Few town and gown landmarks are more iconic in the Copper Country than the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Opened to traffic in 1959, the bridge spans over the Keweenaw Waterway connecting the cities of Hancock and Houghton. Thanks to the nearly 100-foot clearance below when fully raised, the lift bridge has welcomed a diverse spectrum of marine traffic, from paddle boarders and kayaks to salt boats, cruise ships, and freighters.
This image from November 1965 shows the Henry Steinbrenner (2), formerly known as the Verona, passing underneath. If you have traveled under the bridge or have a favorite vessel that did, share your story in the comments!
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).
During my senior year at Tech I was fortunate to have an apartment on the third floor of a home on West Houghton Ave. My front window had a great view of the bridge. Any time I heard the horn blow while I was studying, I’d take a break to look out and watch a freighter pass under the bridge. That allowed me to see many of those majestic craft! I believe that one of them was the famed Edmund Fitzgerald. Alas, she does not appear in any of the many photo’s taken from that window.
I started Mich Tech in 1959 and attended the Open Ceremony in person. Class of 1962
I was always impressed when the Sky Ranger took off on its trip to Isle Royal. It started at its dock next to the Dee Stadium. Heading west into the wind, the Sky Ranger would pick up speed and pass under the lifting bridge. As soon as it passed under the bridge, the pilot would step on it with a roar of propellors. It had to take off and get over the power lines stretching across the portage.
I believe I have a photo of the Sky Ranger taking off to Isle Royale.
The photo was taken July 1970.
I had returned from Vietnam in June and headed north to be with my soon to be wife, a student at Tech.
During the spring commencement in 1970 (held in the Dee), our class received a salute from a passing ship. A very much appreciated recognition.