Wakefield is a city in Gogebic County in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 1,702. The city is situated within Wakefield Township but is administered autonomously.
History The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people. European-American settlement began in the late 19th century following the discovery of iron ore. The city was founded in 1884 and named after M. J. Wakefield, a mining captain. It was incorporated as a village in 1887 and as a city in 1919. The city's early economy was heavily dependent on iron mining, particularly the Sunday Lake Mine and the Wakefield Mine. As mining declined in the mid-20th century, the economy shifted toward tourism, forestry, and services.
Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.14 square miles (21.08 km²), of which 8.00 square miles (20.72 km²) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km²) is water. Sunday Lake is a prominent geographic feature located on the eastern edge of the city. The city is located along U.S. Route 2 (US 2) and M-28.
Demographics As of the 2020 census, there were 1,702 people, 819 households, and 458 families residing in the city. The population density was 212.8 inhabitants per square mile (82.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 0.5% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population. The median age in the city was 49.4 years.
Economy and Tourism Wakefield serves as a regional service center for the surrounding area. Major employers include the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital (located nearby in Ironwood), the Wakefield-Marenisco School District, and various retail and service businesses. Tourism is a significant economic driver, particularly during the winter months for snowmobiling and skiing (Indianhead Mountain Resort is located nearby) and in the summer for fishing, hiking, and access to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Ottawa National Forest.
Education The city is served by the Wakefield-Marenisco School District, which operates the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School.
Transportation
- Highways: US 2 runs east-west through the city. M-28 runs concurrently with US 2 through the city limits.
- Air: Gogebic-Iron County Airport (IWD) is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) northeast of the city, offering commercial air service.
- Rail: The city is served by the Canadian National Railway for freight.
Notable Sites
- Sunday Lake: A 600-acre lake featuring a beach, park, and walking trail.
- Wakefield Historical Society Museum: Housed in the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad depot.
- Eddy Park & Campground: Located on Sunday Lake.
