Delaware Copper Mine Delaware, MI |
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Rating |
Very Good |
Age |
10 and up |
Lockers |
Not Needed |
Restrooms |
Available |
Food |
Copper Harbor |
Closest Coffee |
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Recommendation |
This is a fun and historical mine and ghost town. |
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Review: by Will
This was a really interesting old mine and town from the time when "copper was king" in the Keweenaw. It is a real mine, so you go into the upper chamber of what used to be a working mine. It is not for those who are claustrophobics or don't really like caves.
When you pull in, you will probably be greeted by the local dog. He is a mooch. He is looking for handouts, and will follow you around. He is very friendly though, and thrilled to get a pat or two.
After a quick historical video you are given a hard hat and sent down to the mine. There are 100 steps down, and unfortunately the mine is a dead end, so you have to walk up these same 100 steps to get back to the surface. Enjoy the walk down!
Once you are in the mine itself the rooms where the rocks were extracted are huge. You get to walk through at your own pace, and each area is set up to represent different times in the history of the mine. It starts with mostly hand tools and ends with more electrial light and machines. On the tour you can actually see some veins of copper, and the deep flooded pits that were the other levels of the mine.
There are bats everywhere. We saw at least 5, but only one flew. Most of the bats were just hanging there sleeping. But the real animal star of the place when we were there was Oreo, the owners pet skunk. Just so you know, Oreo is descented, so don't worry. You should really ask to see his one trick!
All in all this is a great place to see what a mine was really like way back in the 1800s. It is fun, but dress appropriately. Wear hiking boots and a coat because the temperature is below 60 degrees in the mine, and the pock paths can be slippery. Have a great time, and say HI to Oreo for me.
Other Reviews:
Dad: The climb down the steps is a little tight for those of us with a bit of claustrophoia, but the mine itself is pretty open. I found it to be very comfortable and interesting. It was also nice and cool on a rare hot summer day in the Keweenaw. Also, if you are a geocacher there is a cache here. You may want to find it before you do anything else.