We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum

34 Reviews

#2 of 9 things to do in Ishpeming

Museums, Speciality Museums

Open Now: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

501 W Euclid St, Ishpeming, MI 49849-1366

Open today: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Review Highlights

“Interesting - but all above ground”

The volunteer guide ( Gary) was by far the best part of this visit. He had worked underground in... read more

Reviewed 2 October 2018

Doug G

Gladwin, Michigan

“Copper mine”

This is an old copper mine with a great museum. The tour guide was very knowledgeable on the... read more

Reviewed 12 September 2018

richardderose

Burleson, Texas

Read all 34 reviews

All photos (6)

Full view

Traveller Overview

4.5 34 reviews

Excellent70%
Very good23%
Average5%
Poor2%
Terrible0%

Travellers talk about

“rock shop”(3 reviews)

“a small gift shop”(2 reviews)

“iron ore mine”(2 reviews)

About

Open Now

Hours Today: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

See all hours

Local Weather

F°C°

-5°

-15°

Feb

0°

-11°

Mar

8°

-5°

Apr

Contact

501 W Euclid St, Ishpeming, MI 49849-1366

Website

+1 906-485-1882

Call

Improve This Listing

1 - 10 of 34 reviews

Doug G

Gladwin, Michigan

26485

Reviewed 2 October 2018

Interesting - but all above ground

The volunteer guide ( Gary) was by far the best part of this visit. He had worked underground in the mine until it was closed, then went to work in the nearby open pit mine. His stories of working underground held us captive. There is...More

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank Doug G

richardderose

Burleson, Texas

266110

Reviewed 12 September 2018

Copper mine

This is an old copper mine with a great museum. The tour guide was very knowledgeable on the history of copper mining in the are. The visit included a tour of the mine tunnel.

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank richardderose

GeorgeandDeb C

5325

Reviewed 14 August 2018

Fascinating view of shaft mining and rock collectors dream!

Very educational and fascinating to see what the life of a mine worker was like and what they had to put up with. The rock samples from all over the world are numerous, beautifully displayed, and labeled. The tour is well worth taking. Very interesting!

Date of experience: August 2018

1 Thank GeorgeandDeb C

Clriha

Downers Grove, Illinois

4421

Reviewed 6 September 2017

Very Interesting

Educational tour of the remnants of the iron ore mine. This tour does not go underground, but does go to the inside, ground level of one of the shafts. There is an extensive tour of the buildings on the ground. The guides that we had...More

Date of experience: July 2017

2 Thank Clriha

Roger B

Grand Rapids, Michigan

8523

Reviewed 25 August 2017 via mobile

Surprised by a Michigan Mining Gem

Our exploration of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wouldn't be complete without seeking out the impact that mining has had on the lives of the people and the land. We went to the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum and were pleasantly surprised. There were no "glitzy" exhibits or...More

Date of experience: August 2017

1 Thank Roger B

Charlie M

Spicewood, Texas

9715

Reviewed 22 July 2017 via mobile

A colorful piece of history

We had a good tour by a knowledgeable guide. The saved artifacts and the logical sequencing of the story comes together and starts to make sense. There are opportunities for hands on involvement and they encourage hands on. This would be great for kids since...More

Date of experience: July 2017

Thank Charlie M

S6322TMelizabethr

Clare County, Michigan

Reviewed 12 July 2017

Interesting and insightful

Although the actual shafts have been closed and capped, you do get to go into the access tunnels on the full tour. Check tour times before arriving. There are lots of things to see before or after the tour or if you opt to only...More

Date of experience: July 2017

Thank S6322TMelizabethr

722markL48

Monticello, Wisconsin

106

Reviewed 21 February 2017

A great effort to capture a vanishing legacy

It's sometimes surprising how the legacy of a big, robust industry like mining can almost vanish overnight. This group of enthusiastic volunteers has tackled the daunting task of preserving the rich (but endangered) iron mining heritage of the Marquette Range on one of the most...More

Date of experience: July 2016

1 Thank 722markL48

merrykerry2015

Saline, Michigan

4817

Reviewed 19 September 2016

Tours by retired miners

This was informative and personalized tour. Friendly retired miners giving tour. Great artifacts. Huge space. The guy was candid, glib, excited to share history and his story of local mining. Well worth the cost of admission.

Date of experience: September 2016

Thank merrykerry2015

Marshyliz

Ishpeming, Michigan

168

Reviewed 13 September 2016

Unique displays and nice telling of past

Very nicely laid out, giving out good information to tourist and residents alike. Tells history of mining in the small community.

Date of experience: June 2016

Thank Marshyliz

View more reviews

Previous Next