GEOGRAPHY LESSON

During the Golden Age (1890-1920), Michigan was the nation's largest copper producer. Today, much of the Ironwood region reflects this strong heritage, even though the copper mines have closed. Take, for example, the pasty -- legend has it that pasties first came about as a lunch item for miners who were unable to return to the surface to eat for lunch. Pasties are so dense that if carried close to the body they can stay warm for eight to 10 hours. Today, the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin have many pasty shops providing a stick-to-the-ribs meal at a reasonable price.

GETTING THERE

Ironwood, Mich., is about 250 miles from Minneapolis. The most convenient route is to take Interstate 35 north to Duluth and then head east on Hwy. 2 through Wisconsin. Along the way consider a pit stop in Iron River, Wis., for some award-winning mead at White Winter Winery (1-800-697-2006; www.whitewinterwinery.com). From Hwy. 2, turn north on Hwy. 122 outside Hurley, Wis., which sits just across the border from Ironwood, Mich. Hwy. 122 becomes County Road 505, which goes right to Little Girl's Point and eventually Ironwood.

CHECKING IN

The Upper Peninsula has a host of lodging options, from campgrounds to year-round resorts and inexpensive hotels/motels. For more information, check with the Western Upper Peninsula Convention and Visitor Bureau (www.westernup.com; 1-800-522-5657).

DINING

Regional restaurants feature Friday night fish fry options and other hearty fare. Kimball Inn, which sits on Hwy. 2 outside of Hurley, Wis., captures the North Woods spirit with plenty of meat and potato options in a rustic yet comfortable log cabin setting. (6622 Hwy. 2; 1-715-561-4095).

BETH PROBST