Iron River

The friendly town of Iron River on US Hwy 2 has a population of about 1135. What makes Iron River special is the vast natural environment with 96 lakes, 12 trout streams, 4 rivers, and a 500-mile system of groomed trails in Chequamegon forest. You can find that wonderful 1970’s family summer home in the woods here, as well as modern luxury estates on private lakes. There is something for everyone. Downtown, too. Many shops and all necessities such as grocery stores and post office are here. Iron River is in the Maple School district.

For many, the call of the wild is more than just a romantic notion — it’s a longing for a simpler, more grounded way of life. And one of the best places to live this kind of life is Iron River.

Named after the river that makes its way through the area before emptying into Lake Superior, the town is surrounded by forests, lakes, streams, rivers, and trails. This makes it an ideal place for those seeking a lifestyle closer to nature without giving up the comforts, amenities, and luxuries of modern living. No surprise, then, that Iron River is gaining attention as an overlooked gem in the Northwest Wisconsin real estate market.

Get to Know Iron River

The town of Iron River is nestled in the northern part of Bayfield County. It has a total area of around 35 square miles and, like many communities in the region, a percentage of this is lakes (roughly 10%).

Iron River feels like it’s very much off the beaten path, but is in fact easily accessible from the rest of the county because of the roads and highways that connect it to other communities. Ashland, for instance, is just under 30 miles to the east. Even closer is Port Wing, which is just over 15 miles north. Other nearby communities include Oulu, Hughes, Delta, Ino, Tripp, and Brule. The closest major cities are Superior — an approximately 39-mile drive west — and, across the state line from it, Duluth.

The town is home to a thriving community of 1,240 (as of the 2020 Census), and many residents have roots in the area that go back generations. Families here also tend to own their homes outright, which paints a clear picture of the town’s stability and commitment to the future.

History Highlights

The town’s story began with the native Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. Historians believe that their discovery and eventual settling of the area was due to the strikingly red water of the river that runs through it. The Ojibwe saw the flow of red water as a medicinal resource they could use and trade.

Fast forward some centuries later, when another natural wonder in the area would again capture attention: the vast rows of pine, red oak, maple, aspen, and birch, undulating as if on a sea of green. These forests would kickstart Iron River’s economic boom in the late 19th century, which would last until early in the next century and was driven largely by the logging industry. Trains ran on tracks crisscrossing the area to haul timber and workers several times a day, spurring the establishment of several mills that would soon pepper the landscape.

These mills were largely abandoned once Iron River’s logging boom dried up, but some are still standing as a reminder of the town’s history.

Iron River Today

Once the town’s logging industry started in earnest, more eyes turned to the area and what was perhaps not visible from a train window soon enough became clear: Iron River’s vast swathes of mixed forests are home to an array of wildlife that includes wolves, black bears, deer, cougars, turkeys, martins, loons, swans, falcons, finches, and several types of hawks and foxes.

Apart from these majestic creatures that call Iron River home, the town is also famous for its produce, especially blueberries, which plump up in the area’s rich forest soil.

Within the state, Iron River is known for its schools. The Maple School District provides a solid education through two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school that serve the larger area.

Iron River, WI Real Estate

There’s room in the Iron River, WI real estate market for everybody — it’s all just a matter of finding what works best for you.

In keeping with the small-town vibe, you’ll find mostly single-family homes for sale in Iron River, WI, and there are still plenty of options as well when it comes to land.

The housing stock is a mix of older and newer houses with architectural styles leaning towards the traditional. You can easily spot Iron River’s logging past in its many homes that have a traditional or rustic look, including front gable and side gable styles as well as one and two-story cubes.

Log cabins are popular here, along with bigger houses that use natural materials like wood and brick to fit in with the beautiful surroundings. Such homes often have large porches, imbuing them with a warmth that harkens back to simpler times. And as far as value goes, it’s typically the town’s lakefront cabins and homes that sit atop the list.

If you’d rather have a blank canvas to bring your dreams to life, that won’t be a problem in Iron River. Land here is plentiful. Options range from smaller plots closer to town to deeply wooded, multi-acre tracts, quite a few of which also have lake access.

General housing market trends

Unconnected as it is to a larger metropolitan area, the Iron River, WI real estate market has remained relatively stable over the years. Home prices have climbed steadily but there have been no major jumps or dips or any of the more unnerving fluctuations you’ll experience in larger, more urban areas.

Living in Iron River, WI

Many of those who eventually decide to invest in Iron River, WI real estate were initially drawn to the region’s natural beauty. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for outdoor activities in the US, especially one that accommodates all four seasons so well. Hunting, fishing, hiking, offroading, boating, and snowmobiling, among others, keep most of the residents out and about all year.

But outdoor excitement isn’t enough to create the kind of thriving community that Iron River has. For that, you need the people of Iron River and the welcoming environment they’ve created. It’s something you have to experience for yourself to understand fully, but this primer should give you a better idea of your day to day life here.

Climate

This is a town for people who enjoy seasons. Not one season, not two, but all of them.

Like the rest of the state, Iron River enjoys a four-season climate. In summer, the days are warm with average highs in the 70s, while nighttime cools down to the 50s, making it a great time for picnics and hikes. Fall brings crisp air with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, perfect for enjoying the beautiful tree colors. Winter can be quite cold, with the lowest temperatures hovering near zero, ideal for winter sports or cozy indoor activities. Then, as spring arrives, daytime temperatures warm up to the 50s, and nights are in the low 30s, nudging wildflowers to bloom.

Iron River residents make the most out of each season. Areas near Lake Superior also experience so-called lake effects and can be cooler in the spring and summer and warmer in the fall and winter.

Economy and Cost of Living

Over the years, the cost of living in Iron River has remained consistently lower than the national and state averages, making it a relatively affordable place to live.

Most jobs are in the accommodation and food services, construction, educational services, and healthcare industries. There are several small companies and businesses both in and around Iron River that contribute significantly to the town’s economy. These include schools, motels, retail stores, bars, and restaurants.

Education

Iron River punches well above its weight when it comes to schooling, making the small town one of the best for families with school-age children in the state of Wisconsin.

The Maple School District is part of one of the most highly ranked districts in the state; it’s also above-average even when measured against nationwide metrics. The district operates Iron River Elementary School, Northwestern Middle School, and Northwestern High School, and serves communities in both Bayfield and Douglas counties. It also operates the Tiger’s Den Child Care Center in nearby Poplar for children 5 to 13 years of age. The student-teacher ratio tends to be low, and community involvement is high.

The town also has a public library on Main Street, the Evelyn Goldberg Briggs Memorial Library, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from summer reading challenges to storytime to workshops.

Transportation

Driving is the main mode of transportation in Iron River; it is well-connected to major highways, allowing for easy access to the nearby villages and cities. For public transportation, there are bus and shuttle services from the Bay Area Rural Transit (BART).

Dining and shopping

Shopping isn’t exactly what Iron River is known for, but you’ll have no problem getting what you need in town. Iron River Foods and Jim’s Meat Market are two of the best grocery stores in town, while small, locally owned boutiques such as This Old Bunkhouse and The Fig Leaf Store should get you squared away on clothing, home decor, and other essentials.

As for dining, you’ll want to get familiar with Main Street and Highway 2 quickly; that’s where the best spots are. Standouts include the trusty Iron River Pizza Parlor, The Rustic Roost, which showcases the best meats and produce in the area, and, if you’re looking for a real local experience, Liquor in the Woods Saloon.

The Outdoors

There are plenty of woods, lakes, trails, and campsites throughout Iron River and Bayfield County. Moon Lake Park & Campground is a great place to start your adventure. It’s popular with both visitors and locals, which is always a good sign. Located just 20 miles from Lake Superior, the park features a swimming beach, a boat ramp, RV sites, and many picnic tables. There are also hiking trails nearby, along with the Tri-County Recreational Corridor.

Covering the area used by the railroads during the logging boom, The Tri-County Recreational Corridor is shared by Bayfield, Ashland, and Douglas counties. This is where thrill-seekers get their kicks snowmobiling, bicycling, running, and ATV riding.

The Pike Chain of Lakes is also a must-visit. Aside from the usual lake activities, the North Country National Scenic Trail is close by, where local wildlife can be spotted. Birds, in particular, are drawn to the area, as it is a major migratory path. Birdwatchers, hunters, and photographers all come here to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

Attractions and events

Despite its laidback vibe, Iron River always has something going on. Ease your way in with the locals by going to these two beloved events:

The Blueberry Festival is held in Moon Lake Park every July. Iron River gained some fame early on as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” It may no longer hold that title, but the festival remains to be a heartwarming (and delicious!) celebration of this local treasure.

Iron River is also famous for hosting the Bayfield County Fair every August. This four-day event is a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike and features agricultural exhibits, rides, games, music, and delicious fair food.

Start Exploring Iron River, WI Real Estate Today

Finding the right home in a small town like Iron River can be a bit tricky, as there are various factors to consider, particularly if you’re interested in a waterfront property.

That’s where Broad Street Brokers come in. If you need a Realtor who knows Iron River, WI inside and out, link up with our team. We’ve got 40 years of combined experience in the local market, so we know what works here and what doesn’t. All that’s left is for you to tell us what you’re looking for!

Drop by our office located at 39 S Broad Street in Bayfield, right across from the Chamber building, to get started on finding your dream home in Iron River. You can also call us at 715.779.3220, send us an email, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.