Republic Michigan in the Upper Peninsula and the Republic Mine

The Republic Mine is the only open pit mine in Michigan open for free public viewing.

Republic is 25 miles southwest of Ishpeming and 45 miles north of Iron Mountain on Highway M-95. The Republic Mine was part of the Marquette Iron Range.

The village of Republic grew up around the Republic Mine which first operated from 1872 to 1926. In the late 1950's, development of the open pit and crushing concentration facilities were begun. Approximately 1.5 million tons of concentrated iron ore pellets were shipped annually, until the national economic conditions forced inactivation of the mine in 1982. The ore produced from this mine was 88% pure iron oxide.

The Republic Mine is the only open pit mine in Michigan open for free public viewing. This inactive open pit iron mine, owned by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, provides a unique opportunity for viewing by the public. From the observation stand near the pit's edge, you gain an appreciation of the enormous magnitude of planning and effort involved in the mining of low grade, surface deposits of iron ore which supply our nation's steel mills.

The Pit is 600 feet deep, with a pit surface area of 250 acres. The total mine area is 4 square miles. When operational, the annual production was 2.7 million tons of pellets of specular hematite. The ore was transported by rail to Marquette and Escanaba and then shipped by ore boat throughout the Great Lakes area.

By 1890, the 3 Upper Peninsula Iron Ranges, Marquette, Menominee and Gogebic, were producing 7 million tons of iron ore a year and became the nation's major producer of iron ore. By the end of the century, the 3 ranges were shipping out 9 million tons per year.

The size and depth of the pit attest to the millions of tons of overburden and ore-bearing rock removed. It is hard to imagine that this gigantic hole was once a 200 foot cliff rising from the banks of the Michigamme River.

The town name of Iron City was changed to Republic by Mr Ed Breitung, the founder or the mine, in 1880. He named it Republic for "the land of the free and the home of the brave".

The observation stand is located only 1/2 mile off M-95. Turn east immediately south of the Michigamme River bridge (at Republic Township Beach), then right at the yield sign, then 1/4 mile to stand. A fence crosses the road here, but ends at the shoulder. The observation post is up the hill on the right side of the fence.

Rockhounds should look for specular hematite and magnetite which are abundant on the old mine dumps. You may also find crystallized quartz in openings in the specularite, good specimens of feldspar,beryl, red jasper, jaspilite and tourmaline.

Lodging in The Republic Area

Pine Crest Resort , 12199 Pine Crest Land, Republic, Michigan, 49879. Phone: 1 800-410-9493. Fax: 906-376-8439. Remote lakeside cottages on the Michigamme River and Juncob Lake. Pine Crest offers outstanding northern style accommodations for all, from sportsmen to families to honeymooners. Great fishing and rock collecting. On the snowmobile trail.

Recreation

Guided Fly Fishing Trips in the Upper Peninsula at Uncle Ducky Fly Fishing, 434 Prospect Street, Marquette, Michigan, 49855. The Upper Peninsula is filled with secluded lakes and streams filled with the elusive trout or salmon. We offer guided fly fishing trips for experienced anglers as well as those who want to learn the fine art of fly fishing. All equipment is provided and we have experienced guides to take you to that secluded stream. Float or wade in the crisp waters, drop that fly by the old log, and the excitement begins. Fishing trips for trout, steelhead, salmon or smallmouth bass, northern pike, and bluegill, including the Greenwood Reservoir and Lake Michigamme. Call Uncle Ducky at 906-288-5447 or toll free: 877-288-5447.

Snowmobile and ATV Rentals

Midway Snowmobile and ATV Rentals and Sales, 43 Industrial Park Drive, Negaunee, MI 49866. 2 miles west of Marquette on the north side of US-41 & M-28. Phone: 906-228-4200 or toll free 800-643-1230. Rentals of Ski-Doo single person and 2-up sleds with direct trail access and free on-site parking for your vehicles. Helmets, suits, boots, trailers, and other accessories available for rent. Large fleet of sleds to accommodate large and small groups. 24 hour emergency response. Delivery and pick-up service available to local area including Gwinn and Big Bay. ATV rentals of Bombardier 4 wheel drive single and 2-person machines. Full line of rental items for industry and private use.

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Photograph of ore boat Ilford Sykes by Shane Costello

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