Lake Gogebic's quieter, northern half

Lake Gogebic is the largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. It lends its name to the county next door, but its northern half actually reaches up into Ontonagon County’s Bergland Township. The little community of Bergland sits right at the top of the lake. It’s a handy stop for gas, food, and lodging. It’s also a launching point for anglers after the lake’s famous walleye, jumbo perch, and pike.

Here’s the quirk that catches first-time visitors: Lake Gogebic is so big that it spans two counties and two time zones. The southern end, in Gogebic County, runs on Central time. Up here at the northern end, in Ontonagon County, you’re on Eastern time. Snowmobile straight across the frozen lake in winter and you’ll arrive an hour later than your watch expects. Or an hour earlier, depending on which way you’re headed. Locals have made a small tradition of it on New Year’s, celebrating midnight twice.

The Ottawa National Forest rings the lake, and resorts along the shore have welcomed anglers for well over a century. (For the lake’s big state park and the full story, our separate Lake Gogebic note picks up the southern end.) Bergland holds the calmer, less-developed half — a public boat launch and fewer cottage lights on the shore. The walleye water here was drawing fishermen before anyone owned a wristwatch to be confused by.