North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge

I recently rolled into Black River Lodge, part of North Ironwood Acres (April 24-25 2025), still debating whether I should have taken the safe motel option in Ironwood. But the moment I opened the door and was greeted by name by Brittney who with her husband Justin runs the lodge, I knew I was in the right place! She made check-in feel less like a transaction and more like being welcomed into a family cabin, just one that happens to sit on 65 acres of towering pines and quiet trails. Settling in - My room—Trail’s End, king #28, wasn’t fancy, but it was spotless and thoughtfully stocked: a fridge big enough for groceries, a microwave to reheat leftovers, and a solid coffee maker for my morning coffee. The bed was comfy, clean fresh sheets and towels and a mini fireplace heater to warm me up on a chilly night in the U.P. That first night I cracked the window and listened to two owls volleying calls through the trees. By sunrise a pair of deer were nosing around just beyond the parking lot. It’s hard to beat wildlife as an alarm clock. You're not going to find this at a chain hotel in town. Evening rhythms - After a day of waterfall hopping (Potawatomi falls, Sandstone falls , and Rainbow falls are all a short drive from North Ironwood Acres), I wandered the lodge’s gaming area with vintage pool tables, foosball, darts, before poking my head into the bar. Think polished Formica, plaid stools, low lighting, and the faint soundtrack of 1970s Northwoods vacations. I didn’t stay for a drink, but the vintage bar space alone felt worth the peek. Scattered throughout the corridors are little sitting areas with couches and board-games—perfect for reading, hanging out with family, planning the next hike, or streaming a movie on the refreshingly fast Wi-Fi (my speed test topped 100 Mbps). A base for real wandering - Black River Lodge turned out to be an ideal launchpad for my adventures in the area. One afternoon I drove fifteen minutes up the road to Little Girls Point on Lake Superior, filled my pockets with agates, watched an outrageously pink sunset, and was back at the lodge before darkness and star filled skies swallowed the county road. I'm so happy I decided not to stay at the chain hotel on a busy road in town. Food & practical bits - There’s no restaurant, so bring groceries or hit Ironwood’s cafés and restaurants. Community grills and picnic tables dot the property, and several condo-style units have full kitchens. My room ran about $100 a night—less than most roadside options and a lot more atmosphere and historic character. New Ironwood RV Campground opening in May 2025 - Stargazers U.P. Campground - Part of North Ironwood Acres - During an after-dinner stroll I wandered into Brittany and Justin’s newest project: Stargazers Campground which they told me has a grand opening in May. Twenty-five brand-new RV sites, each with full hookups (power, water, sewer), with a small pond for fishing and paddling and the RV campground is

Beautiful room! Brittany is wonderful. She gave us a list of places to eat and recommended nearby waterfalls. Very clean place. They even have dishes in the room along with a microwave and refrigerator. We will definitely come back. Very peaceful here.

This was our first visit to Black River Lodge, but it won't be our last. The lodge is comfortable, with many amenities for travel up north, and the hosts Justin and Brittany couldn't have been more accommodating. It's a great place to relax, unplug and enjoy the western U.P.