in the early 20th century, Montreal was designed as a company town by the Montreal Mining Company to house the workers of the nearby iron mine. The city’s layout reflects the typical company town model, with uniform houses and a central communal area. Montreal is one of the best-preserved examples of a company town in Wisconsin, with many original structures still intact. The city played a significant role in the mining industry and was home to one of the last operational underground iron mines in the United States, which closed in the 1960s. Today, Montreal is a quiet residential community with a strong historical identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Montreal is part of the Hurley K-12 School District, which serves the educational needs of the area. The city’s most notable landmark is the Hamilton Club, a historic building that once served as a social club for mine managers. The city also features several historical homes that showcase early 20th-century architecture, preserving the legacy of its mining past.

Mercer

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 184.84 square miles (town)
  • Population: 1,407 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 54547
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 46.1706° N
    • Longitude: 90.0623° W

Location and History

Mercer is a town in Iron County, Wisconsin, renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities and its status as a popular destination for fishing and hunting. The town was established in the late 19th century and became known as the “Loon Capital of the World” due to its abundant loon population. Mercer’s history is closely linked to the development of the railroad, which brought settlers and tourists to the area. Over the years, the town has maintained its reputation as a prime location for outdoor activities, particularly fishing and hunting, which continue to be the mainstays of its economy. Mercer’s scenic beauty, with its lakes, forests, and wildlife, makes it a favored spot for nature enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mercer is served by the Mercer School, which offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s most iconic landmark is the Claire d’Loon statue, a 16-foot-tall statue of a loon that stands in the center of town, symbolizing Mercer’s status as the “Loon Capital of the World.” Another significant landmark is the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, a vast reservoir known for its excellent fishing, boating, and wildlife observation opportunities.

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