Discover Houghton

Houghton sits on the south shore of the Keweenaw Waterway and combines nature experiences by the water with remarkable cultural sites. The Houghton Waterfront Trail crosses the city from east to west along its entire length: it runs from the Pilgrim River to Kestner Waterfront Park and is a paved, non-motorized trail. This lets you explore Houghton on foot or by other non-motorized means, while turning your attention to different sides of the place.

Trails, Nature and Water

For longer outings, the Michigan Tech and Nara trail systems offer more than 26 miles for cyclists and 35 miles for hikers and runners. These figures distinguish the designated uses and trail lengths; they give you a specific point of reference if you enjoy spending time on trails during your stay. Another nature stop is Nara Nature Park, a 100-acre park donated to the city of Houghton by Bob and Ruth Nara.

The Nara Nature Trail includes a 4,500-foot elevated boardwalk. It runs along both banks of the Pilgrim River. The boardwalk’s length and location along the river make it a distinctive nature experience among the options in Houghton. Together with the Waterfront Trail that crosses the city and the trail systems, it offers a variety of different trails, not all of the same type or length.

Activities on the water are also part of the local scene. East Houghton Waterfront Park has a launch site for kayaks and small sailboats. Ray Kestner Waterfront Park offers rentals of paddling equipment and has a designated swimming area. If you would like to focus your stay more on paddling, sailing or swimming, you can take these specific options into account when planning. Houghton Skatepark is also located in East Houghton Waterfront Park.

Hockey History and Minerals

Downtown’s Dee Stadium combines a historic ballroom with an ice skating and hockey arena. The stadium is also home to the Kenner Ruohonen Memorial History Room, which features the “Birthplace of Professional Hockey and The History of Hockey Exhibit.” This makes Houghton a special point of interest for anyone interested in the history of hockey. The Historic Houghton Walking Tour also passes 15 interpretive panels downtown. This lets you discover history at individual stops rather than limiting yourself to a single exhibition space.

The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum offers a different perspective on the region’s past. As Michigan’s official mineral museum, it displays minerals from around the world. The outdoor pavilion features a 19-ton mass of native copper. The collection’s international diversity and this exceptionally large piece of copper provide different points of interest: the museum highlights both minerals and a single impressive exhibit.

Experience Houghton on Your Own Terms

The Downtown Houghton Farmers Market takes place on the pier next to the Portage Lake District Library. Together with downtown’s sites and the waterfront offerings, it gives you a selection of very different experiences: trails, nature, water sports, a market, hockey history and minerals. When planning, you can decide which of these aspects matter to you rather than focusing your stay on a single activity.

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Houghton, choosing based on your interests can help you plan a trip that suits you: would you like to spend most of your time on walking and cycling trails, enjoying activities on the water, or making cultural discoveries? The places described here offer specific ideas, without assuming any particular accommodation or amenities.

Other places at this level: Torch Lake Township, Hancock.

Return to the main travel overview: Houghton.