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The Keweenaw Peninsula is shaped by a rich tapestry of cultures, but Finnish immigrants have left a deep and lasting impression on the Copper Country. Their traditions, resilience, and way of life have influenced everything from local architecture to cuisine, outdoor recreation, and the ever-present sauna culture. While the Keweenaw’s heritage is diverse, embracing Finnish customs offers a unique way to experience this rugged and beautiful region. Whether you have Finnish ancestry or simply want to explore the Finnish secret to ulkoilma elama (open-air life), here’s how to visit the Keweenaw the Finnish way.
A Brief History of Finnish Immigration
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of immigrants arrived in the Keweenaw Peninsula seeking economic opportunity and a better life. Finland was under Russian rule, and many Finns faced economic hardship and political unrest. The copper rush and booming mining industry provided jobs and a chance for a fresh start. Finnish immigrants became one part of the local workforce, known for their resilience and strong work ethic. Over time, they built tight-knit communities, preserving their traditions, language, and cultural heritage - elements still visible in the Keweenaw today.
Midsummer solstice celebrations, traditional Finnish dance, and more live on in the modern heart of Finnish-America.
Start with a Sauna
No Finnish experience is complete without a sauna (pronounced sow-na). In the Keweenaw, you’ll find traditional wood-fired saunas at lodging establishments, public facilities, and even on the shores of Lake Superior. Local favorites include the Nordic Spa at Mount Bohemia and the stunning views at Takka Saunas. After a good sweat, take the Finnish approach and cool off with a roll in the snow or a plunge into the icy waters of Lake Superior - if you dare!
Sauna is an essential part of the Finnish lifestyle - and nothing better than a dip in fresh water after!
Savor Finnish Cuisine
Keweenaw bakeries and restaurants serve up delicious Finnish fare, with must-try treats like nisu (cardamom bread), pannukakku (Finnish oven pancake), and pasties - a hearty Upper Peninsula staple shaped by the Cornish and Finnish immigrants. While traditional Cornish pasties featured sliced vegetables like potato and rutabaga with a pat of lard tucked inside, Finnish versions brought their own flair: diced vegetables, the addition of carrots, and a generous touch of butter instead. Visit Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant in Houghton for an authentic taste of Finland or Amy J’s for a delicious locally beloved pasty! Want to eat it the Finnish way? Grab lunch to go and enjoy a retkieväät, Finnish for ‘hiking food/trail lunch’, on the trail, by the beach, or at a local park. Just remember, keep these places special by packing out what you pack in and recreate responsibly.
Warm and custardy, the pannukakku at Suomi is a sweet taste of Finland enjoyed by generations of Copper Country locals and visitors alike!
Celebrate Finnish-American Culture
The Keweenaw celebrates its Finnish roots all year with events that get the community together and outdoors! Immerse yourself in the culture while the snow flies during Heikinpäivä in Hancock. This midwinter festival includes traditional Finnish games, music, dancing, and the iconic wife-carrying contest. The Juhannus Summer Solstice Celebration brings everyone together on the longest day of the year with bonfires, saunas, cultural events, and sweet summertime Finnish Long Drink sipping. You can also visit the Finnish American Heritage Center to explore exhibits, attend cultural events, even brush up on your Finnish language skills, or book a tour of the local and family history archives to see if there’s a connection!
Quirky and community-oriented, events like Heikinpäivä are the essence of the joy of Finnish-American culture in the Keweenaw!
Explore Finnish-Inspired Architecture & Landmarks
The influence of early Finnish immigrants is still visible today, as their labor and design were foundational to raising the iconic local architecture. Stroll through Hancock to see Finnish street names and heritage buildings designed by Finnish architects, like the Nikander Building behind the Hancock Community Hub. Visit places like the Toivola Cemetery, where Finnish inscriptions tell the stories of early settlers. There are historical homesteads scattered throughout the peninsula, too, that showcase the time and sisu it took to withstand the elements - step back in time with a tour of the Hanka Homestead to see how Finnish immigrants shaped the region’s history.
The Hanka Homestead Days brings this piece of Finnish American history to life every summer!
Embrace the Spirit of Sisu
Sisu, the Finnish concept of perseverance and resilience, is alive and well in the Keweenaw. You’ll see it in the way the locals embrace harsh winters, explore the outdoors year-round, and keep Finnish traditions alive. Experience sisu for yourself by taking on a winter adventure, like cross-country skiing at Maasto Hiihto Trails (Finnish for cross country skiing!), snowshoeing at Swedetown, or ice fishing on a frozen lake. In warmer months, hike to places like Estivant Pines or Mount Baldy, where stunning views reward your efforts.
Winter's chill only welcomes more ways to embrace the joy of being outdoors!
Live the Slow, Nature-Centered Finnish Lifestyle
The Finnish way of life values nature, quiet moments, and simple pleasures - something the Keweenaw offers in abundance. Spend a peaceful afternoon at Bete Grise Preserve, watch the northern lights dance over the peninsula’s dark skies, or enjoy a lakeside picnic at McLain State Park. Take a cue from the Finns and embrace jokamiehenoikeus, the right to roam, by exploring Keweenaw’s endless trails and scenic spots.
No need to travel to Finland to see the auroras - Northern Lights can dance all year above the Copper Country!
Your Finnish Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re sweating in a lakeside sauna, sipping coffee with nisu, or embracing the spirit of sisu on the trails, visiting the Keweenaw the Finnish way is an unforgettable experience. So pack your wool socks, bring your adventurous spirit, and get ready to discover the Finnish heart of Michigan’s Copper Country. Tervetuloa! (Welcome!)
