Negaunee is a city in Marquette County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,576 at the 2000 census. The city is located at the southwest corner of Negaunee Township. The city is home to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The name Negaunee comes from a Native American word nigani meaning "foremost, in advance, leading," which was determined to be the closest Obijwa translation for pioneer. The neighboring town of Ishpeming, whose name means "on the summit," often interpret Ishpeming as Heaven and tell the unknowing that Negaunee means Hell. Though Negaunee leads, The two cities have high schools with a healthy rivalry. Within the city limits is Teal Lake. Negaunee is home to Pioneer Days, a festival held every year the week following July 4, Heikki Lunta Winterfest, and the Negaunee Invitational Basketball Tournament which draws well known basketball players both retired, and straight out of College. Tom Izzo, a Native of the UP and coach of the MSU Spartans sends many graduated seinors to play every year.