Keweenaw Pedal Trolley Highlights Houghton’s Waterfront Features with a New Experience Along the Portage Canal

Since the parking deck in Houghton came down the views and walk along the canal have become much better. While many might take a stroll along the waterfront trail some might choose to use a different kind of transportation. Recently Keweenaw Boat Tours owner Jason Swain introduced to the Copper Country its first pedal trolley. After seeing the idea take off in large cities and tourist areas he thought a pedal trolley along the redeveloped Portage Canal in Houghton would fit in well with his business and the community.

“I need to mention the city police department as well. Local officials, the Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Keweenaw have also helped play a role. But yeah, primarily the city itself has been a great asset, great help, great to work with. And it’s true, they’ve been putting a lot of work, effort, and funding into the beautification of the waterfront here in Houghton, and it shows. I hear it from folks out of town and locals alike, on the boats or the pedal trolley, that it’s coming together. Looking nice here along the waterfront. And the pedal trolley is just another way to kind of highlight this beautiful waterfront canal that we have here.” – Jason Swain, Owner, Keweenaw Pedal Trolley/Keweenaw Boat Tours

Swain says that while on the trolley he shares many historical anecdotes about the region’s mining industry, the Portage Canal, and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Keweenaw Pedal Trolley trips along the Portage Canal starts at the Houghton Waterfront Pier and travels toward east Houghton before looping around back for the second half of the hour to two hour long tour.

“Yeah, so the pedal trolley itself has 10 bicycle seats, so it’s designed to pedal. You’d need about six people to make it comfortable, six or more, so it could fit up to 12, maybe 13 if three want to squeeze in the back bench seat. But it does have a 48-volt golf cart motor as well. So I do have a little gas pedal if you will, and a brake if needed. For the little hills along the waterfront and along the path. You can kind of tell when the passengers are kind of asking for a little bit of assistance, maybe towards the end of the tour. Everyone says that it’s easy to pedal, they enjoy it, it’s something different, it’s something new, and people are very excited about it. It’s gained a lot of attention so far.” – Jason Swain, Owner, Keweenaw Pedal Trolley/Keweenaw Boat Tours

Swain says that he hopes to continue tours through the summer and into the fall as weather conditions permit. Keweenaw Pedal Trolley does allow patrons to bring their own refreshments and music for tours. Those interested in learning more about the Copper Country’s first Pedal Trolley can find more details Keweenawboattours.com