Iron Mining Heritage in the Superior Region

Explore the rich history of iron ore mining in Marquette County, a region settled in the mid 1800s when the mineral was first discovered on the shore of Teal Lake in Negaunee. Hundred of underground mines shaped the face of Marquette County.

A key component to the production of steel, local iron ore mining helped fuel American's Industrial Revolution.

Today, Michigan's only active iron mine is Cliffs Michigan Mining (the combined mine of the Empire Mine in Palmer and the Tilden Mine in Ishpeming). The Empire Mine location can been seen from M-35 in Palmer, but is not open to the public. However, guided tours of the Tilden Mine have been offered during the summer months for the past several years. Visitors can see how iron ore is mined from gigantic open pits and walk through the huge plant where ore is processed and pelletized.

The former Cliffs Mine Shaft contains the only remaining head frames of the underground mining era in the region. Prior to its closure in 1967, the facility proved to be one of the most productive of the area's underground operations. The Marquette Range Iron Mining Heritage Theme Park, Inc. is a group of local mining enthusiasts whorking to turn the facility into a walking tour and living history of mining on the Marquette Range. An historic marker at nearby Lake Bancroft Park explains the history of the Cliffs Mine Shaft.

Near Presque Isle in Marquette, view ore freighters being loaded with iron ore pellets at the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad Ore Dock. A second ore dock, which no longer is in use, takes center stage in the Lower Harbor near downtown Marquette.

For more information on the Iron Mine Tours, call 888-578-6489.