​Welcome to the Houghton County Historical Society

​SUMMER SEASON 2021 SCHEDULE
In line with Governor Whitmer's reopening of the state on June 22nd, the Historical Society's museum is now open for the summer season. Our hours are noon to 4 PM.

We expect to be open every Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays, look for the "Open" sign at our entrance, or call ahead at (906) 296-4121, as we continue to ramp up volunteer coverage.

​Train Rides are not yet available but may be back later this summer. Stay tuned.

PLEASE NOTE: The HCHS Research Room will continue to be open by appointment ONLY. Please call (906) 296-4121 to request an appointment.

Join or Renew Your Membership

Seeking Your Help Gathering Info on Local Veterans

We're looking for your help to honor our local veterans as part of a planned electronic display within our Museum's Veteran's Room. We are hoping to have this display available when the Museum opens next spring for the 2022 season.
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In order to include Veterans in this display, they must meet the following criteria:

1. Have been born, lived OR died within Houghton County, Michigan.
2. Served at any time from the Civil War to current.

We would like information for all Houghton County Veterans, not just those who served or died during a war.

If you have a local Veteran you'd like included in our display, please click the button below and fill out the online form to send us your input. Thank you!

Yes, I have info on a local Veteran

Help Restore the #3 Steam Locomotive

The Houghton County Historical Society is home to the C&H #3 steam locomotive.  Built in 1915, this small industrial locomotive was used by the Calumet & Hecla mining company around the mills and smelters of Lake Linden and Hubbell to move copper concentrate, ingots, and other materials.  Calumet & Hecla donated the locomotive to the Historical Society in 1969.

For several years the old #3 has served the Society and our visitors well.  However, any steam engine will require periodic maintenance to the boiler and boiler flues.  We are now at the point were #3 is in need of boiler repairs, and has had to be withdrawn from service, and we need your help to make the needed repairs.  

Find Out More & Donate Today

About Us

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Our Museum Complex
Our Museum Complex in Lake Linden was once the site of the largest copper milling operation in North America.

Today, it is home to our Museum, and also to the Lake Linden & Torch Lake Railroad, the  one room Traprock Valley School House, the WPA era Leo Chaput Log Cabin and the Perl Merrill Research Center (which is our archives and genealogical facility). The HCHS Heritage Center, a former Congregational Church building built in 1887, is just around the corner.

Our Operations
Open June thru September at variable hours.  Our staff is all volunteer so please call ahead.  If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Off season tours and field trips can be arranged by calling the museum office at (906) 296-4121

Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Houghton County Historical Society is to preserve, present, and interpret the history and culture of the Copper Country of Michigan, with emphasis on Houghton County and copper mining, processing and transportation. The society will pursue this mission through cooperation, collaboration, and participation with the community at large as well as other historical groups.

Our Location
Located on M-26 in Lake Linden, between Hancock and Copper Harbor, Michigan. The Museum building offers three floors of exhibits of local Copper Country mining, logging and cultural history.  Included among the outdoor exhibits is a working Calumet & Hecla Mining Co. train with a 3 gauge Porter steam engine that was used to transport various materials at their mill and smelter sites.  The steam train is now used for passenger tours and interpretation of the milling operation.

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Houghton County Historical Society
53102 Hwy M-26 PO Box 127
Lake Linden, MI 49945
(906) 296-4121