The Michigan Iron Industry Museum, nestled in the foothills of the Marquette Iron Range in Negaunee Township, has received a $10,000 gift from the Wisconsin Energy Foundation - critical funds that will support the development of the River Overlook component of the museum's $423,000 trail-development program.

Thomas Friggens, a regional manager for the Michigan Historical Center, explained that such trailside interpretation is part of a $423,000 trail-development project that is funded in part by a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant and private-sector donations to the Michigan History Foundation.

"Scenic overlooks like the River Overlook are designed to become trail destinations, offering dramatic panoramic views, wayside exhibits and staging areas for education activities," said Friggens. "We want the River Overlook to be an inviting place where visitors can gain a better understanding of the relationships between natural resources and a pioneer industry."

"The Wisconsin Energy Foundation is pleased to sponsor the museum's Four-Season Interpretive Trail System and to create a place where visitors may experience the rich history and natural beauty of Michigan's Iron Range," said Les Kowalski, Presque Isle Power Plant asset manager. "We hope our contribution helps the museum meet its goal of creating a year-round educational, tourism and economic stimulant for the Upper Peninsula. We are thrilled to take part in this exciting endeavor. "

Michigan History Foundation Director Pat Clark described Wisconsin Energy Foundation's generosity as "an excellent example of history-education advocates from the public and private sectors coming together to sustain a remarkably well-thought-out enhancement project."

"This successful collaboration, under the focused leadership of the Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board, is turning more dreams into reality than we ever thought possible," Clark said. "The changes happening at the Iron Industry Museum are going to have a positive impact on the surrounding community for a long time to come."

Friggens noted the trail system's thematic loops will offer easy pedestrian, bicycle and snowshoe access to exhibits, scenic overlooks and links to neighboring community trails.

Upon completion, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum trail system will feature (in addition to the River Overlook):

• A Geology/Landforms Trail loop where school children and families can discover the landforms that became the Marquette Iron Range;
• A Native Environment Trail loop where kids and adults can identify plant life and learn how Native American peoples used rivers and forests;
• A Carp River Forge Trail loop where visitors of all ages can explore how the environment influenced the developing industry and how industry brought change to the environment; and
• The Historic Corridor Overlook where area residents and visitors can imagine the challenges of moving wrought iron between forge and harbor.

Individual and business donors interested in supporting this project may contact the museum at (906) 475-7857. Gifts made to the Michigan Historical Center qualify for the Michigan Tax Credit as well as Federal Income Tax deductions.

The Wisconsin Energy Foundation donation comes just days before the Oct. 5 ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum that will mark the completion of the new Jackson Trace Parkway, an access road connecting the museum in Negaunee Township directly to US-41. State, county and local dignitaries are expected to join Michigan Department of Transportation and museum officials and area residents and business owners to celebrate this new pathway to the museum from the principal east/west thoroughfare in the northern Upper Peninsula.

The Jackson Trace Parkway project was funded by the Michigan Institutional Roads program, a competitive grant program that commits $750,000 annually to build, improve and maintain roads to Michigan institutions. This is the first time the funding has been used for a state museum facility.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, a public, non-profit facility. It overlooks the site of the Carp River Forge, a pioneer industrial site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The recently expanded museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.

The Michigan History Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that supports the work of the Michigan Historical Center. The center includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more about the Michigan History Foundation at www.michigan.gov/mhfoundation.

Since 1982, the Wisconsin Energy Foundation has contributed financial support for the activities of nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in communities that are served by Wisconsin Energy Corp. and its subsidiaries. Funded by Wisconsin Energy shareholders, the foundation seeks to create brighter futures for the communities in which it does business, enhancing the growth and success of the company. Learn more at www.wisconsinenergy.com/foundation.