About Houghton
Houghton is the largest city in and the county seat of Houghton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Houghton is the largest city in the Copper Country region. It is the fifth-largest city in the Upper Peninsula, with a population of 8,386 according to the 2020 United States census. Houghton is the principal city of the Houghton micropolitan area, which includes all of Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Houghton lies upon the Keweenaw Waterway, a partly natural, partly artificial waterway connecting at both ends to Lake Superior. Across the waterway from Houghton lies the city of Hancock.
Places to visit in Houghton
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Quincy Mine
HistoricAcross the canal in Hancock, tours visit a giant steam hoist and descend into an old copper mine, with a cog railway taking visitors down the hillside.
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A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum
MuseumMichigan Tech's mineral museum houses an extensive collection, with impressive native copper and silver and many specimens from the Keweenaw region and around the world.
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Keweenaw National Historical Park
Historic · 2 mi from centreA park based in Calumet that tells the story of copper mining in the region, with a visitor center and partner sites across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
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Portage Lake Lift Bridge
LandmarkA double-deck lift bridge linking Houghton and Hancock over the Keweenaw Waterway. Waterfront parks and trails nearby offer good views of the bridge and passing boats.
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McLain State Park
BeachA park on the Lake Superior shore northwest of Hancock with sandy beaches, campgrounds, a view of the breakwater lighthouse and excellent sunset watching over the lake.
Best time to visit Houghton
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Houghton is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 70–77°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Houghton weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 60° 43° 5%
- Thu 22 Oct 65° 46° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 71° 52° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 71° 59° 12%
- Sun 25 Oct 59° 43° 17%
- Mon 26 Oct 43° 37° 11%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DetroitUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Houghton
These are the airports closest to central Houghton. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CMX Houghton County Memorial Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around Houghton
Houghton and Hancock are very small cities and are easily accessed by foot, although some streets can be very steep.
By taxi
Neil's Cab (☏ +1 906-482-5515) operates a few taxis in the area and the City of Houghton operates a shuttle service.
By car
For exploring the area, a personal car would be best. Car rentals area available at the airport.
Houghton travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Houghton?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Houghton is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 70–77°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Houghton?
July is usually the warmest month in Houghton, with average highs of 77°F (25°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 13°F (-11°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 142 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Houghton?
Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Houghton.
What time zone is Houghton in?
Houghton uses the America/Detroit time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Houghton?
Houghton and Hancock are very small cities and are easily accessed by foot, although some streets can be very steep.
What are the best places to visit in Houghton?
Top sights in Houghton include Quincy Mine, A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Keweenaw National Historical Park and Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Across the canal in Hancock, tours visit a giant steam hoist and descend into an old copper mine, with a cog railway taking visitors down the hillside.
