Painesdale Mine and Shaft Inc.

12/21/2025

As winter gets in full swing, here is a little look back at some summer work! This is the hexagonal building that houses a 100,000 gallon water tank that served the Water Department. Built in 1940, it helped aerate the water being supplied to the surrounding community. Last year we stabilized it structurally and this spring we put up the shingles and door. The shingles match asbestos ones thay we removed. There is a window so the inside is now visible. All that is left is to replace the roof shingles.

11/03/2025

Thanks so much for coming out! Always a good time to share this place with the community kids.

09/30/2025

This Friday and Saturday at noon mark the last official tours of the season.

The fall colors are nearly at their peak, and from the upper levels you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the copper country toward the distant Huron Mountains, framed by brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. Be sure to bring your camera, the scenery is unforgettable.

Upper level tours are $15 per person, and we recommend arriving a little early so everyone is ready to go.

Don’t miss your last chance this year to experience the Champion Mine in all its autumn beauty!

The site will continue to be open for walking after hours and we will offer private tours by appointment until snow falls. See our website.

08/18/2025

Join us for our annual meeting on August 26th @ 6:30pm eastern. We will be meeting on site and having an online presence over Google Meet. Just email us if you would like to be on the remote list.

08/03/2025

08/03/2025

Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help with the Work Day. They helped clear rock away from the bottom of some support columns since the rock holds moisture and rests them out. They also help extend out gravel walking paths up to the newly resided water tank building and new 1913 Strike sign as well as extending some gravel ramps. Thanks again! Your help keeps this site accessible to all.

07/29/2025

Come help as you are available! This is our once a year big push to get some grounds work done to keep the site accessible and expand access trails. Some of the work is also focused directly on preserving the buildings by removing rock burrying steel or vegetation right at the building, all of which holds moisture and hurts the buildings.

Call for volunteers!

Join Keweenaw NHP and Heritage Site Partner, Painesdale Mine and Shaft to help clear out the vegetation and tidy up the Champion #4 Shaft House.

Join in from 9 am-12 pm this Saturday, August 2nd, at 42634 2nd St, Painesdale, MI 49955. Bring closed toed shoes, pants, and water - we’ll provide the tools and gloves.

Learn more and sign up at https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000CwgrCYAR/painesdale-volunteer-workday.

NPS photo

07/16/2025

Check out this wonderful The Crossing Place video on the Champion Mine! Very well produced and put together! Thank you so much Visit Keweenaw and 2nd Sandbar Productions for showcasing us!

Come see us in person at noon on Friday and Saturday for tours!

07/16/2025

We are glad that you enjoyed the trip! We love having groups come for special tours.