This is the oldest shaft house that is still standing in the Keweenaw and reminds you of the days when copper was king. You can also see some of the other old mining buildings, railway equipment, poor rock piles and private homes related to the mining era in the vicinity of the mine shaft. This mine ceased operations in 1967. The Keweenaw Waterway is the waterway between Houghton and Hancock, separating the Keweenaw Peninsula from the rest of the Upper Peninsula. The Portage Waterway Segment is an excellent venue for viewing historic mine workings.
Native copper occurs in a metallic state within the earth, and deposits of native copper are rare.
Copper mining led to extensive development of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and Keweenaw and Houghton Counties had over 100,000 residents at the turn of the century. Turn right for Houghton or turn left and cruise into the old Adventure Copper Mine and take the winter snowmobiler's tour. Detailed maps available from Chassell businesses. From Houghton, cross the two level bridge on the bottom level and pick up the Stevens Trail North outside of Hancock. Mount Ripley Downhill Skiing Downhill ski enthusiasts can have a great day at Mount Ripley in Hancock.