Chassell Heritage Center - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is a popular spot to explore geological artifacts and information amassed over decades of curation. Accessible to the public, the museum's collection includes over 5,000 specimens from around the world as well as a variety of exhibits demonstrating both scientific and cultural information about minerals. In addition to providing educational opportunities for visitors, this museum also serves as an important resource for researchers.

This is a scenic 25-mile-long stretch of Lake Superior that encompasses the rugged beauty of the area's clifftops and shorelines. From the charming towns of Copper Harbor and Houghton to the pristine wilderness of Isle Royale National Park, it's filled with majestic views, outdoor recreation and iconic lighthouses at Eagle River and Sturgeon Point. Popular activities for visitors include kayaking and sailing along its waters, hiking and biking nearby trails, fishing or birding.

The 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.

The Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entry Light is a navigational aid and historical landmark. Built in 1964, the cast iron lighthouse stands at 25 feet tall and is painted white and red. This light, which was automated in 1970, helps guide boats through the entrance of the Keweenaw Waterway into the Portage Lake shipping channel. It also serves as a reminder of the canal system built by William Burt which made shipping to and from the upper peninsula much easier than before.

East Houghton Waterfront Park is a perfect spot for families to spend the day on the water. Located on Portage Lake and just minutes from the village of Houghton, the park offers visitors access to beach areas, boat launches, a marina and more. Revered for its natural beauty, East Houghton Waterfront Park is surrounded by stands of evergreens and showcases views of nearby Quincy Hill. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that rove up and wind through forests.

The Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw brings to life the stories of the history, culture and people of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Through its exhibits and educational programs, the museum preserves and shares local heritage with visitors from near and far. The Carnegie Museum offers a wide variety of artifacts from ancient times, as well as an extensive collection of artifacts from the 19th century. Visitors can explore Native American mounds, discover stories about miners’ struggles.