7 Man-made Structures - Other to Explore in Houghton County
Checkout places to visit in Houghton County
Houghton CountyHoughton County, Michigan is a beautiful land of forests, lakes and rivers. It covers 3,738 square miles and is located in the Upper Peninsula. The county was formed in 1845 and was named when surveyors discovered the Portage Lake Canal which connected Lakes Superior and Michigan. Historical landmarks include Ptarmigan Hill in Ontonagon which contains remnants of an old copper mining site. Houghton's economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and mining, while many residents c
Popular Activities And Trips in Houghton County
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Man-made Structures - Other to Explore in Houghton County
Keweenaw National Historical ParkKeweenaw National Historical Park is the only national park in the United States that focuses on copper mining history. Established in 1992, the Park consists of nine separate sites which include landmarks such as the Quincy Mining Company Historic District, Adventure Copper Mine and Museum, Calumet Visitor's Center, and Lake Linden Depot. Visitors to the Park can learn about the incredible feats of engineering required to build massive smelting furnaces, quarries and mineshafts.
Mine Shaft & Rock HouseThe Mine Shaft & Rock House offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the area. The Rock House is one part of this site, an abandoned mining house from the 19th century that was once used by miners as a residence. The second is Mine Shaft; a stunningly deep shaft originally carved into the rock by miners searching for copper ore in the late 1800s. Today, both spots offer fascinating insight into what life was like during this period.
North Canal Township ParkNorth Canal Township Park provides visitors with a range of outdoor activities and amenities to enjoy. The park boasts 24 acres of lush green grass, perfect for family picnics or even just a peaceful stroll through the trees. Visitors can explore miles of scenic trails to view ponds, creeks and wetlands, as well as camping and fishing opportunities. The main attraction of the park is its well-maintained playgrounds that provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages.
Quincy and Torch Lake Cog RailwayThe Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway, is a scenic attraction that takes riders on a journey through the Keweenaw Peninsula. The experienced engineer guides guests through historic sites of the region on a one hour ride with views of natural forests, lakes, shorelines and more. It's been in operation since 1874 and is the oldest functioning railway business in the United States.
Quincy Dredge Number TwoQuincy Dredge Number Two, is one of the two of its kind. It was built in 1902 and is still mostly intact despite its age. Developed for copper mining and servicing, the bulk of its work was done during World War II when it mined on an aggressive schedule to keep up with wartime needs. Today, it serves as a landmark and reminder of times past. It stands 105 feet tall and 120 feet long, weighing approximately 2000 tons when fully loaded.
Quincy Mine Quincy Mine, one of the most productive copper mines in the United States. Established in 1859, Quincy Mine was originally established as a spot for small-scale prospecting and exploration. However, this quickly evolved into an industry that saw it become one of the world's largest copper producers. With two 2,000 feet long shafts and multiple underground chambers, over 350 miles of tunnel were eventually created.
Quincy Smelting WorksThe Quincy Smelting Works is a sprawling complex of industrial buildings that was once the world's largest copper refinery. Founded in 1846, the smelter prospered throughout the 19th century with its operations expanding to process ore extracted by nearby mines. Over time, the demand for refined copper waned and the works closed down in 1907. However, historical preservationists were able to save some of its structures which now serve as a reminder of the area's proud mining history.