Tours

The Underground Experience

Experience Quincy like never before! Each tour takes approximately two and a quarter hours, allowing for 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, takes 12-15 minutes, and is at 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 please 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 for anyone with mobility issues–please call ahead if special assistance is needed. Quincy is a fully handicapped accessible site: please call 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. Regular tours begin on Memorial Day and end on Labor Day. Tour times are at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. Because this is an industrial site, proper footwear in the form of closed-toe shoes (hiking boots or shoes) is recommended: sandals, flip-flops, or other open-toe footwear are not recommended. For more information call (906) 482-3101 or (906) 482-5569.

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.