Houghton County

Thousands of years before European settlers arrived, ancient peoples hunted, fished and mined copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula. In the mid-1800s, thousands of dreamers poured into the pristine woods and coastlines to seek the precious mineral. Experience their spirit of adventure, desire for knowledge and innovation, and joy in life all year long in Houghton County. 

FORWARD AND BACK

From the moment you enter the city of Houghton, the gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula, you see how the future, present and past coexist in Houghton County. Michigan Tech University is a world- lass science and engineering college. The region’s Pine Mountain Music Festival, Vertin Gallery and Copper Country Community Arts Center showcase incredible talent. 

Yet within minutes you can go back eons in the internationally acclaimed A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Drive up the Copper Country Trail (US-41) to learn about old fishing and lumber towns at the Chassell Heritage Center. Explore the Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet to learn more about the copper mining industry. Observe 1800s architecture in Calumet or the gilded elephant leather wall coverings in the Laurium Manor Inn. Immerse yourself in mining history at the Coppertown Mining Museum or the Houghton County Historical Museum. In Lake Linden, you can even taste history at the Lindell Chocolate Shoppe, the Midwest’s first confectionery manufacturer. 

ADVENTURE BECKONS

When you are not browsing at local shops and galleries or enjoying Houghton County’s eclectic restaurants and nightlife, you will be lured to the area’s incredible bike and cross-country ski trails, miles of groomed snowmobile trails or the downhill ski slopes of Mt. Ripley Ski Area. Paddlers flock to the Portage Canal section of the Keweenaw Water Trail for an experience recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as “A Superior Sports Port.” The canal cuts across the peninsula, connecting Lake Superior to itself on both sides, creating Copper Island on the northern section. Well on its way to becoming one of Michigan’s top destinations for sea kayaking, the canal feeds into a 100 mile looped water trail that provides a thrilling and singular close-up view of the deep, clear waters of Lake Superior. If the big lake is too moody and tumultuous, opt instead for the canal section of the trail. The blueway will guide you through some of the area's most picturesque small towns. Sneak up on unusual wildlife on their home turf and try your luck at the catch of the day from your canoe. When the abundant snows melt, the area’s waterfalls thunder in spring. Lake Superior and inland waters provide ceaseless adventure. Or take the ferry from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale National Park for a truly in-the-wild experience.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

The Keweenaw Peninsula is the premier location in the lower 48 states to see the night skies dance with the aurora borealis year-round. Yellow-green is the most common aural color.

COPPER COUNTRY

The Quincy Mine offers underground tours of the historic mine’s operation. See it and other historic sites along the Copper Country Trail, a National Scenic Byway and Michigan Heritage Route. 

SNOW GAMES

Houghton County has no shortage of winter fun. Join the party at the wacky Heikinpaiva Festival or marvel at huge snow sculptures at Michigan Tech’s famed Winter Carnival.

Learn more: www.visitkeweenaw.com or 800/338-7982

Visitor Information

Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau
Copper Harbor Improvement Association