The Quincy Mine Hoist Association owns and operates the Quincy Mine properties in Hancock, MI. Its purpose is to educate people about the history of copper mining in Michigan, more particularly about the Quincy Mining Company, and to preserve the mine site. It conducts guided tours of several important surface buildings and the interior of the mine and is open daily between early June and mid-October from 9.30am to 5.00pm. The Quincy Number 2 shaft was the world's deepest shaft, at 9,260 feet and, today, a half-mile long standard gauge cog railway transports tourists to the entrance of the shaft.
The mine opened in 1846 and was the country's leading copper-producing mine from 1863 to 1867. Operations ceased in 1931 due to low copper prices, but reopened during WWII when demand increased. When the government stopped supporting copper prices after the war, the mines closed for good, although some activities continued through the 1970s.
There are two locomotives on display in the mine grounds, Quincy & Torch Lake #1 and #5.