The city is situated at the southeast corner of Iron River Township, but is administratively autonomous.

[6] The area is noted for its vast forest land, scenic lakes, and winter sports.

In the summer, many people frequent the beaches, in the winter, there are often tents for ice fishing on the frozen lakes.

[7] This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters.

[8] At the 2010 census there were 3,029 people, 1,446 households, and 764 families living in the city.

At the 2000 census there were 1,929 people, 876 households, and 487 families living in the city.

15.4% were of German, 13.4% Swedish, 13.2% Italian, 9.9% Polish, 7.8% English, 7.6% Finnish, 5.9% French and 5.1% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.

Out of the total population, 12.5% of those under the age of 18 and 10.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.