HOUGHTON

• USHTL
• Latitude: 47.1236
• Longitude: -88.5713
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: Houghton MI US

Houghton, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula along the southern shore of Portage Lake, is known for being a historically significant area, primarily in relation to copper mining and shipping. It's part of Houghton County and serves as an important hub for both recreational and commercial maritime activities. Here’s a detailed description and specification of the marine port at Houghton:

Houghton Marine Port: Key Features and Specifications

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 47.1217° N latitude and 88.5694° W longitude.
• Water Body: Located along the Keweenaw Waterway, which connects to Portage Lake and eventually to Lake Superior.

Harbor and Navigability

• Channel: The Keweenaw Waterway includes navigation channels that are maintained to support safe passage for vessels. Dredging is performed as necessary to maintain depth.
• Depth: The port and its connecting channels have varying depths, with the main shipping channels maintained typically at around 25 feet (7.6 meters).

Facilities

• Docks and Berths: Houghton has multiple docks for various types of vessels, including pleasure boats, smaller commercial vessels, and research vessels.
• Marina: The Houghton County Marina provides services like slip rentals, fuel, repairs, and amenities for boaters.
• Cargo Handling: While Houghton is more recreational and less of a commercial cargo hub by contemporary standards, it has facilities that can handle smaller cargo operations, often supporting local industrial and research activities.

Infrastructure

• Storage: The port area includes storage and warehouse facilities suitable for a range of goods, although on a smaller scale compared to major industrial ports.
• Transportation Links: Houghton is well-connected via road, with access to highways such as US-41, enabling efficient transportation of goods to and from the port.

Services and Support

• Repair and Maintenance: Local services provide ship repair and maintenance, catering primarily to smaller vessels and recreational boats.
• Fuel Services: Available for both commercial and recreational vessels.
• Security: The port grounds are monitored to ensure the safety and security of the operations and stored goods.

Auxiliary Services

• Weather Stations and Navigation Aids: These include buoys, beacons, and regular weather updates to assist in safe navigation.
• Tug and Pilot Services: Available as needed for larger vessels navigating through the Keweenaw Waterway.

Key Uses

• Recreational Boating: A significant portion of the marine traffic consists of leisure and recreational boats.
• Research: Proximity to Michigan Technological University means that research vessels frequently use the port.
• Tourism: Increasingly important, with boat tours showcasing the beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula and the historical significance of the area.

Community and Economic Impact

• Local Economy: The port supports local businesses, contributing to Houghton's economic stability and growth, particularly in tourism and recreation.
• Employment: Provides jobs in marine services, tourism, and related industries.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation: There are ongoing efforts to balance port activities with the preservation of the local aquatic ecosystem. Regular monitoring and environmental assessments are conducted to minimize ecological impacts.

By offering a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, Houghton’s marine port plays a crucial role in the local maritime landscape, serving the needs of both the community and visitors.