Houghton County Historical Society

The Houghton County Historical Museum Complex in Lake Linden was once the site of the largest copper milling operation in North America. Today, it is home to our Museum, and also to the Lake Linden & Torch Lake Railroad, the one room Traprock Valley School House, the WPA era Leo Chaput Log Cabin and the Perl Merrill Research Center (which is our archives and genealogical facility). The HCHS Heritage Center, a former Congregational Church building built in 1887, is just around the corner.

We are located on M-26 in Lake Linden, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Museum building offers three floors of exhibits of local Copper Country mining, logging and cultural history. Included among the outdoor exhibits is a working Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. train with a 3’ gauge Porter steam engine that was used to transport various materials at their mill and smelter sites. The steam train is now used for passenger tours and interpretation of the milling operation.

Open June thru September at variable hours. Our staff is all volunteer so please call ahead. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Off season tours and field trips can be arranged by calling the museum office at (906) 296-4121

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Houghton County Historical Society is to preserve, present, and interpret the history and culture of the Copper Country of Michigan, with emphasis on Houghton County and copper mining, processing and transportation. The society will pursue this mission through cooperation, collaboration, and participation with the community at large as well as other historical groups.

Houghton County Historical Society
53102 Hwy M-26 Lake Linden, Michigan
PO Box 127
Lake Linden, MI 49945
(906) 296-4121

Welcome to the Houghton County Historical Society