Book
Keweenaw's Explorer Blog

Heights of History

Painesdale Mine & Shaft

At the Champion #4 Mine in Painesdale, copper history rises into view. Preserved by the volunteers of Painesdale Mine & Shaft, Inc., it’s the only place in the Keweenaw where visitors can ascend a historic shaft-rock house. Inside, the scent of oil and stone linger and the magnitude of the machinery speaks volumes. Alongside underground tours at the Quincy, Delaware, and Adventure Mines, Painesdale provides visitors with a crucial chapter in the Keweenaw copper mining story.

Metal shafthouse from mining days
This Keweenaw Heritage Site's expansive grounds makes for immersive summer and fall exploration.

History Revealed

Keweenaw Copper Mine Tours

View All
Quincy Mine and Shafthouse

Quincy Mine and Shafthouse

  • 49750 US-41
  • 906-482-5569

The Quincy Mine is located in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Mining operations have been closed since 1945, but…

The Quincy Smelter

The Quincy Smelter

  • 49083 N. Royce Road
  • (906) 482-3101

Built in 1898, the Quincy Smelter is the only existing early 20th century copper smelter in the country. Go through the massive buildings…

Delaware Copper Mine

Delaware Copper Mine

  • 7804 Delaware Mine Road
  • 906-289-4688

Operating from 1847 until 1887, this authentic, historic mine offers a walking tour that takes you 100 feet below ground to explore one…

Adventure Mine

Adventure Mine

  • 200 Adventure Ave
  • 906-883-3371

Our tours are as authentic as you'll ever find. No fancy lights or modern marvels here, just real mining the way it really was! All…

Painesdale Mine & Shaft

Painesdale Mine & Shaft

  • 42634 N Shaft Road
  • (906) 369-5358

Painesdale Mine and Shaft Inc. is dedicated to preserving the Champion #4 Shaft House in Painesdale, MI. Champion #4 Shaft House was…

Tours & On-Site Experiences

Exploring the Champion #4 Mine isn’t just a step back in time - it’s an investment in the future of Copper Country history. Each visit supports Painesdale Mine & Shaft, Inc., a volunteer-led nonprofit working to preserve and restore the region’s last remaining shaft-rock house and surrounding industrial landscape. Thanks to ongoing support from tours, donations, and programs like Visit Keweenaw’s Destination Development Fund, restoration efforts continue to grow - bringing new life to historic structures and honoring the people who once worked here.

Featured Experiences:

  • Rock House Tour: Fridays & Saturdays at 12 PM (May 30 - Fall Color Season)
  • Hoist House & Captain’s Office Exhibits
  • Private Tours: Available by request (advance deposit required)
  • Year-Round Historic Grounds Access
  • Miners Memorial: Outdoor commemorative installation
a sign stands in front of a historic rock shaft house
Your stay with Visit Keweenaw lodging members fuel reinvestment into our rich history and natural environments.

Head Into History

Book Your Copper Country Stay

View All
Brockway Inn Motel & Coffeehouse

Brockway Inn Motel & Coffeehouse

  • 840 Gratiot St
  • 906-289-4588

The Brockway Inn is an owner operated establishment. We are dedicated to providing our guests year round, friendly, efficient service in…

Copper Country Inn

Copper Country Inn

  • 46995 US Highway 41
  • 906-482-5351

As one of the few original “Mom and Pop” motels remaining in Houghton, we’ve embraced the classic feel and dropped the franchise. Our…

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

  • 820 Shelden Avenue
  • (906) 487-1700

Located in historic downtown Houghton, we are less than two miles from Michigan Technological University. There are several local shops…

Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Express

  • 1110 Century Way
  • (906) 482-1066

Ideal for business and leisure travel, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel Houghton – Keweenaw awaits you with exquisite, newly…

The City of Houghton RV Park

The City of Houghton RV Park

  • 1100 W Lakeshore Dr
  • 906-482-8745

The City of Houghton RV Park is a 22 unit park open from May through October. It is located next to the Kestner Waterfront Park, at the…