Local Winter Guide to Visiting Hancock

North of the Portage Canal, separating the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula from the mainland, lies a different kind of “island life”: the charming winter town of Hancock, Michigan. As twinkling lights illuminate every corner and hot cardamom coffee is poured fresh from Finnish cafes, a magical atmosphere like that of a festive storybook awaits you in the snow-draped winter wonderland of Michigan’s northernmost city!

Whether you're snowshoeing across pine-filled forests, shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures at quaint boutiques, or savoring hearty holiday fare at cozy local eateries, this destination offers something for everyone.

Finding Finland in Hancock

Hancock’s distinctly Finnish flair is not just a decoration. The Finns who immigrated to the Keweenaw to work copper mines, like Quincy Mine, set deep roots in this Canal-side community. To this day, Finnish ancestry was counted as the area's dominant ancestry by U.S. Census data (circa 2000). Those Finnish cultural touchstones of sisu, sauna, art, and winter sport have shaped the modern day Hancock. A sister-city to Porvoo, Finland, the Finnish-American identity and culture of Hancock makes this Michigan community truly distinct!

Find Connection at the Finnish American Heritage Center

The Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) is an epicenter of Finnish-American culture in the Keweenaw. Here, visitors can explore the Finlandia Art Gallery, take music and weaving classes with the Finnish American Folk School, explore cultural exhibits, and enjoy fun Finnish events! The FAHC also houses the Finnish American Historical Archive, the largest collection of Finnish-North American materials in the world. Volumes of genealogical resources, art, cultural artifacts and more are carefully curated for those looking to connect more deeply with the Finnish-American experience. Research appointments in the archives are by appointment only, but the other wide-ranging events and exhibitions held at the FAHC are open to the public!

The Finlandia Art Gallery inside the FAHC highlights the works of Finnish, Finnish-American, and American artists.

Warm Up the Finnish Way with Takka Portage Saunas

Embrace the cozy charm of a traditional Finnish sauna experience at Takka Portage Saunas, a newly built community haven perfect for warming up this winter. Located next to Hancock's Porvoo Park, a sauna situated next to a Finnish sister-city namesake certainly feels like the universe aligning! Designed to blend the simplicity of Finnish culture with a welcoming atmosphere, Takka promises relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of your community. Whether you're looking to unwind after a snowy adventure or connect with friends in a unique setting, this sauna offers the perfect escape from the chill. Warm up, breathe deep, and let the soothing heat melt your cares away.

Find warmth and centering as you watch the snow gently fall on the Portage Canal at Takka Portage.

Engage in Finnish Tradition at Heikinpäivä

Each year the town gathers in Finnish costume to celebrate its traditional Finnish roots with a local spin during Heikinpäivä!  This snow festival features a parade, kicksledding, and quirky traditions like the "Wife" Carrying Contest. Find Heikki Lunta, a Finnish-American folk hero made right here in the Copper Country, throwing snow at parade-goers in the town streets. Nearby businesses join in the festivities with family fun activities like films, history lessons, and traditional Finnish foods.

This unique event is loaded with fun family activities like kick sled racing, parades, games and more!

Look out for more winter celebrations along the Portage Canal and Porvoo Park in Hancock all winter season long, including an ice skating party in February and community winter Kids Day in March.

Outdoor Recreation for the Whole Family

Skiing and Snowboarding the Slopes at Mont Ripley

Experience the thrill of gliding through fresh powder, the crisp Keweenaw air, and breathtaking winter views—conveniently located Mont Ripley offers night skiing, tubing, dozens of trails, and all levels of terrain from beginner to advanced. The chair lift offers a stunning view of the Portage Canal and Huron Mountains. 

Michigan's oldest ski area has the best views!

Winter Trails

Strap on your snowshoes, hitch your snowmobile, or get your cross-country skis ready - Hancock prides itself on perfectly groomed trails for snow recreation. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland than sliding, walking, or riding through rustic winter trails as silent snowfall drifts through the forest.

Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails are favorites for cross-country skiing, snowshoing, and fat tire biking. These Hancock trail systems wind through idyllic woodlands interlaced with chilly streams, and are regularly groomed by an active volunteer base. With runs perfect for serene skiing amongst the northwoods for both adults and little ones learning, be sure to check in on the current trail conditions here. Trailheads are located at the Houghton County Fairgrounds near the Dog Park at the treeline, or by Hancock Department of Public Works on Tomasi Drive.

The Barnelopet offers cross-country skiing for kids, including a cross-country kids ski race in January.

The lush forests of the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids areas make for magical outdoor exploration!

Ice Skating

Bring your skates along; after the Gales of November come, the chilly waters of Lake Superior freeze solid and the ice rinks follow suit! . Budding hockey players and ice skating enthusiasts can strap on their blades for a spin  at the outdoor ice rink on Emery Street at Laurn Grove Park in Hancock or take a leisurely indoor skate in the evening at Hancock’s HoCo Ice Arena, open for community ice skating every Friday from 6:45 - 8 pm and Sunday evenings from 5:45 - 7 pm.

Sledding

The snow is plenty, so grab a sled and pick a hill for this tried-and-true Yooper activity. The beloved hill in front of the Hancock Community Hub building in downtown Hancock offers the best sledding in town!  Every January the hill sees a sledding party hosted by the city of Hancock.

Snowmobiling

Enthusiasts know that the Keweenaw is a destination for snowmobile adventures, and the city of Hancock is a perfect headquarters for those adventures. Lodging options like the Ramada Hancock Waterfront on the Portage Canal is ideally situated at the north end of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge snowmobile trail, providing immediate access to Trails 17 and 3.

Discover winter events listed above, and many more, on our Events Page!

Explore Copper Country History 

Head up the hill to the Quincy Mine, where winter private tours of the historical mine are available by appointment. History doesn’t sleep when the snows blanket Hancock, and winter’s embrace allows for a whole new appreciation of this iconic mine site. Explore the surface ruins by foot or snowshoe, where everyone can marvel at the equipment and stone architecture emerging from the snow. Across the street, the Dry House Ruins make for a fascinating winter’s walk. This area is subject to Mother Nature’s whims and ungroomed, so plan for snowshoes if the snows are deep! Among the Dry House Ruins, you’ll find Kasey Koski’s miner and family metal silhouettes standing among the snows… a reminder of the strength and struggle of past Copper Country days.

The Quincy Mine strikes a regal pose any season.

Downtown Hancock Shopping & Food

Fuel your journey with cardamom coffee, healthy fare and traditional Finnish bakery at NISU Cafe. Gino’s also offers a filling meal for everyone in the family, while La Cantina downtown satisfies your craving for authentic Mexican (try the queso dip - trust). Bread Loafers has the most delectable homemade sourdough and French pastries, like chocolate croissants. The neighboring Forge Food Smith offers house-smoked meats for the hungry adventurer. This food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar BBQ joint is complete with made from scratch sauces, toasted brioche buns, and sides made fresh in house. Do not skimp on the brisket!

The Forge's fine smoked meats make for a hearty meal to warm up and refuel after cold days of play!

And don’t forget to grab a pasty while you’re here. The region’s traditional dish, pronounced PAST-ee, was popularized when Finnish immigrants came to the Keweenaw to work in the copper mines, and brought the heat-efficient pockets of bread, meat, lard, and veggies, down into the mines for a snack that stayed warm after long days of mining. The savory dish has stood the test of time and is, to this day, a beloved favorite of the area. You can find homemade pasties to bring along for a hot meal on the cold slopes at Griffin Family Catering or Amy J’s.

The warmth of a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, the dazzling glow of a toyshop window as children ogle at LEGO ferris wheels, toy trains, and all manners of balls, puzzles, sticks and tricks, K.C. Bonkers’ specializes in the fun and nostalgia of a childhood winter season. With a cozy, inviting ambience and shelves of colorful toys, K.C. Bonkers seems to celebrate Christmas all year, so pop in this December to see what K.C. himself has brought to Hancock all the way from the North Pole. With lattes, board games, and a gated-off play center just for the littles, this shop is a must-stop to fuel your journey as well as make fun family memories.

A world within the window - K.C. Bonker's imaginative window displays draw in explorers of all ages.

Opportunities to window shop are plentiful downtown. While you’re traipsing through the snow, take a moment to see what our small brick-and-mortar shops have to offer! Find a cozy read at North Wind Books by local authors, or explore Copper Country and Finnish American history with a plethora of books on sauna culture, Finnish quirk, and reminiscences of copper mining days.  Head to Sew Cranky for kitschy antiques or the Shottle Boppe for a local fruit wine and six-pack of Yooper-brewed ales.

The newly renovated Keweenaw Co-op offers fresh groceries, including some staples of the area like local kombucha on tap or UP-roasted coffee.

Got hunting or ice fishing on the itinerary? The fine folks at Northwest Sporting Goods will send you in the right direction.

The Arts Downtown

Hancock has much to offer the creative soul, so fuel your creativity with a snowy jaunt downtown to visit art galleries, art supply shops, and even a community Color Lab all within walkable distance in the heart of Hancock.

Hancock boasts the center of the local artist community: Copper Country Community Arts Center, a free-to-enter art gallery to immerse yourself in art of many mediums. Local artists bring pops of color to our wintry white landscapes; peruse the work of our community of talented artists and craftsmen and take home your very own print, canvas, handmade purse, glassware, or jewelry. 

Discover the Copper Country anew through the eye of local artists on your downtown Hancock strolls!

Feeling inspired by the cheerful locals, beautiful art and picturesque landscape? Visit ilo, Hancock’s very own arts and crafts store, which honors the Finnish name for “happiness” with its whimsical artistic offerings and walls painted by the talented owner, whose work can also be spotted on buildings along the Canal.

Visit The Color Lab inside Lynn Mazzolini Studio & Art Gallery's loft studio space. Open to the community to experiment with paints and pigments, visitors can express themselves through color exploration, art and play.

Live music takes center stage at the Orpheum Theater, a hub of local and touring musical talent. The Orpheum has an eye for up-and-coming talent, so you’ll find an eclectic array of artists to enjoy. When the curtains draw and the lights go up, you’re a part of a long tradition of live entertainment in the Copper Country - the Orpheum was originally home to a lively vaudeville during the mining heydays!

The Orpheum Theater is a hub for hip up and comers, both local and nationally touring!

Rest assured, you’ll be coming home from Hancock with more than just souvenirs. Whether gliding down the slopes of Mont Ripley or enjoying the warmth of cozy fireside evenings, this small Upper Peninsula town offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. Its unique blend of natural beauty and heartfelt hospitality makes it a destination worth revisiting.