Northern Lights YMCA - Dickinson Program Center

★Cynthia Schoeppey

My dad is a 85 year old vet who enjoys swimming and it’s great for his joints. The only place to swim is the YMCA. Most YMCA’s including Marquette and Escanaba accept Sliver Sneakers insurance, but Iron Mountain does not. Dad was able to go to Phoenix Az for the last 20 years. Always joined the YMCA but never had to pay a dime. He is fine to pay for the membership but I think it’s not right to charge these seniors citizens who have insurance that would pay for this. One of the issues he has is that they put out a swimming schedule, but don’t follow it. So many times he gets there, changes into his swimsuit and discovers that the pool is closed. Would it be so difficult to put a sign on the entrance of the building???

★★★R.

I got a membership for my child under 5 because there were quite a few activities at the time. I was under the impression it was a better option for us to pay membership pricing rather than non-membership pricing for activities. However, there wasn’t enough offered in July that she hadn’t already done (t-ball, dance, gymnastics, swimming) that worked with our schedule for July/August. I didn’t realize the membership is monthly and I cancelled membership after paying for July and August. $60 out the door to not use any programs for two months. They aren’t offering anything but Private Swim lessons in August. Regular lessons start again in September. I would not recommend getting one child a membership. If you have a desire as a family to use the Y, go that route. Otherwise, find other programs in the area to get involved with. I have a credit with the Y, but I cannot see going back there at this time. Also, if you want to use the credit on activities, you need the front desk to apply the credit before you pay the rest. I obtained that info from the front desk when I cancelled. Thank goodness they don’t have a year contract.

★★★★★Zoe Carollo (EngmansAFC .com)

Good place with a lot of resources. I take the kids here all the time, they got many programs and so many choices. Glad to have this here in town as a resource, always have a good experience when we go here. The people are helpful and are willing to answer questions when they can. My boss April Engman doesn't like this place, but if you look at her life choices her opinion doesn't really matter much. Highly recommended.

★★April Engman

I finally checked out the Northern Lights YMCA in Iron Mountain, MI, and let's just say I wasn't exactly doing cartwheels afterward. First off, their membership programs? Total letdown. They make it sound like you're getting the deal of the century, but when you actually dive into it, it's like, "Wait, that's it?" And don't even get me started on the facilities – talk about basic. I was expecting some next-level amenities, but instead, it felt like I was back in high school gym class. Overall, not the worst place ever, but definitely not worth the hype. Guess I'll keep hunting for the perfect gym spot.

★★★★★Cathy Pettibone

Fun for all! Remodeling almost done, new equipment will be here end of August. Pool opens in beginning of November.