Houghton is a city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, located in Houghton County on the southern shore of the Keweenaw Waterway. It is about 100 miles northwest of Marquette and is known for Michigan Technological University, its copper-mining heritage, and access to Lake Superior. The city serves as a regional center for education, business, outdoor recreation, and travel across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Location Map of Houghton, Houghton County, Michigan
About Map: The map shows the location of Houghton in Houghton County, in the U.S. state of Michigan.
Houghton Map, Michigan
About Houghton Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Houghton in Houghton County, Michigan. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Houghton Located?
Houghton is a city located in Houghton County, Michigan, the United States. It lies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the southern shore of the Keweenaw Waterway, about 100 miles northwest of Marquette. Houghton is part of the Keweenaw Peninsula and sits across the waterway from Hancock. The city is located at approximately 47.121° North latitude and 88.569° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 8,386 residents. Houghton covers about 4.25 square miles, or 11.01 square kilometers. Michigan Technological University is one of the city's most important institutions and contributes to its role as an educational center in the Upper Peninsula. Houghton also has a strong copper-mining heritage tied to the development of the Keweenaw Peninsula during the 19th century. A unique feature of the city is its location on the Keweenaw Waterway near the western end of Lake Superior. The surrounding area offers skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, and scenic views throughout the year. U.S. Highway 41 and Michigan Highway 26 provide road connections to Hancock, Calumet, Copper Harbor, and other communities.
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Houghton City Facts
| City | Houghton |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Houghton County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Upper Peninsula / Keweenaw Peninsula |
| Incorporated | 1875 |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Total Area | 4.25 sq mi (11.01 sq km) |
| Land Area | 4.07 sq mi (10.54 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.18 sq mi (0.47 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 600 ft (183 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 8,500 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 8,386 |
| Population Density | About 2,060 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| ZIP Codes | 49931 |
| Area Code | 906 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 41, Michigan Highway 26, Michigan Highway 203 |
| Public Transit | Houghton County Transit |
| Major Attractions | Michigan Technological University, Portage Canal, A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Isle Royale National Park |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofhoughton.com/ |
Distance from Houghton, MI to Nearby Cities
- Hancock, MI – 2 miles (3 km)
- Atlantic Mine, MI – 7 miles (11 km)
- South Range, MI – 10 miles (16 km)
- Calumet, MI – 12 miles (19 km)
- Lake Linden, MI – 20 miles (32 km)
- Laurium, MI – 12 miles (19 km)
- Chassell, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
- Dollar Bay, MI – 8 miles (13 km)
- Ontonagon, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Baraga, MI – 45 miles (72 km)
- L'Anse, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Iron Mountain, MI – 110 miles (177 km)
- Marquette, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
- Escanaba, MI – 150 miles (241 km)
- Sault Ste. Marie, MI – 250 miles (402 km)
Top Attractions in Houghton
- Michigan Technological University – A major public research university known for engineering, technology, science, and its Upper Peninsula campus.
- A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum – A museum featuring minerals, rocks, fossils, and geological specimens from Michigan and around the world.
- Portage Canal – A historic waterway connecting Lake Superior with the interior of the Keweenaw Peninsula and a popular area for boating and fishing.
- Houghton Waterfront – A scenic waterfront area along the Keweenaw Waterway with parks, trails, marinas, and views toward Hancock.
- Carnegie Museum – A historic building and local museum resource highlighting the history of Houghton and the surrounding region.
- Isle Royale National Park – A remote Lake Superior national park accessible by boat or seaplane and known for wilderness, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife.
- Quincy Mine – A historic copper mine near Hancock offering tours and a look at the region's mining heritage.
- Mont Ripley – A nearby ski and recreation area operated by Michigan Technological University, offering winter sports and summer activities.
Airports Near Houghton
- Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX) – 8 miles
- Sawyer International Airport (MQT) – 110 miles
- Ford Airport (IMT) – 110 miles
- Ironwood Gogebic-Iron County Airport (IWD) – 110 miles
- Delta County Airport (ESC) – 150 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Houghton city website and local government records.
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