These photos show the progress on the new road that brings travelers to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum directly from U.S. 41/M-28. Jump to the most recent photo.
The entrance road, Jackson Trace Parkway, is the latest in a series of amazing transformations for the MIIM. Follow the progress in Phase Iand Phase II.
Learn about how an Iron Industry Heritage Plaque honors your family's role in Michigan's iron industry and supports the museum's expansion efforts.
September 4, 2008
Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry, State Sen. Mike Prusi and State Rep. Steven Lindberg join former State Rep. Stephen Adamini and other local dignitaries, including Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board members, for the new road's groundbreaking ceremony.
September 2008
Road builders begin clearing the 5/8-mile route through thick forestlands using chainsaws and logging booms.
Week of September 29, 2008
A logging boom stacks logs for pickup at the former trailhead leading to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum building.
Week of October 27, 2008
With the site of a new 20-space parking area staked out in the foreground, workers at the upper right prepare to blast a rock outcropping along the route of the new road to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum.
Week of November 3, 2008
After clearing away dirt and rock loosened by blasting, a heavy boom-operated shovel works on the road grade.
Spring 2009
The driveway to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum.
Trucks roll out the fill dirt for the new road.
Excavating for the storm water spillway.
Summer 2009
Construction fleet for the road work.
The rock-cut route for the new road.
A worker walks along the new road as machinery lays down the
final pavement.
October 5, 2009
Among those celebrating at the ribbon-cutting for the new Jackson Trace Parkway are Michigan Department of Natural Resources director Rebecca Humphries; Mike Moyle, who provided an easement for the road; Former state representative Stephen Adamini; the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board; state representatives and staff from the Michigan Historical Center and Michigan Department of Transportation.