Prince’s Point is a small park in Houghton, Michigan. It features a sandy beach on the Portage Canal and a small recreation area. Used mostly by Michigan Tech students, this peaceful spot is easy to access. Since it’s slightly off the beaten path, it’s rarely crowded.
Facilities at the park include:
- Benches
- Picnic tables
- Campfire rings
- Trash cans
Since Prince’s Point is a campus park, alcohol is not allowed. You can bring pets — not the case with all the beaches near Houghton, MI — but make sure to keep them on a leash.
How to Get to Prince’s Point
Prince’s Point is located on the Portage Canal, just below Michigan Tech. There are two ways to get there:
- Shortest route: If you don’t mind stairs, leave your car in the far end of the parking lot for the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. Look for the painted white crosswalk on Cliff Drive — you’ll see a sign for Prince’s Point across the road. Walk down the long flight of stairs; the park is at the bottom.
- Flattest route: Drive down to the Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center, and park at the far end of the parking lot. (You need a permit before 4PM on weekdays unless you park in a metered spot. Walk 0.3 miles along the Houghton Waterfront Trail to reach the park.
If you want a longer walk, park at East Houghton Waterfront Park and walk along the trail. The trip is about 1.2 miles. Or, you can park at Nara Nature Park and walk about 1.4 miles.
Note: don’t confuse this park with Princess Point, a nature area run by the Keweenaw Land Trust.