Houghton School Forest

A copper mine required a great deal of water in order to satisfy the thirst of its steam equipment along with any fire fighting needs. If a constant source of water was not naturally present a mine would have to create its own with the construction of a reservoir. This was the case for the Isle Royale Mine, as it’s position atop the hill above Houghton was too far from the Portage for it to provide any necessary water. Instead the mine was forced to build a small reservoir instead, on an undeveloped piece of land adjacent to its No.1 shaft.

Though the mine no longer exists, the old reservoir that once served it has become a centerpiece of the Houghton / Portage Township School forest. This 27 acre property consists of the old reservoir and surrounding land abandoned by the mine company more than half a century ago. Today the property is traversed by means of a half mile worth of trails – a quarter mile of which is barrier-free – which cut their way through a dense hardwood forest bordering the old reservoir. Placed along the way are several interpretive markers providing information on local history, flora and fauna. A good selection of benches are also found along the way, and an informational board sits at the trails entrance. The trails also joint up with the neighboring Michigan Tech trail system.

NOTES The barrier free portion of the trail is a less then a quarter of a mile in length and features a concrete / wood plank path along level ground. Several benches are provided along the way. The second loop of the trail is more rugged, and makes its way up and down short elevation changes on a dirt path with the occasional exposed root or loose rock.

DIRECTIONS From the bridge follow M26 south of Houghton to the 4-way stoplight at the intersection of Sharon Ave. Turn left onto Sharon and follow it for about a mile and a half until arriving at the second blinking light (Gundlach Road). Turn right onto this street and the school forest parking lot will be on the left a short distance up the road.