The iconic Quincy Mine hoist welcomes visitors year-round to the former industrial center on the Keweenaw Peninsula, even when snow covers the landscape above the mineshafts.
The Quincy Mine Hoist Association expects many visitors this summer, but interpretive director Clayton Gomez says winter visits offer a unique experience that shouldn’t be overlooked.
“If you get the chance to come out here, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been on the landscape hundreds of times during the summer, coming during the winter is a little bit of a different experience,” Gomez said. “I encourage everybody to do it, whether it’s tomorrow on a snowshoe hike or whether you just come on your own time and strap on some snowshoes and look around the property.”
The association hosts a guided interpretive snowshoe tours at noon tomorrow, and visitors can pick up maps for self-guided winter hikes throughout the day. Gomez noted that people are welcome on the property as long as they remain respectful and aware of their surroundings. The association also looks forward to guided tours later in the year during special events to help celebrate the group’s 65th Anniversary.
Unlike many historical sites that close during winter months, the Quincy Mine continues underground tours where temperatures remain a consistent 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
“One of our goals, one of our missions as an organization is to make the site accessible and that is part of that, making sure that it’s accessible all year round,” Gomez said.
The Quincy Mine Hoist Association is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. More information is available online.
