A new interpretive sign on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in Ishpeming tells the story of the Cleveland Mine, one of the oldest mines tied to Cliffs Natural Resources.

The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority (IOHRA) and the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club dedicated the sign on Aug. 31 near Mile Marker 21.5, close to the 7th Street parking lot, the Mining Journal reported. Bob Hendrickson of the IOHRA and Kirsten Maki of the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club said the project took about seven years of planning and organizing.

The IOHRA operates under Marquette County government.

The sign covers the Cleveland Mine, the No. 2 shaft house and the Incline Pit. It sits near Engine House No. 2 and mine pits east of the trail, according to the IOHRA's Facebook page. Visitors can view the remains of the incline pit behind the sign.

Several volunteers and businesses contributed to the project. Dan Fountain provided photographs and most of the written content. Mike Lempinen designed the sign. UP Fabricating completed the metalwork, and Rick Kauppila of UP Fabricating donated his time to modify and install it, according to Maki.

The sign is part of the trail's broader interpretive program, which repurposes old rail from the region into mile markers and signage frames.

The Cleveland Iron Mining Company was founded in 1847 and chartered by Michigan in 1850. The mine merged with other iron companies in 1891 to form the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, according to Cleveland-Cliffs' Wikipedia page. Mining on the Marquette Iron Range has continued since 1847.

Hendrickson, the IOHRA's trail administrator, described the trail's mission in an Aug. 31 interview with WBUP about a separate extension project: "It is a storytelling trail. It's always been one of those things that Marquette County has been really proud of. Each area has its own identity to it."

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail runs 51.3 miles across the Marquette Iron Range from Republic to Lakenenland, according to the Mining Journal. The trail is open year-round for hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobiling.