![]() Keweenaw National Historical Park was established to preserve and interpret the story of the rise, domination, and decline of the region’s copper mining industry. Unlike many parks, however, the U.S. Congress legislated that the National Park Service and the park's advisory commission partner with sites owned and operated by state and local governments, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations to achieve this goal. The Keweenaw Heritage Sites program, administered by the Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission, is one aspect of this partnership. Keweenaw Heritage Sites contain significant cultural and/or natural resources, and make a unique contribution to the copper mining story. Embodying stories of hardship, ingenuity, struggle and success, each site allows you to explore the role mining played in people’s lives here and afar. Visiting the Keweenaw Heritage SitesVisiting the Keweenaw Heritage Sites The Keweenaw Heritage Sites operate independently of the National Park Service. Sites stretch along the length of the Keweenaw Peninsula, from Copper Harbor to south of Ontonagon. Hours of operation and admission fees (if applicable) vary from site to site and may change seasonally. Visit a site's website below for more detailed information about each site. ![]() Image Courtesy of the Adventure Mining Company Adventure Mining CompanyVisit Adventure Mine and experience rappelling down a mine shaft, underground drilling and blasting workshops, or an easy guided walking tour. We accommodate all ages, skill levels, and interests. Our 90- minute guided tours and 3-hour rappel tours are offered daily. Online pre-booking is encouraged. Walk-ins welcome and offered as staffing allows.
![]() A.E. Seaman Mineral MuseumVisit the official Mineral Museum of Michigan to explore the beauty and splendor of minerals from the Michigan copper-mining district, the Great Lakes Region and around the world. ![]() Calumet TheatreOpened in 1900, this historic opera house offers a variety of theatrical, musical and community events year-round. Guided and self-guided tours available. ![]() Carnegie MuseumThe Carnegie Museum of Keweenaw shows rotating exhibits about the area's cultural and natural history. Founded in 2006, the museum is housed in the former Houghton public library building which was built in 1910.
![]() Chassell Heritage CenterExhibits follow Chassell’s history from its establishment as a lumber mill community in 1888 to today. A collection of vintage clothing provides a glimpse into people’s lives. Another collection documents the history of strawberry farming and the Chassell Strawberry Festival which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2023. New in 2023 is an historic interpretive trail on the site of the Sturgeon River Lumber Company and Worcester Lumber Company which is accessible from Centennial Park. ![]() Copper Country Firefighters History MuseumBuilt in 1898, the historic Red Jacket Fire Station features displays dedicated to the history of fire fighting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The historic fire trucks appeal to people of all ages. ![]() Copper Range Historical MuseumArtifact-rich displays depict people's lives and work experiences in the range towns of southern Houghton County during the copper mining era. ![]() Finnish American Heritage Center & Historical ArchiveLocated on the campus of Finlandia University, the Finnish American Heritage Center houses the Finnish American Historical Archive, the Finnish American Folk School, the Martha Wiljanen Community Hall, the Finlandia University Art Gallery, and the offices of The Finnish American Reporter. Regular programming and exhibits highlight Finnish-American culture. ![]() Fort Wilkins Historic State ParkThe U.S. Army built Fort Wilkins in 1844 to keep peace in Michigan's Copper Country. It now serves as an example of mid-19th century army life on the northern frontier. The park also includes the Copper Harbor Lighthouse along with the 1848 light keeper's house and interpretive trails. The lighthouse is reached by boat through the summer season. ![]() Hanka Homestead MuseumHerman Hanka settled here with his family after he was injured in a copper mining accident. Volunteers provide guided tours of this 1920s-era Finnish Farm. A self-guided brochure is also available. Call ahead for large groups. ![]() Houghton County Historical MuseumExplore this seven-building complex, which includes a museum containing artifacts and photographs spanning 100 years, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, railroad depot, research center and an operating 1915 era steam locomotive. ![]() Keweenaw County Historical SocietyThe Historical Society has 8 sites including a total of 11 museums in Keweenaw County. The Eagle Harbor Light Station includes the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, Maritime Museum, Keweenaw History Museum and Commercial Fishing Museum. Other sites include, Central, Eagle Harbor Lifesaving Station, Eagle River Museum, Historic School at Gay, Phoenix Church, Rathbone School and Bammert Blacksmith Shop. ![]() Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne'sThis majestic sandstone structure with intricate stained glass windows marks the entrance to downtown Calumet. Organists will again provide visitors with enjoyable music selections some afternoons on the newly restored 1899 Barckhoff Tracker organ. ![]() Laurium Manor Mansion ToursThomas Hoatson Jr., owner of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company, built this 45-room, 13,000 sq.ft. home in 1908 using the finest and rarest building materials available. Self-guided tours. Lodging available year round. Location: 320 Tamarack Street, Laurium ![]() Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical CollectionsThe Michigan Tech Archives house a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources. The department's holdings include collections from the Quincy Mining Company and Calumet & Hecla Mining Company, and resources on local and university history.
![]() Old VictoriaFour log cabins built at the Victoria Mine in 1899 served as homes to waves of copper miners and their families. They have been restored at their original remote mining location and give visitors a true feeling of the life faced by copper miners and their families. Guided tours will take you back in time for an hour. ![]() Ontonagon County Historical SocietyThe museum features exhibits on area mining, logging, farming, marine, and social memorabilia. Tours are provided of the nearby lighthouse. ![]() Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State ParkIn addition to wild forests and lakeshore, Michigan's largest state park has numerous historical copper mining sites. The 59,020-acre park offers an array of summer and winter recreational pursuits and interpretive programs. ![]() Quincy Mine ToursOn a two-hour tour of the Quincy Mine, visitors take a guided walk through the hoist house, ride a cog-rail tram, and enter the mine to learn about mining life. Shorter, surface-only tours are also available. |
Last updated: March 23, 2023