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.

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