Upper Peninsula

Houghton, Michigan

City

Keweenaw copper country hub on the Portage Canal

Houghton sits on the Portage Canal across from Hancock, home to Michigan Technological University and Keweenaw National Historical Park.

History & Local Character

The city was a copper mining center in the nineteenth century, and its historic downtown reflects that wealth.

Housing & Real Estate

Housing includes historic homes, student rentals near the university and newer development on the edges.

Restaurants & Shopping

Downtown holds restaurants, cafes, breweries and a bakery.

Schools & Education

Houghton-Portage Township Schools serves the city.

Parks & Recreation

McLain State Park, Hungarian Falls and the Keweenaw waterfront trails provide recreation.

Transportation & Accessibility

US-41 crosses the Portage Canal bridge here, with M-26 and M-203 serving the peninsula.

Local Businesses

Downtown restaurantsBreweriesOutdoor outfittersUniversity spin-off companies

No businesses are listed in Houghton yet. Add your business to be the first.

Nearby Attractions

  • Keweenaw National Historical Park
  • Quincy Mine
  • McLain State Park
  • Copper Harbor

Advantages & Considerations

Advantages

  • Historic downtown and university presence
  • Access to the Keweenaw Peninsula
  • Affordable housing

Considerations

  • Heavy snowfall and long winters
  • Remote from downstate services
  • Limited retail

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houghton the same as Houghton Lake?

No. Houghton is a city in Houghton County in the Upper Peninsula; Houghton Lake is in Roscommon County in the Lower Peninsula.

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