Tour One of the Upper Peninsula’s Oldest Copper Mines at Delaware Mine
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Hidden in the heart of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula lies one of the oldest and deepest copper mines in the Upper Peninsula. Delaware Mine allows visitors a unique opportunity to see the ins and outs of copper mining with seasonal self-guided tours to see a vital piece of UP mining history up close.
A History of Mining in the Upper Peninsula
The Delaware Mine — located about 12 miles from Copper Harbor in Keweenaw County — operated during the 1800s major mining boom from 1847 to 1887 and had five different shafts, the deepest one reaching 1,400 feet, which produced more than 8 million tons of copper.2
Despite enthusiasm from investors, the mine never turned a profit before it closed. Still, it remains a prime example of the UP’s mining heritage.
The UP, particularly the Keweenaw Peninsula, is renowned for its vast deposits of copper and iron ore, which spurred development in the early 19th century. Mines such as the Quincy Mine were among the most productive copper mines in the world and led to the growth of mining towns as a diverse workforce came to the UP.
Iron ore mining also spurred growth in the Marquette Range, Menominee Range, and Gogebic Range as mining towns like Iron Mountain and Ishpeming became important hubs.
DID YOU KNOW: More than a dozen mines have operated in the Upper Peninsula, mining copper, iron, and nickel.
One iron mine is still active in the UP — the Tilden Mine — which is located near Marquette.
Despite many obstacles, UP mining thrived for more than a century. Mining operations continually faced harsh weather and the need for infrastructure upgrades, but still thrived in many areas, including the single mine that is still active.
Most UP mines eventually closed as economic conditions changed and resources were depleted, but the Upper Peninsula’s historic legacy of mining lives on with tours, historical sites (like Delaware Mine), and tours that allow Michigananders and out-of-town visitors to explore that history for themselves.
Visiting Delaware Mine
Tom Poynter had a childhood wrapped in Copper County mining history and grew up yearning to own his own mine. That dream became a reality when he came to own Delaware Mine and revitalized it to become a must-visit Keweenaw Peninsula destination.
Tom’s vision lives on with his daughter Laurie and her husband Bob, who have continued to maintain the grounds and added innovations to preserve Delaware Mine’s history.
Adventurers who want to explore the inner workings of the Delaware Mine can make their way down 100 feet of stairs to arrive at shaft No. 1 — the mine’s first level.
From there, visitors can go on their own self-guided tour as they walk about 1,700 feet through the mine’s original workings.
Tourists are advised to take their time exploring so as not to miss anything. Pure veins of copper can still be seen in the walls and brown bats can be seen sleeping in the mine ceilings. There are even picnic tables 100 feet below the surface so visitors can enjoy a meal — perhaps a pasty? — like a miner.
“[A] Truly amazing experience. I would do it again. The history and authenticity is just beyond words. 10/10. My kids (10 &4) loved it once the “scary stairs” were done. Not scary, it’s just a mine lol. Bring a sweatshirt. It’s obviously cold underground. Good guy who owns it – very passionate and informative of what he does.”
– Katey via Google
Above ground, visitors can explore more, walking past trains, antique engines, equipment displays, prehistoric mining sites, and the ruins of two of the mine’s original buildings. Visitors can also stop in to browse mementos at the on-site gift shop or have a picnic at one of the tables outside the mine.
Delaware Mine Tours are open seasonally starting in May and visitors can choose two types of tours. The Surface Tour grants access to above ground exhibits and the full access tour allows visitors to explore the mine as well as the above-ground exhibits.
Explore Other Mines and Caves in the UP
Explore mines is one of the best things to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Delaware Mine is one of several mining sites where visitors can explore a fascinating part of Michigan’s history.
Quincy Mine
Located in Hancock, Quincy Mine operated as a copper mine from 1846 to 1945 and was one of the biggest copper mines in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of Quincy 2 Shafthouse, a miner’s memorial house, and see a Nordberg Steam Hoist on a full tour that lasts about two and a half hours.
Millie Bat Cave
Tucked away near the Michigan-Wisconsin border near Iron Mountain, the Millie Bat Cave is an honest-to-goodness bat cave that’s home to one of North America’s largest collections of hibernating and breeding bat colonies. The “cave” is a mineshaft from the former iron ore Millie Mine where visitors can go to a bat viewing area and enjoy a self-guided interpretive program.
Adventure Mine
Adventure Mine near Greenland is one of the state’s best-preserved mines and offers a variety of seasonal tours into a former copper mine. Visitors can enjoy a simple tour that explores some of the mine’s largest rooms or more advanced tours that include rappeling to explore multiple and deeper levels of the mine.
Explore a Unique Piece of UP History at Delaware Mine
With veins of copper exposed in the walls and history mining equipment above ground, Delaware Mine in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula offers an up close and personal look into a unique piece of Upper Peninsula history. Though it may not have turned a profit, it was a productive mine that remains a symbol of a once-mighty mining industry — one that offers a unique experience set amongst the beauty of the UP.