Miner's Tour: Rappel & Explore Historic Michigan Mines
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good cardiovascular health, agility for climbing and crawling, and comfort with confined spaces.
Overview
Rappel into a historic Michigan mine, explore ancient chambers, and experience thrilling swing bridges or chutes on this unforgettable 3-hour Miner's Tour adventure.
Miner's Tour
Ages 12+ • 3 Hour Tour • Deepen the adventure. Rappel into darkness.
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About This Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating 3-hour adventure as you rappel 80 feet into the depths of a historic mine. Explore ancient chambers, navigate narrow passages, and choose between crossing a thrilling swing bridge or sliding down a 10-foot chute. This unique experience promises excitement and unforgettable memories in a breathtaking underground world.
Deepen the adventure. Rappel into darkness.
Duration
3 Hours • ALL TOUR START TIMES ARE EST
About
This tour begins the same as our Prospectors Tour, including entering the No. 1 adit to see solid pieces of native copper and exploring the largest rooms in the mine. Next, this tour parts ways to offer a truly unique experience. Use a rappelling harness and gear to descend 80 feet to a lower level of the mine, crawl through several small areas, and hike through some of the oldest and most interesting parts of the mine. To finish the tour, the choice is up to you: either cross our daring swing bridge or leave by the traditional 10ft slide. Spanning a 30ft chasm, our swing bridge leads you over a steep stope connecting the second level to the third, to the other side, where you will once again meet up with those not brave enough to cross with you. There is an overhead safety line that you will clip in as you cross.
What to Expect
Participants will possibly get muddy and wet. Anyone considering this tour must be in good physical health and able to negotiate walking on uneven and steep terrain. A light jacket, good walking shoes, and long pants are recommended. No open-toed shoes.
Never Rappelled? No Problem
All participants will be provided with a harness, rappelling equipment, and proper safety training. Most active and healthy people can rappel. It requires a minimal amount of dexterity and core strength.
What to bring
A light jacket and closed toed walking shoes
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Proper footwear is essential for navigating slippery and uneven underground surfaces safely.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight
Even though the tour provides basic lighting, having personal illumination helps in narrow or darker sections.
Stay hydrated before the tour
Though underground temps are cooler, physical exertion requires good hydration beforehand.
Be ready for tight spaces
The mine features narrow tunnels; participants should be comfortable with confined spaces and some crawling.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer frequent the surrounding woods
- Bats reside in the upper sections of the mine
History
The Greenland mine was a key copper mining site in Michigan's Upper Peninsula during the 19th century, contributing significantly to local industry and settlement.
Conservation
Adventure Mining Company supports sustainable tourism practices, maintaining the mine to minimize environmental impact and preserving the historic site for future generations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Houghton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Climbing gloves
Protects hands during rappelling and handling rough mine surfaces.
Waterproof jacket
Useful during damp or rainy spring conditions approaching the mine.
spring specific
Headlamp
Provides additional light inside the mine’s darkest sections.
Sturdy hiking boots
Offers ankle support and grip on slippery, uneven ground.