Book
Amanda Makela
Author
Amanda Makela

A Keweenaw filmmaker and the owner of 2nd Sandbar Productions, Amanda Makela directs her skills and time to local community development and telling the stories that run deep in Michigan’s farthest north. You’ll find Amanda and her crew swimming at Misery Bay or diving deep in the local food scene!

DRINK LIKE A LOCAL: 5 GREAT KEWEENAW WATERING HOLES

What is it about a little pub tucked away in some quiet place that’s just so darn appealing? Is it the friendly bartender, who’s likely the owner? Is it the history lining the walls – mining photos, dollar bills stuck to the ceiling, vintage local sports jerseys, Bosch brewing memorabilia… Or…

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An Insider’s Guide to CopperDog 150

Updated for 2023. The CopperDog 150 is a cornerstone Keweenaw winter event. Mushers and teams from around the world come to historic Calumet to partake in the early-March race in Michigan’s northern-most wilderness. The Keweenaw’s extensive snowmobile trails, diverse landscapes, and late winter…

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INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MICHIGAN TECH WINTER CARNIVAL

Updated for 2023 with additional Winter Carnival events! In a place that regularly averages over 200 inches of snow a year, playing in the snow has become a skill that the Keweenaw has honed to utter perfection. Michigan Technological University’s Winter Carnival, full of snow and ice sculptures…

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CURLING IN CALUMET

Curling is considered one of the world’s oldest winter team sports with its roots found in 16th century Scotland where the art was practiced on frozen lochs and lakes. Today, curling is a Winter Olympics darling, and the sport is sweeping across the Midwest (pun intended)! Tucked away in the heart…

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THE ULTIMATE KEWEENAW FALL SCENIC DRIVE

When you’re in the Keweenaw in the fall, a simple drive to the store can be a world-class fall color tour. But if you’re serious about seeing as much of the Upper Peninsula’s fall color splendor as possible, we’ve put together an unbeatable road trip with plenty of scenic views, Lake Superior…

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SPOOKY KEWEENAW LORE TO EXPLORE: LEGENDS AND LOCATIONS

The last days of October find the Keweenaw busy with Halloween fun. Folks around town are treated to spooky decorations in shop fronts, smiling scarecrows, and a community lively with anticipation for Halloween events and camaraderie. The surreal, warm autumn that brought us blazing fall color and…

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24 Hours in Hancock

Anchored to the north of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge lies Hancock, Michigan. This community upholds the Keweenaw’s Finnish-American heritage (Hancock is Porvoo, Finland’s Sister City!), and this cultural identity flavors the region. US-41 sinuously winds through historic downtown ushering travelers…

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Summer Live Music in the Keweenaw

The Keweenaw is a place that draws and inspires artists of every kind with her wild weather, deep and mysterious woods, joyful waters and the awe inspiring gravity of her history. The communities here celebrate their local musicians, and there’s no shortage of live music and festivals here in the…

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24 Hours in Historic Calumet

If you’re looking to really delve into Copper Country energy, there is no better place to spend your day than in Calumet, Michigan! The Jacobsville sandstone architecture radiates with history and the booming entrepreneurial spirit of the Copper Country days lives on in the thriving small businesses…

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24 Hours in Copper Harbor

Heading to the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula requires no less than a full day exploring Michigan’s northern-most community of Copper Harbor. From the scenic drives, awe inspiring nature, and good eats – there’s so much to be accomplished with just 24 hours in Copper Harbor! THIMBLEBERRY…

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