Houghton County

Houghton County is an administrative division on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula, with Lake Superior bordering its eastern and western shores. The area contains around 900 miles of rivers and 139 lakes throughout its landscape.

The region developed during the nineteenth-century copper mining era, when Cornish and Finnish immigrants arrived and established settlements. These early communities shaped the area's long-term growth and character.

Michigan Technological University shapes the local cultural calendar with its annual Winter Carnival in February, drawing visitors from around the region to watch snow sculpture competitions.

The area provides excellent conditions for winter sports and outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors should expect extreme weather conditions and long winters as part of the experience here.

The area receives about 218 inches of snowfall yearly due to lake effect from Lake Superior, making it one of the snowiest regions in North America. These extraordinary snow amounts create ideal ground for specialized winter recreation.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1846

Capital city: Houghton

Shares border with: Keweenaw County, Iron County, Baraga County, Ontonagon County

Website: http://houghtoncounty.net

GPS coordinates: 46.98000,-88.65000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07