Step Back Into History
Step back in time and experience the grandeur of Michigan’s storied past with a guided tour of the Calumet Theatre–an architectural and cultural gem nestled in the heart of Calumet’s historic downtown. Opened in 1900, the Renaissance Revival masterpiece stands as the first municipality built and owned theater in the United States, a testament to the prosperity and ambition of a town once at the epicenter of North America’s copper mining boom. With its ornate copper cornices, crimson and gold interior, and hand-painted proscenium murals, the theatre offers visitors a vivid glimpse into the Gilded Age of American performance art.
During your two-hour guided tour, you’ll stand on the same stage graced by legends like Sarah Bernhardt, John Philip Sousa, and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. You will learn about the theatre’s origins as an opera house, its transformation into a movie palace, and its revival as a cherished community venue. Our knowledgeable guides will share the history of Calumet/Red Jacket while guiding you through our auditorium, dressing rooms, balconies, and Red Jacket Ballroom. There are a few flights of stairs to climb, so please be prepared. We will be climbing up and down approximately three flights of stairs throughout the course of the tour. Tour staff will do their best to accommodate patrons with mobility limitations. Persons with mobility limitations wishing to do a group tour will only be able to visit the main auditorium and the 2nd floor/Red Jacket Ballroom. Children under 6 are free with the admission of a paid adult.
All guided tours must be booked either by calling the box office @ 906-337-2166 or by emailing techdirector@calumettheatre.com. The Calumet Theatre will no longer offer walk-up guided tours. Come and discover the enduring legacy of the Calumet Theatre–where history takes center stage.
Preparing for Your Tour
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
- The tour includes is a decent amount of walking and climbing stairs.
- Please wear shoes you will be comfortable standing in for a couple hours.
- Restrooms are located in the village lobby and theatre lobby. To keep tours on schedule, please utilize the facilities before your tour is scheduled to begin.
- Pictures are allowed and encouraged!
- Be prepared with questions. Our tour guides love interacting with guests and sharing their knowledge of our beautiful historic theatre!
