Looking for things to do in Houghton, MI? You’re in luck — Houghton might be a small town, but it’s overflowing with activities. Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventure or an indoor event, there’s plenty to do.
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Outdoor Things to Do in Houghton, MI
Houghton is known for its exceptional outdoor access. Within 15 minutes of town, you can be chilling by Lake Superior, hiking through the forest, or gliding along the Keweenaw Waterway. These are our favorite outdoor things to do in Houghton, MI, from spring to fall. (Is the snow falling? Jump to winter activities.)
1. Swim in Lake Superior (or Portage Lake)
When the weather’s warm, gather your courage for a U.P. rite of passage — jumping in the ice-cold waters of Lake Superior. (It usually warms to comfortable temperatures by late July.) Feeling nervous about the cold? Head to Misery Bay or Agate Beach; the lake is super-shallow near the beach, so it always has the warmest water. Alternatively, head to one of the other beaches near Houghton, MI, to swim in the Portage Canal.
2. Go waterfalling
The waterfalls near Houghton, MI, are the most exciting in the spring, but they’re worth visiting year-round. Summer brings lush greenery and beautiful hiking; in the fall, the leaves turn to wild shades of red, orange, and yellow. Our favorite is Hungarian Falls — there are multiple waterfalls to explore, and you can opt for the short, flat upper trail or a fun uphill hike. (Don’t miss the hidden waterfall.)
3. Build a bonfire on the beach
You haven’t had the full U.P. experience until you’ve relaxed by a bonfire on the shores of Lake Superior. To go full Yooper, pick up a pack of Vollwerth’s hot dogs (natural casing is best) to roast over the fire. Stick around for sunset — they’re spectacular, especially on the western side of the Keweenaw.
Not all beaches allow fires, so check the rules first. When in doubt, head to North Canal Township Park; you can build your bonfire in the established rings on the beach. Buy firewood at a local gas stations or at one of the many self-service spots alongside the road (bring cash if you’re going this route).
4. Attend a community festival
Houghton might be a small town, but its calendar is overflowing with fun festivals. We love the Parade of Nations in September, which is followed by an excellent international food festival in the Dee Stadium. If you’re a beer drinker, don’t miss out on Keweenaw Brewfest in August. For a full list, check out our guide to the local events in Houghton, MI.
5. Explore the Nara boardwalks
As you drive out of Houghton, you’ll see a small dirt parking lot on the left (map), just before the Pilgrim River bridge. This is the starting point for the Nara Nature Park boardwalks. They’re newly built; the original boardwalks were wiped out by severe flooding in 2018. This is a great place to fish, stroll, run, or just hang out on the benches on the end of each trail.
6. Paddle Portage Lake
If you’re looking for active things to do in Houghton, MI, when it’s hot, head straight down to the Houghton Waterfront Park. Rent a paddleboard or a kayak, and spend a couple hours paddling along the shore. (It’s particularly fun to go under the Portage lift bridge.) Jump in the water when you need to cool off, and reward yourself with an ice cream cone from the park’s concession stand.
7. Go for a hike
With more than 50 miles of trails, Houghton offers endless opportunities to explore the local woods and wetlands . Our favorite spots for hiking near Houghton are accessible to everyone — the terrain is pretty gentle. Don’t worry about special gear; any athletic shoes will do.
8. Pick thimbleberries at Prince’s Point
If you’ve never had a thimbleberry, you’re missing out! These tart, sweet berries are found only in a few places in the United States. In the summer, they line the sides of the waterfront trail below Michigan Tech; the most fruitful stretch (couldn’t resist) is near Prince’s Point.
9. See the fall colors
The fall colors in the Upper Peninsula are one of the best-kept secrets in the United States. Every October, the forests turn to a sea of red, gold, and orange. You don’t need to leave town to marvel at the changing leaves — there are plenty of places to see fall colors in Houghton, MI. They’re especially spectacular at the Michigan Tech Trails and the Houghton Waterfront Trail near Nara Nature Park.
10. Plan a camping trip
Ditch civilization and head out into the wilderness for a camping trip. Drive a few miles from town, and the lights and sounds fade away fast. Whether you prefer a rustic campground or an RV park with full hookups, the campgrounds near Houghton, MI, have you covered. Don’t have camping gear? You can rent everything you need from the Michigan Tech Outdoor Adventure Program.
11. Take a boat tour of the Keweenaw Waterway
Glide along the Keweenaw Waterway aboard the S.S. Dragonfly with Copper Country Boat Tours. The boat is electric, so it runs silently and allows you to take in the beauty of Portage Lake. Occasionally, you can also book a scenic cruise aboard the Ranger III — the boat that transports passengers to Isle Royale — but dates are extremely limited.
12. Catch a waterfront concert
If you’re visiting Houghton in the summer, check out the city’s outdoor concerts. On Wednesdays, listen to live music on the downtown Houghton pier. Chairs are provided, or you can hang out on one of the waterfront picnic tables. (Huron Street Waterfront Park on Google Maps.) On Thursdays in August, head to the band shell Houghton Waterfront Park for the Century 21 Summer Concert Series — but make sure to bring a blanket or chair.
13. Go fishing
Take advantage of Houghton’s many waterways with a fishing trip. Favorite local fishing holes include Portage Lake, the Pilgrim River (access it at the Boundary Road Trails or the Pilgrim Community Forest), and the Salmon Trout River near the Redridge Steel Dam. Make sure to get a fishing license for anglers who are 17 or older.
14. Bike or walk the Houghton Waterfront Trail
Want to stretch your legs? Head straight for the Houghton Waterfront Trail, which runs along the Portage Canal. Start at Houghton Waterfront Park and walk downtown, or ride your bike the full 9 miles to Chassell Beach. We love popping down for a stroll after dinner at one of the downtown restaurants.
15. Watch a Michigan Tech football game
Join the community at a Michigan Tech home football game. They’re the perfect fall experience — the weather’s crisp, the pep band is playing, and there are plenty of delicious snacks at the concession stand. Check out the schedule to find dates; you can buy tickets online or in person at the gate.
Indoor Things to Do in Houghton, MI
Prefer to stay inside? These are some of our favorite indoor things to do in Houghton, MI. You can do them any time of year, regardless of the weather. (But when it’s cold outside, you can’t beat #33!)
16. Beer and takeout at the KBC
When the weather isn’t cooperating (or even if it is), take part in a beloved Houghton tradition: beer and takeout at the Keweenaw Brewing Company (KBC). Enjoy the high ceilings and cozy fireplace in the taproom, or soak up the sunshine by the colorful mural on the outdoor deck. You’re welcome to bring your own food — pick up a tostada pizza from the Ambassador Restaurant a few blocks away, or run across the street and pick up sushi from Sky Sushi.
17. Listen to live music at the Continental Fire Co.
On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the Bonfire at the Continental Fire Co. hosts a lineup of live music. Most bands play a mix of classic rock, country, or top 40. See who’s playing next on the Continental’s Facebook page. Feel like dancing? Head to the Continental at 11 PM on Saturday for Club Night.
18. Go to the movies
Houghton has just one movie theater — Rogers Cinema — so it’s pretty easy to narrow down your options. The theater has five screens, and most of the movies that come in are the latest blockbusters. Tickets are $7.50 before 5:30 PM and $9.50 after that. If you’re looking for a bargain, go to the moves on Tuesday — all tickets are $5.00. The Houghton movie theater is closed on Mondays.
19. Visit the mineral museum
Check out 4,000+ wild and wonderful rock specimens at the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. There’s something new around every corner, from the 19-ton chunk of Lake Superior copper in the garden to the neon yellow sulphur crystals inside the museum. Our favorite part is the fluorescent mineral display (above). Tickets are affordable ($8 for adults, free for kids younger than 8) and good for two days; admission is free for Michigan Tech students and employees.
20. Watch a show at the Rozsa Center
Catch a touring Broadway show or a concert at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. Michigan Tech’s world-class theater hosts a regular lineup of events throughout the year; the 2023-2024 season includes the musical My Fair Lady, the Charlie Berens Good Old Fashioned Tour, and a Canadian circus troupe, just to name a few. Feel like learning something new? There’s also a fascinating lecture series.
The Rozsa is also home to the Michigan Tech performing arts ensembles. Check the calendar for performances from the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Tech Concert Choir, Jazz Lab Band, theater department, and more. Some productions take place on the main stage, while others happen in the Walker black-box theater next door.
21. Go out for dinner and drinks
Experience the Houghton nightlife with an evening of dinner and drinks. Start at one of the restaurants in Houghton; there’s no need to make a reservation. End the night with a drink at one of the bars in Houghton — we love beer at the KBC or playing pool at the Doghouse.
22. Get active at the SDC
The Michigan Tech Student Development Complex (SDC) has plenty to do for both kids and adults. Go for a swim in the pool, get in a workout in the fitness center, or sign up for one of the HuskiesFit group classes. Bring a friend and head to the multipurpose room — you can check out basketballs, badminton gear, and other sporting equipment from the front desk, and grab a spot on the gym floor to play. There’s also a track for walking and running, so you won’t go stir crazy in the winter. You can buy a day pass, but the action passes and longer memberships are a better value.
Things to Do in Houghton, MI, with Kids
Trying to find kid-friendly things to do in Houghton? Most of the outdoor and indoor activities are appropriate for little ones, but here are a few favorites for local families.
23. Burn off some energy at Chutes and Ladders
Chutes and Ladders is a kid’s paradise — this massive play structure features steps, ladders, tunnels, swinging bridges, and slides of all sizes. Let your little ones loose, and they’ll be entertained for hours.
24. Check out the skate park
Break out your skateboard, bike, or scooter and head to the Houghton Skate Park. Located in East Houghton Waterfront Park, this professional concrete park features a series of ramps, boxes, and rails. The best part? You can work on your skills with a view of Portage Lake and Mont Ripley.
25. Play at the Portage Lake District Library
Located on the waterfront in Houghton, the Portage Lake District Library is a fantastic community hub. Small children love the kids’ section, which features a play corner, beanbag chairs, computers, and a coloring area. While the little ones play, you can grab a $1 coffee and relax in a rocking chair with a view of the water.
Things to Do in Houghton, MI, in the Winter
If you’ve ever been to Houghton, MI, in the winter, you know that it’s not for the faint of heart. The snow is serious business — and whether you’re here for the weekend or the whole winter, your best best is to embrace it! If you want to learn to love the cold, our favorite things to do in Houghton in the winter will definitely do the trick.
26. Cross-country ski the Michigan Tech Trails
The Michigan Tech Trails are a highlight of winter in Houghton — with miles and miles of groomed trails, you can glide peacefully through the silent, snowy forest or test your skills on intense hills. Some of the trails are lighted, and there’s nothing more magical than skiing after dark (especially when it’s snowing). Bring your cross-country skis or rent them; discover all the details in our guide to the Tech Trails.
27. Snowshoe through the forest
Prefer a relaxing hike through the woods to a high-intensity ski session? Houghton offers some of the best snowshoeing in Michigan! Check out North Canal Township Park, Nara Nature Park, Many of the Tech Trails allow snowshoe access; just check the maps at the trailhead for usage restrictions. You can rent snowshoes from the MTU Outdoor Adventure Program; as of 2023, it’s $12 for an overnight rental for non-students and $10 for Tech students.
28. Try ice skating
Ice skating is a popular winter activity in Houghton, MI — it is the birthplace of professional hockey, after all. There are plenty of ice rinks around town, but the most comfortable is the MacInnes Student Ice Arena at Michigan Tech. Public skating is $10, and you can rent skates for an additional $5. If you have skates and you want a more local experience, go ice skating at the Dee Stadium, the Dodgeville Ice Rink, or the Kenner Dome (also known as the Oskar Dome). When it’s cold enough, you can also skate outdoors at the neighborhood rink in West Houghton Park.
29. Cheer for the Husky hockey players
Ready to get loud? Book tickets to a Michigan Tech Huskies hockey game at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Sit in the stands with a hot chocolate, or enjoy a drink in the beer garden. The legendary Michigan Tech Pep Band is always at football and hockey games to keep things lively (brush up on the crowd cheers and the lyrics for “In Heaven, There is No Beer” before you go!).
30. Go sledding
Houghton is hilly and snowy, which means one thing: superb sledding. Kids and adults alike hit the hills every winter with snow tubes, saucers, and classic sleds. Head to the sled hill at Nara Nature Park, or carve your own route down the Chutes and Ladders hill at Houghton Waterfront Park.
31. Bundle up for ice fishing
Missing the summer fishing season? Bundle up and try ice fishing. You can go out as soon as the ice freezes to a safe thickness; the timeline varies every year. Popular spots for ice fishing include Portage Lake near Chassell and Keweenaw Bay near Baraga.
32. Go snowmobiling
Houghton is the jumping-off point for snowmobiling trips around the Keweenaw. You can access the trails right from downtown Houghton and ride more than 200 miles through the wild Michigan backcountry. (Check out the Keweenaw snowmobile trail map.) Along the way, there’s an endless supply of local restaurants to keep you fueled up. At the end of the day, ditch your snowmobile and warm up with a drink at one of the bars in Houghton, MI.
33. Watch a broomball game
Broomball is a favorite Michigan Tech tradition — it’s like hockey, but the players wear boots and hit a ball with duct-taped brooms. More than 200 participating teams play 200+ games every winter. You’ll find the outdoor broomball rinks across the street from Wadsworth Hall; entrance is free, and teams play in all weather conditions.
34. Warm up with a sauna
A sauna is perfect year-round, but it’s one of our favorite things to do in Houghton, MI, in the winter. Don’t know anyone with a sauna? No problem — just buy a day pass to the Michigan Tech SDC. The men’s and women’s locker rooms both have a traditional Finnish sauna, complete with a hot-rock stove. Toss water onto the rocks for a steam that will warm you to the core. FYI: if you have a Tech Trails pass, it comes with locker-room access.