Located eight miles west of the City of Marquette in the forested ravines of the Marquette Iron Range, this modern museum facility overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first iron manufactory in the Lake Superior region. The museum tells the story of Michigan’s three iron ranges and the people who worked them, through dramatic exhibits, audio-visual programs, and outdoor interpretive trails. A high-definition video, “Iron Spirits: Life on the Michigan Iron Range,” is shown six times daily in the museum’s 88-seat auditorium.
The museum also offers an active education program including community outreach, seasonal events, a lecture series, and the Future Historians, a youth association that meets monthly during the school year. Every summer, the Future Historians share their knowledge and test their skills by providing costumed first-person interpretation for visitors at another Michigan History Center site, Fort Wilkins, through four 3-day living history camps.
73 Forge Rd, Negaunee, MI 49866
Phone: 906-475-7857
email: MHCinfo@michigan.gov
Allow one to two hours for your visit. Admission is free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is closed on state holidays, please visit the holiday schedule for more information.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is accessible to people who cannot use stairs; a Wheelchair may be borrowed, subject to availability. A magnifier, large-print transcripts of the A/V program and printouts of the interpretive trail panels are available for use on request. Designated accessible parking is available. Service animals are always welcomed.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum offers a variety of presentations that are adaptable for any grade level. The presentations, some interactive, teach students about topics such as lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes, Iron Ore and early settlement in Michigan.
The museum also hosts the Future Historians Club! A youth association that meets monthly during the school year, the Future Historians Club offers students a place to learn about Michigan history. Members can also train to become living history interpreters!
This board advises the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on policies, plans and programs concerning the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. It supports education programs and public use of the facility. The members of the advisory board are appointed by the governor.
The museum's friends group works hard to promote and support the Michigan Iron Industry Museum with fundraising, events and programs.
The Michigan History Center runs more sites and museums statewide. There's more history to explore!
