The draw to water is a natural part of being human. From the awe inspiring feeling of standing on Lake Superior's shores, to the pleasures of slipping down to the Portage for cool breezes, something innate in our nature pulls us to water. For a community like Houghton, making the the Portage Canal waterfront a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike is part of the city's DNA.
City Manager Eric Waara sees it as crucial work necessary in connecting locals and visitors to the vibrant nature of the Keweenaw and the colorful arts and events scene of Houghton. This transformed LoHo Waterfront is a launching point for tours and a destination for live music, markets, events, and Keweenaw exploration!
The LoHo Waterfront
Explore the Scene: From Art to Outdoors
With the beautiful Portage Canal so close to downtown Houghton, exploring LoHo is a natural draw for all ages!
Seeking events and outdoor recreation along the Portage Canal? The Lower Houghton (LoHo) Waterfront district is located just north of the US-41N thoroughfare through Downtown Houghton. The main hub of LoHo events and activities is the Houghton Waterfront Pier, a wide extension of the sidewalks located between the MTEC SmartZone and the Portage Lake District Library. From here, the span of the walkable LoHo area reaches as far as Ray Kestner Park to the west and Michigan Tech to the east.
With a downtown full of great dining, shopping, and events, the LoHo Waterfront offers a variety of things to do:
Connect With Nature:
paved sidewalks made for strolling, running, and biking.
gazebos and plenty of outdoor seating for enjoying the sights and sounds of the Portage Canal waterway.
blooming gardens with ornamental and native plants lovingly maintained by the Houghton Beautification Committee.
easy mooring for sailboats and watercraft along waterfront piers for easy traversing between Portage Canal and downtown Houghton.
Immerse Yourself in the Keweenaw Culture:
enjoy public art installations throughout the waterfront. From murals to cross walks to garden art, the art scene thrives!
live music is a regular feature of the Houghton Waterfront Pier. Check out the local events calendar to see what's coming up!
explore the City's role as the birthplace of professional hockey by visiting Dee Stadium.
Drink and Dine:
unwind at the LoHo Social District with an official adult beverage from a participating downtown Houghton establishment. From Isle Royale Street to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, you're welcome to stroll with your KBC or cocktail!
bring your food to-go and enjoy waterside dining for any meal at any of the picnic tables or lunch counters along the waterfront.
Take the Tour:
if you're looking to earn that KBC, hop on the Keweenaw Pedal Trolley with your crew and discover the history and sights of the Houghton waterfront in a whole new way! This tour meets and launches from the Houghton Waterfront Pier.
from land to lake, a Keweenaw Boat Tour gets you actually on that Portage Canal you've been admiring. Whether a short canal cruise is your style, or you're looking to see Lake Superior or Jacobsville Sandstone, these tours launch from the LoHo waterfront area.
RECREATING RESPONSIBLY ALONG THE HOUGHTON WATERFRONT
Love The Keweenaw, in all the different ways you travel to and adventure to the Portage Canal waterfront areas. To Love The Keweenaw means to respect and preserve the nature and history of these lands that we explore. By making concerted efforts to properly dispose of food and beverage waste, being mindful of your fellow trail user, and respecting the businesses and residents of Houghton, we can ensure continued public access for all time. For insights on how you can be a good steward, visit LoveTheKeweenaw.org.
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