Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the charming little city of Houghton. It’s famous for sitting right beside Isle Royale National Park, and is full of unique character. Located on the Keweenaw Waterway on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Houghton is home to just over 8,300 residents, and despite its relatively small size, offers a stunning combination of rich history, recreational trails, family adventure, and a down-to-earth Midwest charm.
Houghton sits around a four-hour drive from Green Bay, Wisconsin, the nearest large city, and a six-hour drive from Minneapolis. Thankfully though, it’s much easier to fly in, with Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT) located only a two-hour drive away. Due to its location right by Isle Royale National Park, most visitors opt to drive in, taking scenic routes along US-41, right along Keweenaw Bay and Portage Lake.
Visitors opting to stay in Houghton during their visit to Isle Royale can catch the Ranger III Passenger Ferry, with stops at either Rock Harbor or Windigo on the island. The ride takes around six hours to cross Lake Superior, with rides leaving Houghton from late May through early September on Tuesdays and Fridays, and return trips back to the mainland on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. During a visit to this underrated Midwest National Park, guests can explore shipwrecks, enjoy kayaking and canoeing, hike the trails, or enjoy a spot of fishing.
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Houghton’s Nature, Culture, and History
Copper mining machinery on a green field – Jimfeng/Getty Images
Beyond simply being a jumping off point to Isle Royale National Park, Houghton is a culturally rich city, steeped in copper mining history. For historians and those interested in its mining background, there’s a wealth of attractions that you simply must visit, including A.E Seaman Mineral Museum, and Quincy Mine, located just across the waterway on the outskirts of the neighboring city of Hancock.
Most of Houghton’s top attractions line the waterfront, including East Houghton Waterfront Park, Verna Mize Park, and Kestner Waterfront Park. Also located in Houghton is the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw. This museum is open year-round and features changing exhibits and programs about the region’s natural and cultural history. Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw is free to enter, and features interactive exhibits suitable for guests of all ages.
If you’re looking to get out and explore nature during your stay in Houghton, you’re in luck. The city is surrounded by lush forests and plenty of gorgeous outdoor areas, perfect for hiking, biking, and photography. Areas such as the 100-acre Nara Nature Park, and the Nara River Boardwalk North Trails are some of the best spots to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Plan Your Houghton Stay
Houghton, Michigan skyline – Stevenschremp/Getty Images
Choosing when to visit Houghton is fairly easy, despite many attractions being open year-round, it’s considered to be one of the most charming small towns to visit in autumn. The trails and nature attractions are particularly stunning at this time of year, with the beautiful fall colors usually peaking between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. It’s also a great destination for a winter getaway, as due to the heavy snowfall seen here, there’s plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.
Whether you plan on skiing down the slopes of Mont Ripley Ski Area during winter, or heading out for a fishing adventure atop Portage Lake during summer, there’s a wealth of things to enjoy in Houghton. No matter when you visit though, be sure to swing by Roy’s Pasties & Bakery, overlooking the waterfront on West Lakeshore Drive. This family-owned and operated establishment is home to award-winning pasties and a range of delicious treats.
There’s a range of gorgeous waterfront hotels, including Super 8 by Wyndham Houghton, The Vault Hotel, and Hampton Inn & Suites Houghton. These hotels vary in price, costing anywhere between $130 and $350 per night, with many rooms boasting views over the waterway. Those interested in staying near the city center, while still enjoying the great outdoors can park at the City of Houghton RV Park, for daily rates of just $55.
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