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Michigan Iron Industry Museum

A reddish-brown brick building with a steep pitched roof and brown trim.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum

Museum Closure Notice

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum will be closed starting Monday, Sept. 30 for some much-needed building updates. The museum will resume normal operations starting Wednesday, Dec. 4

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but hope you will visit once the museum has reopened!

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.

Visitor Information

Michigan Iron Industry Museum

73 Forge Rd, Negaunee, MI 49866

Phone: 906-475-7857
email: MHCinfo@michigan.gov

Allow one to tour hours for your visit. Admission is free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.

Hours of Operation

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is currently closed for construction.

The museum will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 4. 

Accessibility

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.

Education Programs

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! 

 

Learn more about education programs

A group of students dressed in reproductions of 1870 style clothing in front of a log cabin.

Amenities

Advisors and Supporters

Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board

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. 

Looking for more history?

The Michigan History Center runs more sites and museums statewide. There's more history to explore!

View all museums and sites