When we visit the Upper Peninsula I’m always looking for new and unique places to visit. I had heard about Jasper Knob in a few of the rock groups and roadside attraction groups that I follow, so when we headed to the Ishpeming area in June I made sure this was one of the spots we stopped to check out. Jasper Knob is a hill in Ishpeming made up of banded iron formation/jaspilite, a rock estimated to be billions of years old. A short hike uphill leads to views of some of the exposed rock as well as some stunning views of Ishpeming. Today we will share some photos from our visit and let you know how you can add this beautiful spot to your next Upper Peninsula trip!

The walk to the top of Jasper Knob is short but completely uphill. Once you reach the top you are immediately greeted by several outcroppings of colorful banded iron formation. We visited just after a light rain, which made the red in these rocks pop even more.

The jaspilite here is made up of alternating bands of jasper and hematite. According to a nearby sign on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, “Competition for the rock outcrop led to an ongoing dispute between the Cleveland Mining Company and the Marquette Iron Company. Each company sent workers to live at the site until the mining claim was secured. Cabins were built and burned, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips planted and pulled. Finally, after seven years the Marquette Iron Company secured title to the knob. With only shovels and picks, the miners eagerly attacked the prize but were unable to break the hard jasper. Later mining engineers determined the site is a large granite knob only thinly covered with banded jasper and hematite. It was worthless for mining but valued today for panoramic views from its summit.” We’re definitely glad this landmark survived the mining era in Marquette that saw many similar areas destroyed.

In addition to being able to see these stunning rock formations up close, the top of the hill also offers some incredible views of Ishpeming. From here you can see downtown as well as the Cliffs Shaft mine complex.

There are no signs or formal markers here at Jasper Knob. To get to the trail you need to find the intersection of Hill St. and Jasper St. then look for the opening in the stone wall shown above. From downtown, head east on Division St. then south on Jasper St. until it meets up with Hill St. The path uphill is easy to find and follow.