It is because of Negaunee that the iron mining industry became the defining factor in the growth of Marquette County. It is there, in September 1844, that William Austin Burt and his survey crew discovered the first iron ore deposits because of the needle on their compass fluctuating wildly, and, eventually, led to the backbone of the American Industrial Revolution. Negaunee celebrates their heritage yearly with a week-long festival known as Pioneer Days. It is also host to Heikki Lunta Winterfest and the renowned Negaunee Invitational Basketball Tournament.