Hurley, Wisconsin

Overview

Recently called the Snow Capital of Wisconsin, the city of Hurley is known for a myriad of things. The county seat of Iron County has more than 200 miles of all-terrain vehicle trails, a wide share of the Lake Superior, and several spring and summer waterfalls. This plus the best bar burgers, Italian restaurants, great steakhouse, and sparkling nightlife make Hurley an extremely cool place. Its warm welcome through a variety of chalets, homes, and other lodging options keep the balance throughout the year.

Tourist Attractions

A quick glance of Hurley’s geography gives outdoor enthusiasts a lengthy idea of what the city can offer. Hurley is flanked by over a million acres of national forests and almost 400,000 acres of forest land. Its neighbors are the Porcupine Mountain State Wilderness, the Ottawa National Forest, the Apostle Island National Lake Shore, and the Chequamegon National Forest. This and more make it the ideal headquarters for an unparalleled wilderness adventure. Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, is an excellent place to cool down during humid summer months. The surrounding red clay cliffs and sandy beaches are also ideal sightseeing points. Book your Hurley Hotels with Reservations.com.

Things to Do

There are more than 50 waterfalls, two of which offer the greatest descent. The Montreal River serves as an excellent entry point for the most experienced kayak enthusiast. The canoe and kayak route lead guests to the paradise of the north woods. Experts can stream through the Montreal River, which can lead you to a deep and beautiful canyon. Since 80% of the county is made up of forests, hunting is a worthy adventure. Tourists will see occasional bear, elk, moose, and osprey visitors. Game species provide bountiful hunting opportunities. The best snowboarding and downhill skiing in the Midwest can also be found in Hurley. Those who want to indulge in safe snowmobiling may do so in Montreal Bridge, which runs on several crossings.

When to Visit

Hurley is an excellent place for all types of nature lovers throughout the year. In the winter, the city’s powders provide optimal grounds for a variety of snow sports. During the rest of the seasons, Hurley offers several water sports and hiking activities. On Memorial Day weekend, the city hosts the ATV Hurley Rally. The Red Light Snowmobile Rally and the Pumpkin ATV Rally are both held on the second weekend of October. Thousands of visitors frequent the area just to watch the races. In 2005, Hurley set a Guinness World Record with the most number of participants in the world’s largest ATV parade.

Best Museums

The Iron County Historical Society Museum is one of the best spots for history buffs. Its tower alone is considered as the most prominent edifice in the city’s skyline. Its clock continues to chime as it has done for more than a century. Its three floors are filled with exhibits dedicated on the city’s domestic life, lumbering, and iron mining affairs. The building has been listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings, and has been a key player in the designation of Iron County as one of the state’s Heritage Areas.