Tours

Tour group getting briefed outside the mine entrance for an underground mine tour at quincy mine.

The Underground Experience

Experience Quincy like never before! Each tour takes approximately 2 1/4 hours, allowing plenty of time for questions and discussion. The underground portion of the tour takes more than an hour, and the temperature in the mine is a refreshing 43°, so be sure to bring a jacket and perhaps some long pants. The walk-in is approximately 2000 feet (~1 mile walking total), takes 12-15 minutes, and is at a leisurely pace with stops to learn about the history of the adit as well as an introduction to local geology.

Please be aware that it is a wet walking surface, so wear appropriate footwear. Sandals, flip-flops or other open-toed footwear may be hazardous to wear (and are certainly not recommended during winter tours). This is an extensive tour; we don’t mind if guests bring backpacks with snacks and drinks (especially comfort food for our younger guests).

Transportation for the underground tour is available when we are given at least 24 hours’ notice. For anyone with mobility issues–please call ahead if you need special assistance. Quincy is a fully handicapped accessible site with advanced notice.

Call us at (906) 482-3101 or email info@quincymine.com if there are questions or concerns about your upcoming visit to the Quincy Mine–we’re here to help!

The Smelter Experience

No tour of Quincy is complete without visiting the historic Quincy Smelter (1898) located on Hancock’s waterfront. It is the oldest and most intact smelter from this period in the world, and visitors can tour the works and learn about the final processes involved in moving copper from ore to finished product. Because this is an industrial site, proper footwear in the form of closed-toe shoes is recommended. Regular tours will be available on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1:30 pm. For more information call (906) 482-3101.
 
The hearths and furnaces may be cool, the buildings quiet and contemplative, but this is a chance to step back into history and see where just under 1 BILLION pounds of copper were processed,  helping America grow from a largely agricultural nation to an industrial powerhouse. Much of the machinery from the 1890s and earlier are intact, including Corliss steam engines, as well as the casting plant. The smelter was a major investment for Quincy, helping the company achieve its reputation as “Old Reliable” in the industry.

Image of Quincy Smelter from across the canal in Houghton, MI