Best Things to do in Houghton | Must-see attractions 2025

Nara Nature Park

Open 24 hours

Park

47375 US Highway 41

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Nara Nature Park in Houghton, Michigan, spans 100 acres, offering multi-use trails for hiking, cycling, skiing, and snowshoeing in a natural setting.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. No entry fee required for park access.

Houghton-Hancock Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

U.S. 41

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Houghton-Hancock Bridge, connecting Michigan's Houghton and Hancock, is a vital roadway and scenic landmark providing access across the Portage Lake.

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free. No tickets required for access.

Mont Ripley Ski Area

9:00 AM–10:00 PM

Ski Area

49051 Ski Hill

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Mont Ripley Ski Area in Houghton, USA offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports with varied trails and facilities for all skill levels.

Duration: More than 4 hours.

Paid. Prices vary by age and time of season, with discounts available for children and groups.

A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1404 Sharon Ave

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The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan Tech features a diverse collection of global and local mineral specimens in Houghton, Michigan.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

St Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church

8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Church

305 Portage St

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St Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton, United States, serves the community with regular Masses, community outreach, and spiritual education.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations accepted to support church activities.

Chutes and Ladders

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Houghton

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Chutes and Ladders is a beloved park in Houghton, Michigan, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic trails perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-3 hours.

Free. Some events may have an entry fee.

Chapel of Saint Matthew

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

601 Quincy St

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Chapel of Saint Matthew in Houghton, United States, is a historical site established in 1879 by the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, featuring distinct Gothic architecture.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community events.

Houghton Seventh-day Adventist Church

7:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

205 Bridge St (East Houghton Ave.)

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Houghton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Houghton, USA offers a welcoming environment for worship, community service, and spiritual growth.

Duration: About 1-2 hours for services.

Free. Donations are welcome to support church activities.

Copper County Mall

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

M26

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Copper County Mall in Houghton offers diverse shopping options, dining, and entertainment, making it a regional hub for retail and leisure activities.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Admission to the mall and access to stores is free; some entertainment options may require a ticket.

McArdle Theatre

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

1400 Townsend Dr

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McArdle Theatre in Houghton, MI is a historic venue, offering diverse performances and events in a charming, vintage setting.

Duration: 2 hours.

Tickets vary by event; check the official website for details.

Hope Fellowship Church

5:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

3200 W Sharon Ave

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Hope Fellowship Church in Houghton, United States, fosters a welcoming environment, focusing on community outreach, worship, and spiritual growth for all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for special projects.

Rozsa Center for the Arts

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

1400 Townsend Dr (at Cliff Dr.)

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Rozsa Center for the Arts in Houghton, MI hosts performances, exhibitions, and special events. It emphasizes community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Varies by event. Some performances may have free admission.

Portage Lake Lift Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

U.S. 41

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Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Houghton, Michigan, connects Houghton and Hancock over Portage Lake, operating since 1959 with a lift span design.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. No admission fees for accessing the bridge.

Mont Ripley Ski Hill

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Ski Area

49051 North Ski Hill

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Mont Ripley Ski Hill in Houghton, MI, offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing with a variety of trails, atop the Keweenaw Peninsula, with stunning views and great facilities.

Duration: 4 to 6 hours.

Adult: $35, Child: $25. Discounts available for groups and season passes.

Saints Peter & Paul Lutheran Church

10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Church

1010 Madeleine St

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Saints Peter & Paul Lutheran Church in Houghton, USA, features classic architecture, a welcoming community, and hosts various spiritual and cultural events year-round.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community programs.

Quincy Mine

May - October, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sights

49750 US Highway 41

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Quincy Mine is an old copper mine that operated from 1846 to 1945. It now serves as a museum with tours, offering an underground ride to a mine shaft and exhibits about copper mining.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$15

Keweenaw Waterway

Open all day

Landmark

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Keweenaw Waterway is a manmade canal in Houghton, Michigan. It offers boat launches, swimming spots, picnic areas, and opportunities to see local wildlife.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Mineral Museum of Michigan

10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Museum

1404 E Sharon Ave Michigan Technological University

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The Mineral Museum of Michigan showcases a collection of minerals and rocks from around the region. Visitors can admire beautiful specimens and learn about geology in an engaging way.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$5

Portage Canal Lift Bridge

Open 24 hours

Landmark

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The Portage Canal Lift Bridge connects Houghton and Hancock in Michigan. This bridge is important for local traffic and offers great views of Portage Lake.

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Free

Dee Stadium

10:00 AM-10:00 PM

Landmark

700 E Lakeshore Dr

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Dee Stadium is a historic hockey rink located in Houghton, Michigan. It serves as a community center for ice sports and events, attracting locals and visitors alike with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free