Quincy Smelting Works,
48991 Maple Street, Hancock, MI 49930
About Us
The Quincy Smelting Works, located at 48991 Maple Street in Hancock, Michigan, is a museum and tourist attraction that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the copper industry in the United States. Built by the Quincy Mining Company in 1898, the smelter was used to refine copper from the surrounding mines and also accepted custom work from neighboring operations. Over time, the facility expanded with the addition of new buildings to accommodate changing technologies.
After the decline of the industry following World War II, the smelter closed its doors in 1971. However, the site was preserved and eventually included in the Quincy Mining Company National Historic Landmark District and Keweenaw National Historical Park. In 2007, efforts were made to save and restore the smelter, with the assistance of the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and local nonprofit groups.
Today, the Quincy Smelting Works is open for guided tours from late June to mid-October, offering visitors a chance to learn about the machinery, processes, and workers that played a crucial role in Michigan's copper industry. As the only remaining industrial site of its kind in the world, the Quincy Smelter provides a valuable opportunity to explore and appreciate this important aspect of American history.
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Hours open
Monday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Photos
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Reviews
"Absolutely fabulous educational experience. Rita was an amazing tour guide - incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about this wonderful historical area. The smelting works is a restoration-in-progress but the tour really brings the buildings and smelting process to life. Very interesting history to learn about this area. Don’t forget a mine tour too!"
"We did this as part of our Quincy mine tour. It was very fun to see the actual part after it was taken out of the mine. There is a lot of History here."
"An excellent experience for those interested in early American industry and people who enjoy seeing ruins."
"We had a great tour at the smelting works. It's nice to see the buildings being restored and saved from decay. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and knew her stuff! I would highly recommend taking the tour."
"Definitely worth the time and money. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Give you a sense of what early miners and their familys had to deal with. Work conditions are unbelievable."
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