Discover fun things to do in Houghton and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Whether you want to ski the mountains or explore a subterranean mine, booking a room at the Country Inn & Suites, Houghton, MI puts you within easy reach of the area’s most exciting attractions. Take in the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty at nearby Portage Lake, where paddleboarding, fishing, and kayaking abound. Visiting in the summer? Schedule a voyage aboard the Ranger III to visit Isle Royale National Park, where you can enjoy scenic hiking trails and scuba diving opportunities. For things to do indoors, you can head to Michigan Tech to catch a sporting event, browse museum exhibits, or see a theatrical performance.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Nature

Portage Lake

5.22 mi / 8.4 km from the hotel
Boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities are abundant at Portage Lake. Catch a glimpse of the lighthouse, and learn more about the lake’s historic shipwrecks.

Keweenaw National Historical Park

11.31 mi / 18.2 km from the hotel
This park offers the chance to explore more than 7,000 years of the Houghton area’s copper mining history.

Michigan Tech

1.89 mi / 3.04 km from the hotel
Situated on a beautiful campus, MTU boasts a student body of more than 7,000 and athletic teams represented by mascot Blizzard T. Husky.

Mont Ripley Ski Area

1.82 mi / 2.93 km from the hotel
Rent some skis and take a lesson, or bring your own snowboard and plunge down the slopes of this ski resort located on the Michigan Tech campus.

Mount Bohemia

32.76 mi / 52.72 km from the hotel
With steep slopes and advanced terrain, Mount Bohemia is a place where seasoned skiers can show off their skills.

Quincy Mine

2.1 mi / 3.37 km from the hotel
Where else can you ride a cog-wheel tram car before descending seven stories into an abandoned copper mine? Don’t miss your chance to see the shaft house, steam hoist, and on-site museum.

Copper Harbor

41.07 mi / 66.09 km from the hotel
If you love connecting with the great outdoors, Copper Harbor has myriad adventures to offer, from mountain biking and kayaking to fishing, golfing, and bird-watching.

Portage Paddle Sports

0.9 mi / 1.45 km from the hotel
You can take in Houghton's natural beauty from the water by paddle boat or kayak or on the shore via beach bike cruiser. Stop by the ice cream shop and concession stand for a refreshment after your excursion.

Nara Nature Park

3.1 mi / 4.99 km from the hotel
Pack your hiking boots for a stroll along this park's Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk, a 4,500-foot-long elevated wood boardwalk running along both banks of the Pilgrim River. You can also stop along the way to fish or launch a kayak or canoe to explore by water.

Copper County Boat Tours

10.43 mi / 16.78 km from the hotel
Book a romantic twilight tour of the Portage Canal to enjoy an amazing sunset, shimmering city lights, and a star-filled night sky. Daytime historical tours are also available.

Isle Royale National Park

70.4 mi / 113.3 km from the hotel
Take the ferry or seaplane to explore this rugged and isolated island surrounded by Lake Superior. You can go for a hike, fish along the shores, or arrange a scuba diving expedition during your visit.

A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

1.55 mi / 2.49 km from the hotel
Located on Michigan Tech’s campus, this museum features a vast collection of Michigan minerals and the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.