Houghton

Houghton is a county seat and university town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that stretches along the Portage Waterway. Steep hills rise from the water while trails wind through surrounding forests that often sit buried in deep snow during winter months.

The discovery of copper deposits by geologist Douglass Houghton in the 1840s led to the establishment of this mining settlement in 1854. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century and connected the area to southern markets, while the university opened in 1885 to train mining engineers.

Michigan Technological University shapes local life with engineering research and an annual Winter Carnival where students build large snow sculptures. Finnish can still be heard on the streets, reflecting northern European immigration history that remains visible in some shops and family names today.

The town receives over 180 inches (460 cm) of snow each year, with maintained trails for winter activities and specialized snow removal equipment. The hillside location means some streets can become difficult to navigate during heavy snow or ice, so extra caution helps.

The Keweenaw Waterway splits the land into two parts, creating a channel that freezes solid enough for vehicles to cross during winter. On particularly cold days, ice roads form on the frozen water and locals use them as shortcuts.

Location: Houghton County

Inception: 1854

Elevation above the sea: 196 m

Website: http://cityofhoughton.com

GPS coordinates: 47.12111,-88.56944

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:53