Houghton-Hancock
Get in
The two main routes into Houghton and Hancock from the south are US-41 and M26.
Travelers coming from Green Bay or the central or eastern Upper Peninsula will likely travel on US-41. You'll know you've arrived because you'll suddenly find yourself surrounded by large modern university buildings, sprawling parking lots, and fraternity houses; you're on the campus of Michigan Tech. Keep driving to reach downtown Houghton, where the architecture transforms into old red sandstone buildings lining the tightly-packed small town business district overlooking the canal. US-41 then crosses the lift bridge into Hancock, which climbs the ridge on the north side of the channel.
Those arriving from central Wisconsin, Minnesota, or the Western UP will take M26. The first thing you will see will be the Walmart on the right, and an eroded cliff on the left. Like US-41, M26 crosses the lift bridge.
Houghton County Memorial Airporthas a few flights each day from Chicago although they tend to be fairly expensive. To get to Houghton, there is an Avis car rental on-site and Neil's Cab service is also an option.
Get around
Walk
Houghton-Hancock are very small cities and are easily accessed by foot, although some streets can be very steep.
Taxi
Neil's Cab (+1 906-482-5515) operates a few taxis in the area and the City of Houghton operates a shuttle service .
Another taxi service is Copper Country Limo, featuring airport and local transportation. This is a smoke free service. They do local and long distance with a stretch limo also available. Serving the University and Airport. (+1 906-370-4761 or www.coppercountrylimo.com)
Car
For exploring the area, a personal car would be best. Car rentals area available at the airport.
The road names can be confusing as the same road can have different names in different areas. Coming into Houghton, US-41 is called College Ave after Michigan Tech, and then changes to one-way Shelden Ave in downtown Houghton, crosses the bridge, and splits into two different directions of M-26 and US-41. The Yooper Loop is a rather challenging piece of road on the south side of the lift bridge, where Memorial (US-41), Montezuma, and Shelden meet. Go slow, but don't stop and remember to check your blind spot if you need to go onto M-26.
See
- Portage Lake Ship Canal bisects the two cities. Running along Portage Lake and the canal is a rails-to-trails pathway which caters to bikes, rollerblades, runners/walkers, as well as snowmobilers. The canal itself resembles an arctic fjord, with steep slopes on either side.
- The Portage Lake Lift Bridge is a unique bridge acting as the gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula to the north.
Michigan Tech UniversityStarting in 1885 as a mining college, Michigan Tech has expanded to all facets of engineering and sciences.
A. E. Seaman Mineral MuseumOne of the great North American mineral museums.
Rosza Performing Arts CenterA modern theater featuring plays, performances and speakers nearly every weekend.
Winter CarnivalOccurs in early February each year. Huge snow statues, fried twinkies and giant snow speakers courtesy of the fine young minds at MTU.
Quincy MineA remnant of the mining era of the past, this is the best place to learn how the mining was done and a tour of the mine is available.
Finlandia UniversityThe Upper Peninsula's only private university. It is a very small campus with around 600 students enrolled.
Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw
Do
Houghton is also the home port for the Ranger III, a 125 passenger National Park Service ferry ship that takes passengers to and from Isle Royale during the summer months.
There are five screens in the Rogers Cinema 5 theater, which is located in the Copper Country Mall.
Rogers Cinema 5Five screens located in the back of the Copper Country Mall on M-26.
Buy
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Copper Country Community Art Center
phone: +1 906 482-2333Has unique arts and crafts for sale and changing monthly art exhibitions, 126 Quincy Street in Hancock Rhythm Skate ShopA beautiful new shop in downtown Houghton on Shelden Ave catering to skateboarders and snowboarders.
Copper Country MallHas a number of national chain stores, although there is a fairly high vacancy rate.
North Wind Books of Finlandia UniversityUnique and hard to find books as well as FU merchandise.
Michigan Tech BookstoreAnd University Images, The bookstore is located in the Memorial Union Building on Tech's campus and University Images is located up the hill at the Student Development Complex
Downwind SportsHiking and camping equipment and rentals
Cross Country SportsSpecializes in bikes, skis and other outdoor equipment.
The Bike ShopBike shop in downtown Houghton specializing in all types of bike and related goods. They also carry disc golf supplies.
Eat
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Suomi Restaurant
phone: +1 906 482-322address: 54 Huron StHoughton, MI. A little hole in the wall type of restaurant with the best breakfast in town. Be prepared to wait on weekends as it is quite busy and the kitchen sometimes gets backed up. Has a neat selection of Finnish dishes. -
Roy's Pasties and Bakery
phone: +1 906 487-6166address: 901 W Sharon AveHoughton, MI. Award winning pasties and other delicious baked goods. -
Studio Pizza and Ice Cream
address: 426 Quincy StHancock, MI. Great pizza and Jilbert's ice cream. Also has local art on display. -
Victoria's Kitchen
phone: +1 906 482-8650address: 518 Shelden AveHoughton, MI. Super breakfast and lunch food, vegetarian options, very friendly staff. Library Restaurant and BrewpubGood beer and food, but the service is notoriously slow.
Drink
Keweenaw Brewing CompanyGreat place to meet people during the day with an interesting environment. Some of the best beer in the midwest.
Downtowner LoungeFun bar. If it's open, go on the deck outside for a great view of the lift bridge.
Uphill 41Located right before downtown Hancock after you cross the bridge. This is Houghton-Hancock's finest dance club.
AmbassadorThe best homemade pizza around.
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Douglas House Saloon
phone: +1 906-482-2003address: 517 Shelden AveA favorite dive bar for students known affectionately as "The Dog". Great for cheap beer, free popcorn, darts and pool.
Sleep
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Best Western - Franklin Square Inn
address: 820 Shelden AvenueHoughton, MI 49931. Great views of the bridge and Mont Ripley. -
Holiday Inn Express
phone: +1 906 482-1066address: 1110 Century WayHoughton, MI. Newer hotel, decent continental breakfast. -
Ramada - Hancock
address: 99 Navy StreetHancock, MI. Although located to the west of the bridge, turn right at the end of the bridge onto M-26 and then take the first right. The signs should be noticeable if you're looking for them. Nice place, good restaurant and bar in the hotel. -
Budget Host Inn
phone: +1 906 482-535146995N US Highway 41, Houghton, MI. Located on US-41 in Pilgrim before Houghton. Very cheap and you notice it, but it gets the job done.
Connect
Portage Lake District Library
Go next
- Isle Royale. Beautiful hiking on a pristine island in Lake Superior. The Ranger III ferry departs from Houghton for around $100 roundtrip.