The Houghton center point is approximately the area of Seaman Mineralogical Museum and the area of Michigan Technological University.
The best time to visit Houghton is the summer, when you can take full advantage of the area's outdoor recreational activities. Average highs range from 71 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August. The only downside to visiting Houghton during the summer, however, is that you'll have to contend with more tourists and higher hotel rates. Still, you can't beat a trip to Houghton during peak tourist season.
If you'd rather avoid the crowds and save a few dollars on accommodations, consider a trip during the spring or fall. The Keweenaw Peninsula comes alive with spring blooms and autumn color changes, making it a beautiful destination for off-season travelers. Expect chilly temperatures, though, as average lows can fall below 40 degrees.
Those who don't mind the cold should take advantage of a winter getaway in Houghton. Upper Michigan experiences a true winter with lake-effect snow, subzero temperatures, and plenty of winter sports opportunities. Just remember that road conditions can be hazardous, so only visit during the winter if you're comfortable driving in ice and snow.
AAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel may be eligible to book special rates at hotels across Upper Michigan. For example, military and government employees can enjoy special rates at Ramada by Wyndham Hancock Waterfront.
Located near Mont Ripley Ski Area, this highly rated hotel features an indoor pool, a spa tub, a picnic area, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, laundry services, and event space. Guest rooms at Ramada by Wyndham Hancock Waterfront include mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, desks, hair dryers, toiletries, and flat-screen TVs with cable programming. There's also an on-site restaurant that specializes in American cuisine, and a complimentary continental breakfast is served daily. Room service is available during limited hours.
If you do qualify for a special rate, be sure to make your selection when booking your hotel room. You'll then need to present proof of eligibility, such as a membership card or ID, at check-in.
Holiday Inn Express Houghton Keweenaw consistently ranks high with customer reviews and is conveniently located near the city's attractions. In fact, its within a five-minute drive of Michigan Technological University and Finlandia University. The grounds of this hotel are also also nicely landscaped.
This Holiday Inn Express offers a complimentary breakfast buffet daily, an indoor pool, a spa tub, outdoor barbecue grills, a fireplace in the lobby, a 24-hour business center, express check-out, a meeting room, and ample parking. Guest rooms are well-appointed with mini fridges, microwaves, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, designer toiletries, 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable, pillowtop beds, premium bedding, and both wired and wireless internet access.
Another great option is Quality Inn & Suites, which is conveniently located in central Houghton. Take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, event facilities, free parking, spa tub, sauna, and complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, hair dryers, toiletries, safes, desks, and flat-screen TVs with cable.
Quincy Mine is a popular Houghton attraction because it showcases what life was like for locals before mining operations closed in 1945. The site offers guided tours of the underground copper mine, rides on the Quincy Electric Reversible Mine Transport, and access to the shaft house, steam hoist, and other key landmarks.
Families will also enjoy the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, which is located at Michigan Technological University. The official mineral museum of Michigan is also a heritage site of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The museum houses over 25,000 specimens from around the world, including the world's finest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region.
If you visit during the summer, you won't want to miss a ride on the Isle Royale Ranger III ferry. The 73-mile, six-hour trip takes you to Isle Royale National Park, a rugged, remote island in Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake, where you can hike, dive, camp, go boating, and see wolves and moose. The island also features a historic lighthouse, Rock Harbor Light, which was completed in 1859. The Isle Royale Ranger III runs from late May through early September.
No matter what your reason for visiting Houghton, Michigan, you'll discover a naturally beautiful and friendly destination with a lot to explore. Whether you prefer a low-cost hotel or upscale accommodations with extra amenities, you can find the perfect hotel in Houghton to meet your family's needs. Start planning your trip to Upper Michigan today!
Below are reviews of the city of Houghton, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great restaurants and loved seeing MTU's campus.
Michigan Tech University
We are traveling across the U.P. but we like to go to Copper Harbor too. Houghton is a great stopping place.
Convenient stores for supplies and a quaint downtown. Proximity to Copper and Eagle Harbors and Porcupine Mountain is best!
Cleanliness!!! Morning breakfast and the front desk person!
Friendly people, many great restaurants, so much to do and see, wonderful place to spend a vacation, clean clean clean!
We didn't have a lot of time to tour the city of Houghton like we would have liked, but we were able to visit Keweenaw Brewing Company and I think I found my new favorite brewer. We need to return to Houghton to try some of the many other local places that we missed. We enjoyed the paved bike/walking path along the waterfront for a little morning exercise.
Great restaurants.