After a long period of takeout sales or patio beers we will be re-opening the taproom this week starting Wednesday. We will be re-opening at 25% capacity which should give everyone plenty of space in our 4000 sq. ft. taproom. Those wishing to dine in will be asked to leave their contact information and that they wear a mask when not seated with their party. Groups are limited to 6 people or less. We have 6-packs, growlers, and crowlers to go if that is more your style and the heated patio is always open! Hours are Wednesday 4-8 PM, Thursday 4-8 PM, Friday 4-9 PM, Saturday 12-9 PM, and Sunday 12-7 PM. Visit us for a beer!
Hey there! We have another round of changes to taproom operations here at Cold Iron Brewing. As of today, Wednesday, November 18th we are reduced to to-go only sales for at least the next 3 weeks. Takeout options include growler and crowler fills, 6-packs of Ayer St Amber and Drift North IPA, as well as gift cards and merchandise. As you’d expect, masks are still required when you enter the taproom. We appreciate your support this year and will continue to brew great beer for all of us.
Hey Cold Iron fans! It is that time for another update on the latest happenings here in downtown Ironwood at the world-famous Cold Iron Brewing taproom. As of this week, we are limited to an indoor capacity of 10 people as well as patio seating. The state of Michigan continues to have a mask mandate in place which means you will need to wear a mask to enter the building. Once you are seated you can remove it. Thank you to everyone who has already visited during mask season, you guys are doing a really great job and we continue to feel safe while serving you beer. We are especially excited for October and all of the mask masks that will start to show up, because we can still have fun right?
In other news, blueberries are getting added to Blue Collar Kolsch this week, which means we are one step closer to having our favorite blueberry beer back on tap! Look for this beer in September. For those Drift South Jalapeno fans there is still some of that on tap, however you guys always do a great job of crushing that one and we don’t see it lasting much longer.
Remember Wednesdays are Happy Hour from 3-8 PM, every week. During Happy Hour, pints are $3. Cheers to that!
Hey there Cold Iron fans! It is about time for another update on the latest happenings at Cold Iron Brewing. As of today, Wednesday July 29th, the taproom is operating at full hours. However, starting Friday, July 31st, we will only have patio/outdoor seating and takeout beer. Takeout options include 6 packs, growlers, and crowlers. Check out our homepage or the footer for specific opening and closing times each day. Due to the current Covid-19 status the state of Michigan has a mask requirement in place, so you do have to wear a mask to enter the building and can only stay for a beer if it is consumed on the patio. Our staff is doing everything we can to keep the taproom clean and sanitized, as well as make your visit an enjoyable one. Once you are seated at your table you can drink your beer without having to keep your mask on, that would be awkward. Thanks for your understanding as we adjust our operations throughout the ever-changing coronavirus pandemic.
We installed a crowler machine last month and that bad boy has been spinning off can after 32 oz can. These are perfect for tagging along on your outdoor adventures, especially considering aluminum > glass when playing outside. Our go to crowler fill is a Mosaic Blonde shandy, made with fresh lemonade, but any of the 9 taps are available. We have growlers too and are happy to fill your clean ones. Drift North IPA and Ayer St Amber are available in 6 pack cans to round out the takeout options.
Upcoming beers include: “Peaches & Cream Ale” which goes on tap this week! Also don’t miss this year’s “Ice Out Maple Scotch Ale” which just went on tap last week. This beer was aged in a rye whiskey barrel for 4.5 months and brewed with 100 % Maple Sap.
Pictured below: A snifter of Ice Out Maple Scotch Ale, and a 32 oz. crowler can in the wild near Ironwood.
With so many great hiking, paddling, and biking locations in the Upper Peninsula, we get excited for doing all of those among the fall colors each year. We are currently showing 5-10% in Gogebic County and the Ironwood, Michigan area. Some of the images below give you an idea of what sort of scenes you can expect to see here over the next 2 months. Growlers of Cold Iron beer pair well with all of these adventures, and we love seeing your photos of Cold Iron beer in the wild, so make sure to share them with us!
With so many waterfalls in Gogebic county it can be tricky to nail down the right one to visit when you are looking for a quickie. This short article will get you off to a good start, with our top 5 easiest waterfalls to access near Ironwood.
Interstate Falls (20’) - This waterfall is just across the border in Wisconsin on the Montreal River, a short drive from Ironwood. To get there, head west on US 2 into Wisconsin. Very shortly after crossing the border there will be signs for the falls on the right side of the road. Take your first right and follow the signs a short way down the gravel road to a parking area. About 1/3 miles down a relatively easy trail takes you to a nice viewing area.
Gabbro Falls (40’) - This waterfall is a short drive east of Bessemer on the Black River. Head east on US 2 from Bessemer, taking a left on Black Jack Rd. and following it north until reaching Black Jack ski hill (follow the left bend down the hill). After reaching the large parking area in front of the ski hill, stay left and take the gravel road up the hill, pulling over when you hear the falls a short distance past the utility buildings. The waterfall is less than 100 feet away. Please use caution around the cliffs.
Superior Falls (60’) - Superior Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that drops over 60 feet as the Montreal River makes its final plunge to Lake Superior. Not only is it big, but you park less than 100 feet from a great viewing area. You can find this one by taking highway 122 north from US 2, watching for signs after crossing the river (turn is on the left as you head east). Park near the big silo and follow the fence to the left. You can also walk down the hill to Lake Superior from here, a nice bonus.
Gile Falls (15’) - An often forgotten hidden gem, Gile falls is located in the city of Gile, along the West Fork of the Montreal River. Shortly after exiting the dam at the Gile Flowage, the West Fork twists through a rocky mini-gorge. Scenic at all flows and wild at high flows, this waterfall is less than 15 minutes from downtown Ironwood. To access it, take highway 77 west, heading toward the city of Gile. Take a left on Kokogan street and follow the gravel trails that appear quickly on your right. You’ll hear the river when you get close.
Kimball Falls (10’) - How ‘bout driving up and parking 20 feet from the waterfall at a county park? Kimball Falls is a twisting ledge drop on the West Fork Montreal that falls 10 feet in short sequence, right next to Kimball Park which has light amenities and free camping (did someone say free camping?). Take US 2 west from Ironwood for a few miles until reaching Park Rd. Take a left/head south on Park Rd. You will see signs for the entrance to the park on your right, follow the short road in until you read a dead end at the falls/park/bridge.
These are just a few of the many options you have for great waterfalls near Ironwood, Michigan. If you’ve hit this list and are still looking for more, make sure to check out the Black River Scenic Byway and the Presque Isle River in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park aka “The Porkies”. As with any outdoor adventure, grabbing a growler of Cold Iron beer to bring with is always a great idea!
Our latest creation, Beachside Summer Session Ale goes on tap today, Friday May 17th. Beachside is a crisp drinkable pale ale that comes in at 5.2% abv, perfect for an afternoon at the beach, or an evening at the lake, or sitting around the campfire chatting about ale the things to do in Ironwood. Beachside wants to go with you on all your adventures!
