Discovering Houghton: A Hidden Gem in the Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a beloved region, often considered the more cherished half of the state. However, it remains remote and less frequented by many travelers. Even the most adventurous explorers tend to stick to the same five popular spots. During my own long-haul road trip north, I decided to venture off the beaten path, choosing a location that was 4.5 hours northwest of the Mackinac Bridge. This brought me to Houghton, a hidden gem town located on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Exploring the Best Things to Do in Houghton
When my family and I embark on a road trip, we often find ourselves between aimless wandering and planning a bucket list. There’s usually a sense of structure, but our itineraries are typically flexible, allowing for unexpected detours. I chose the Keweenaw Peninsula for two main reasons: first, because I knew it was one of the most remote places in the Midwest, and second, because I had heard about an under-the-radar national park site there.
Visiting the Keweenaw National Historical Park
The U.S. national parks system extends beyond the well-known 63 designated national parks. In fact, there are 433 individual units under various designations, including national historical parks, monuments, and lakeshores. These lesser-known sites are what I often seek out during my travels.
The Keweenaw National Historical Park is one such site, offering a rich tapestry of history. It encompasses indigenous copper lands, immigrant heritage, homesteading, and mining history, now preserved as a cultural and environmental treasure. I was captivated by the sight of new-growth forests, pristine beaches, and historic lighthouses. The sister cities of Houghton and Hancock, along with their mine tours, left a lasting impression on me.
Taking the Quincy Mine Tours in Nearby Hancock
Hancock and Houghton are quiet towns in Michigan, situated on either side of a Lake Superior canal. Despite their small size, they feel like one community, and it became part of our daily routine to cross between them multiple times. These towns serve as the hub for hotels, restaurants, and Wi-Fi access, as well as being the gateway to the mine tours at Quincy Mine.
We participated in two guided mine tours within the Keweenaw National Historical Park. One tour took us to the world’s oldest smelting site, while the other offered an underground mine experience with a tram ride and a 360-foot descent into the shafts.
These experiences were among the few times during our journey when we were more interested in the stories of the people than in the natural surroundings. We learned American history in a deeply personal way that no book could provide, and it reminded us of how closely people are connected to the land. It also highlighted the rich immigrant culture that has shaped this region for centuries.
Where to Stay and Eat in Houghton
Visiting the Keweenaw National Historical Park is the main attraction in Houghton and Hancock. Beyond that, the charm of the area lies in experiencing life like a local, whether it’s during a road trip or simply relaxing in the greater Keweenaw Peninsula. Local life, as we discovered, revolves around eating pasties, enjoying the water, and using saunas.
We felt very much like locals during our stay at Keweenaw Waters Resorts, where we stayed in beautiful, modern waterfront cabins. This accommodation didn’t feel like a traditional cabin or hotel; it felt more like checking into a townhouse for the weekend. We had our own sauna in the kitchen, spacious living areas, and a stunning wood deck overlooking the Keweenaw Waterway. All of this came at a surprisingly affordable price, and it was just minutes from Houghton, our favorite hidden town in Michigan.
Most locals in the Keweenaw Peninsula will tell you that the only thing to eat around here is pasties. Fortunately, the most popular pasty shop was just 2 miles from our resort. If you’ve never tried one, a pasty is a hand pie similar to a handheld pot pie, but far superior. Roy’s is the place to start, as we enjoyed meals there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout our stay.
If this road trip to Houghton has inspired you to plan your own adventure, consider using Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner to create your perfect journey.
