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Destination development is the intentional process of making investments in community infrastructure in order to improve a destination's ability to attract visitors and enhance their experience while visiting the destination. Destination development initiatives can widely vary in scope and focus, but they often focus on principles of placemaking which leverage unique characteristics of a community building upon its assets and creating unique experiences that benefit both the visitor and the community.
The Keweenaw's rich history, natural environment and local communities make it a special place for visitors and residents. By investing in destination development, Visit Keweenaw encourages local projects that enhance the visitor experience and encourages them to return in the future.
We also know that the best places to live are often great communities to visit. A new trailhead, sharing local history, or signage that helps people find a nearby waterfall benefits both the visitor and local residents. These investments help connect the visitor economy with local community development generating positive benefits across the Keweenaw.
The Orchard Trail was completed in 2023 to create a beginner-friendly bike trail in Copper Harbor. Project Partner: Copper Harbor Trails…
In 2022, wayfinding and historic interpretive signage was installed near the new Chassell kayak launch to share information about the…
In 2023, a new mural titled "Midsummer" was supported on Shelden Avenue. Project Partners: City of Houghton, The Vault Hotel and The…
In 2023, new interpretive signage was installed at the Painesdale Mine & Shaft Heritage Site. Project Partner: Painesdale Mine & Shaft
Two new pavilions were built at Gabriel Chopp Park in Ahmeek. Project Partner: Ahmeek Fire Department
In 2023, seven interpretive signs were designed and installed at the Houghton County Historical Museum in Lake Linden. Project Partner…
Eight GPS units were funded to support emergency rescue service in the Keweenaw. Project Partner: Keweenaw Search & Rescue
Funded in 2022, this project created signage along Shelden Avenue in Houghton, MI telling the story of the downtown's historic…
In 2022 and 2023, two separate awards were made to fund the construction of a new groomer barn in Calumet to support snowmobile trail…
In 2022, Visit Keweenaw worked with Main Street Calumet and the Keweenaw ATV Club to create a sign welcoming snowmobile and ORV riders to…
Calumet Township received funds to purchase a new trail groomer to support fat-tire biking around Calumet Lake. Project Partner: Calumet…
Visit Keweenaw annually solicits applications from community organizations to support destination development initiatives. To apply for project funding, please complete an application using the link below. While not required, projects are encouraged to be completed by September 30th of the year funds are awarded.
Program Application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HG25P83
Eligibility: Local units of government and nonprofit organizations operating in Houghton & Keweenaw Counties are eligible to apply. While businesses are ineligible applicants, they can be part of an applicant team contributing ideas, expertise and additional resources to the effort.
Cost Share: In order to maximize the program's impact, all projects are required to include at minimum 50% cost-share in the form of cash or in-kind match from sources other than the Keweenaw Destination Development Program. For example, if the projects requires $10,000 to complete, only $5,000 can come from the Keweenaw Destination Development Program. The remaining $5,000 can come from the applicant, project partners or in the form of donated in-kind services.
Cost Reimbursement: The award comes in the form of cost reimbursement. Once the project is complete and project costs documented, the applicant is reimbursed up to the total award amount.
Deadline to Apply: The application deadline for consideration is April 1, 2024.
Applications are reviewed by the Visit Keweenaw staff and a subcommittee of Visit Keweenaw's board of directors. Applicants are reviewed based on the following criteria:
Visit Keweenaw promotes Michigan’s Houghton and Keweenaw as a destination for tourism. Tourism, and the broader visitor economy, generates social, cultural…