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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

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Quincy Mine and Shafthouse

Quincy Mine and Shafthouse

  • 49750 US Hwy 41
  • (906) 482-3101

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

  • 48991 Maple St
  • (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 Rd
  • (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

  • 1100 Plank Rd
  • (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

  • Shaft House Rd
  • (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

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Keweenaw Waters Resort

Keweenaw Waters Resort

  • 17800 Canal Rd.
  • (906) 231-9193

Coming to the UP? Stay with us! At Keweenaw Waters Resort, the newest vacation destination in the Copper Country, you’ll benefit from an…

Mariner North Resort

Mariner North Resort

  • 245 Gratiot St.
  • 906-289-4637

Luxury log cabins & motel. Cabins are two-story and fully stocked with china, silverware, pots, pans, linens. All units have double-size…

Vic's Cabins

Vic's Cabins

  • 58696 US Highway 41
  • 906-337-8427 | (906) 369-1438

Vic’s Cabins is conveniently located on US 41 in Calumet, Michigan at the center of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. When you stay at…

White House Lodging

White House Lodging

  • 3606 US Highway 41

We have quaint, cozy rooms located 21 miles from Mount Bohemia on US 41 and 28 miles from the Copper Harbor mountain biking trails. Two…

Yellow House

Yellow House

  • 308 Tamarack St
  • 906-337-2549

2300 sq.ft house with 3 bedrooms on 2nd floor: 1 king and 2 queen beds, 2 1/2 bathrooms: half bathroom on 1st floor, 2 full bathrooms on…