Destination Development in the Keweenaw

Building Better Experiences in the Keweenaw

Enhancing visitor experiences while strengthening local communities through thoughtful investment and community-led projects.

What is Destination Development?

Destination development is about more than just building or fixing things—it’s about enhancing the heart of a community so that visitors can fully experience what makes the Keweenaw unique. It’s placemaking at its best: taking the features that make a place special and making them easier to enjoy, more memorable, and more meaningful.

At Visit Keweenaw, destination development projects often focus on:

• Trails and trailheads that bring people closer to our natural beauty
• Scenic overlooks and outdoor features that make stopping a joy
• Interpretive signage and cultural displays that tell the stories of the Keweenaw’s history and heritage
• Small but impactful upgrades—benches, maps, or directional signs—that make a big difference to visitors’ experiences

Through our Destination Development Fund, we help turn ideas into reality, giving local organizations the resources to improve experiences while preserving the Keweenaw’s charm.

Why Destination Development Matters

The Keweenaw is a place where history, nature, and community come together. Investing in destination development benefits visitors and residents alike:

For Visitors:

• Discover hidden gems with clear signage and thoughtful features
• Enjoy improved trails, biking or snowmobile paths, and scenic stops
• Immerse in history and culture through interpretive signage or local storytelling

For Local Communities:

• Strengthen public spaces for everyone to enjoy, year-round
• Support a sustainable visitor economy that funds more local projects
• Bring neighbors and visitors together around shared experiences

Investing in the Keweenaw isn’t just about tourism—it’s about community pride, preservation, and making every visit meaningful. Whether it’s a new trailhead, interpretive signs along a river, or a bench to take in a view, these improvements enhance lives for locals and visitors alike.

"A great place to live is a great place to visit." - Brad Barnett, Visit Keweenaw Executive Director

How Visit Keweenaw Supports Destination Development

We know that great ideas often start with the people who live here. Visit Keweenaw helps bring those ideas to life through matching grants and community support.

Here’s how it works:

• Funding innovative projects: Each year, we award grants to local organizations that want to enhance the visitor experience or strengthen community resources.
• Matching grants: Projects require at least a 50% match, combining local investment with our support.
• Variety of projects: Past grants have improved trails, added interpretive signage, enhanced historic sites, and created new ways for visitors to experience the Keweenaw.

The Destination Development Fund is supported by Visit Keweenaw’s annual budget, including dues from our lodging partners. By working together, we can turn small ideas into projects that make a big impact.

Past Projects & Impact

Over the years, Visit Keweenaw has helped fund dozens of projects that bring people closer to the Keweenaw’s outdoors, history, and culture. Here’s a snapshot of recent winners: