Located a short distance from the Wisconsin state line, Norway is a northern Michigan community that offers many things to do throughout the year. Whitewater rafting, downhill skiing, biking, hiking, snowboarding, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, and kayaking are just a few of the outdoor activities you can do in the Norway area.
Piers Gorge
Near Norway, the Menominee River serves as the dividing line between Michigan and Wisconsin, and the rocky, rugged Piers Gorge section of the river is famous for its fast-moving current and class IV-V rapids. Adventurous rafters brave the rapids during the summer, often on guided river tours by companies such as the
Wildman Whitewater Ranch.
On the north side of Piers Gorge, there is a rugged, hilly hiking trail that provides beautiful views of the Menominee River. The hiking trail follows a well-worn path over rocky terrain through wooded areas. The trail is used for snowshoeing in the winter. Along the trail there are wooden markers with pier numbers on them, which correspond to sections of the river and serve as helpful landmarks for determining where you are on the trial. The pier markers go from one to four, stating "First Pier", "Second Pier" and so on. There are two markers that state "Fourth Pier"; one marker is near a grassy area on the eastern edge of the woods, and the other "Fourth Pier" marker is closer to the river's edge. The trees along the trail and river are very colorful in the fall. See the
maps page for a map of the Piers Gorge Trail and some of the river's features.
Kayaking can also be done on the Menominee River. Because of the severity of the rapids near the Second, Third and Fourth Piers of Piers Gorge, paddling near the First Pier provides the safest course on the river.
Norway Trail System
Norway has a mostly paved recreational trail that circles around town, passing through the Norway MYR Wetland Restoration Area, near Marion Park and Hanbury Hieghts Park, and around Strawberry Lake. A spur from the trail follows the route of US-2 west of downtown and ends near the Family Dollar store at Belgium Town Road. The trail is used for biking, walking, jogging, and roller-blading. See the
maps page for the detailed trail routes.
Biking Route
Between Norway and Vulcan, the paved, wide road shoulder along US-2 can be used for cycling. The route passes the Iron Mountain Iron Mine in Vulcan, the Norway Fire Department and Hanbury Heights Park. See the
maps page for the detailed bike route.
Norway Parks
Strawberry Lake Park is located north of downtown, east of Main Street. The park has two wooden fishing piers that are accessible from the trail that winds around Strawberry Lake. Knights Kingdom, a large playscape, is a popular place for playtime at Strawberry Lake Park. A softball field is located on the east side of the park, and during the winter, an ice skating rink and warming shack are in the vicinity of Knights Kingdom. Kayaking and non-motorized boating is allowed at Strawberry Lake, but there is no boat ramp at the park.
Marion Park is a large recreation area south of downtown Norway on US-8. Tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a soccer field are located in the northern section of the park. Playgrounds and picnic areas are located at the center of the of the park. The park's horseshoe-shaped drive is also used to access the Oak Crest Golf Course.
Hanbury Lake Park is east of downtown and features a playground, horseshoe pits, and a picnic area. At the end of the drive in the park is a boat launch on Hanbury Lake.
Hanbury Heights Park is at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and US-2. The park has a playground, small picnic shelter, basketball court, and small skate park. Parking is available off Seventh Avenue.
The
City Band Shell is located next to city hall on Main Street and hosts concerts and events during the summer. The band shell features a scenic mural and rows of bench seating.
Kayaking
Strawberry Lake provides a relaxing place for paddling. North of downtown Norway, kayakers can launch their boats from Strawberry Lake's shoreline. There's no formal boat launch area at Strawberry Lake Park.
For a more challenging adventure, Piers Gorge and the Menominee River feature moving water, a rocky shoreline and very scenic setting. The trees around the river are very beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. There are four piers at Piers Gorge, and due to the severity of the rapids, the area of the river near the First Pier provides the safest area for launching a kayak and paddling.
More About Norway
Norway has a charming downtown area located along Main Street, and you'll find city hall, Ebeling's Market, Anderson Memorial Medical Center, the post office, restaurants and other businesses within walking distance. The Rialto on Main Street includes a bowling alley, restaurant and lounge.
Along US-2, you'll find McDonald's, Dairy Queen, and other restaurants. Several stores are located west of downtown on US-2.
For lodging, AmericInn on Belgium Town Road and Norway Motel on US-2 are the options in Norway. You'll find more hotels to the west in
Iron Mountain.
The Norway Spring is located west of downtown on US-2, and a marker at the location describes the history of the spring.
Norway Speedway is across from Marion Park off US-8 at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds. The race track hosts auto races throughout the summer.
Several miles east of Norway in Vulcan, the Iron Mountain Iron Mine enables you to visit an historic iron mine. The guided tour will take you below ground into the tunnels and show you parts of the mine.
There are many things to see and do in
Iron Mountain, including the Millie Hill Bat Viewing Site and Pine Mountain Golf and Ski Area. There are also miles of bike routes and trails, plus nice lakes for fishing, swimming, boating. Iron Mountain is nine miles west of Norway.
