From Old U.P. Mine to Tourist Attraction: Copperama, 1960-1970s

Any long time Michigander knows that the Upper Peninsula’s west side was one of the biggest mining hotbeds in the entire world.

Most of the mines eventually closed down, but then what? Were the people supposed to just leave them empty, abandoned, and dangerous for trespassers? A lot of them did... but there were others who had a different idea.

Turn that old mine into a tourist attraction.

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That’s exactly what Copperama was. Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula at 47775 US-41 in Houghton, tours through the old mine were available as well as souvenirs - some made from ore - and lots of history to learn.

Here’s how they described themselves, found on the back of postcards:
“Visit Copper Country’s UNDERGROUND COPPERAMA Houghton, Michigan - Educational Guided Tours. Located on U.S. 41 one mile south of Houghton, Mich. Situated on site of former Isle Royale Copper Co which produced 16,000,000 tons of Copper Ore from 1898 through 1948. Copper Souvenirs and refreshments.”

The Copperama opened around 1960 and lasted throughout the decade.
It permanently closed in the early 1970s and was demolished.

Currently, a Krist Food Mart sits on the site.
Photos can be found below.