I live here right near Marquette. Yes the ore docks are cool. The kids and wife and I have lunch at Presque Isle park and watch them once in a while. Watching the trains drop their loads from the top is interesting too.
The iron mine's life is iffy. Not only due to depleting deposits, but also very threatened by imported steel. Of the 2 big mines in the area, 1 will be closing this fall. 400 people gone. It's sister mine is expected to stay running for another 20 years, perhaps longer. There are many more deposits yet though and always talk of new mines. My brother is a mechanic there and my father retired from there as well.
Bill, if your here for awhile yet, go to Houghton and up to Copper Harbor. Lots of mining and railroad history up there and excellent scenery. Several mine tours that are cool. Also the strawberry festival this weekend. We went up there yesterday and picked 24 quarts.
Matt
