Mining Town to Ghost Town

Central Mine

There’s a certain romance to the past at Central Mine. In fall, the old apple trees are heavy with fruit, the trails wind through the woods, and the remains of this once-thriving mining town settle into the season. Come summer, the woods are green, the trails invite a little wandering, and the historic church opens its doors for Reunion Sunday, when descendants of Central Mine miners return to a place their families once called home. Nearly 1,300 people once called Central Mine home. Today, you can explore the seasonal visitor center and historic homes, wander the trails through the woods to the old school site, powder house and Shaft No. 4, and get a glimpse of what life was like in a Copper Country mining town more than a century ago. Some places hold onto their stories. Central Mine lets you walk right through them.

Plan Your Visit to Central Mine

What Is Central Mine?
Central Mine is a historic Copper Country mining town, Keweenaw County Historical Society site, and Michigan ghost town in Keweenaw County. Once home to more than 1,200 people, the site now preserves historic buildings, mining-era stories and a glimpse into life in an early Keweenaw community.

What Can You Do?
Explore the Visitor Center and interpretive exhibits, tour historic miners’ homes, wander wooded hiking trails and visit the Central Memorial Garden. The trails lead past former homes, the old schoolhouse site and other remnants of the mining town.

Seasonal Events

• Central Reunion: Held on the last Sunday of July, this annual reunion service brings descendants of Central Mine families back to the historic Methodist church.
• Cider at Central: A seasonal fall event celebrating the apple trees found throughout the historic site at the end of September. Pick your own heritage apples on site or bring your own to press in on-site cider presses.

Best Seasons to Visit

• Summer: Ideal for exploring the historic buildings, hiking trails and attending the annual Central Reunion.
• Fall: Enjoy autumn scenery, wooded trails and seasonal apple and cider activities.

General Operating Season
The Central Mine grounds are open year-round. The Visitor Center is open seasonally, generally from mid-June through early October. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the operating season. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Cider pressing at Central Mine