Keweenaw's Explorer Blog

July 2024 | Industry Newsletter

The Keweenaw’s visitor economy plays a vital role in our region’s quality of life and future prosperity. To keep local leaders and stakeholders current on issues impacting the industry, Visit Keweenaw created this monthly newsletter to share information on topics such as economic trends, destination and community investments, and other pertinent news.

We hope you find this a valuable resource to stay up to date on the Keweenaw’s visitor economy and encourage you to share it with parties you think would benefit from the information. As always, we look forward to sharing what makes the Keweenaw a special community to both live in and visit.

Within this newsletter, you'll find: 

UP Accessibility Summit and Coverage

a person uses an adaptive bicycle to cruise a nature boardwalk
Jen Shaud, an Accessible Keweenaw Initiative member, uses adaptive equipment to trek across the Nara Boardwalk in Houghton. (Visit Keweenaw)

Visit Keweenaw proudly supports the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative (AKI) in hosting the first-ever Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit (UPAS). This groundbreaking event takes place at Michigan Technological University on September 26-27, 2024.

The UP Accessibility Summit will educate and equip individuals, businesses and organizations with tools to create inclusive recreation opportunities. With a focus on practical solutions like wheelchair ramps, beach mats and adaptive recreation equipment, the summit will address ways to make the beautiful Keweenaw region more accessible to everyone.

The hard work of the Visit Keweenaw team and other partner organizations resulted in the summit and initiative reaching large online audiences like Yahoo! News and MSN.

UPAS promises an enriching experience with esteemed keynote speakers. Attendees will hear from Kaelynn Partlow, an Autism advocate featured on Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum,” and Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center and an accessibility advisor for the 2024 Democratic Convention.

The summit is sponsored by the Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Joe Freed Empowerment Fund, supporting initiatives that empower individuals with mental, intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. Visit Keweenaw's partnership with AKI, the Western UP Planning and Development Region and Michigan Tech is pivotal in planning and executing UPAS.

The summit will unite community planners and local government, businesses, and recreation leaders to discuss the benefits of improving accessibility in our communities. Visit Keweenaw is excited to bring folks together to explore more ways to include people of all abilities.

If you know a community member or organization doing remarkable work toward increasing accessibility in the Upper Peninsula, nominate them here to be recognized.

Summer Industry Update

 

The summer travel season is officially in full swing and early visitor numbers for the months of May and June have come in. May’s returns show a 6.5% increase in room nights sold in the Keweenaw region compared to the previous year. June’s increase was more modest at 4.1%. 

The increases can be attributed to a strong construction season as road and building projects started in earnest around the region as well as favorable weather that encouraged travelers to visit the region.  In addition, the Vernacular Architecture Forum held in Houghton this year helped bolster numbers. 

Year-over-year, regional lodging revenue increased for both months with May seeing a 13.6% increase and June’s seeing a 11.1% increase. The increases are partially attributed to inflationary pressures experienced by the lodging industry.  

Both the growth in room nights and revenue are a welcomed site for local businesses after a dismal winter. 

Pasty Fest Medieval Announcement

 

Visit Keweenaw is thrilled to help plan and staff the 20th Pasty Fest in Calumet. On August 16 & 17 there will be fun activities for visitors and locals alike to discover the culture surrounding the Cornish Pasty. Expect mini-renaissance vibes, hobby horses and live action role players (LARPERS) to be present as the Kingdoms of Ketchup and Gravy collide. The weekend typically draws a few thousand folks to Calumet to buy pasties, play games and celebrate mining heritage.

Pasty Fest is a significant fundraiser for Main Street Calumet and a cherished event by the community. Your support in promoting and participating in the festival helps attract visitors and showcases the best of what Calumet has to offer. If you or your staff can volunteer the weekend of August 17, sign up here.

two pasties face off
The Kingdom of Ketchup Vs. Gravy collides August 17.

Visit Keweenaw Invests $85,000 in recreation economy: A benefit of tourism

people walk about a downtown street
The Keweenaw is a unique region in that stays at Visit Keweenaw member properties directly fund future outdoor recreation projects. (Visit Keweenaw)

For its 2024 Destination Development Awards: Visit Keweenaw distributed over $85,000 to 11 Keweenaw and Houghton County nonprofits proposing recreation improvement projects. Some of the highlights include funding the Copper Harbor Trails Club’s new Berry Picker climbing trail ($11,500) up Brockway Mountain, and a $17,000 Swedetown Creek bridge connection for trail users in Hancock. When you choose to stay with one of Visit Keweenaw’s approximately 40 member properties, you're not just booking a room—you're making a meaningful contribution. A percentage of the dollars spent at these member properties goes directly to Visit Keweenaw, which then reinvests those funds into community recreation projects that are open to the public. By staying with our members, you're helping to support and enhance recreational opportunities in our two-county destination.

“We are very proud to help fund more reasons to be recreating outdoors in Houghton and Keweenaw County,” said Brad Barnett, Visit Keweenaw Executive Director. “Over the years, we’ve helped add new signage, trails and exhibits in various communities from Copper Harbor to Painesdale. These additions and improvements are enjoyed by visitors and residents alike but can really make a difference on a visitor’s impression of an area and their likelihood to return.”

Each year, Visit Keweenaw allows Houghton and Keweenaw County non-profits and groups of government to apply for matching Destination Development Awards. The full list of awards is below, just announced for the 2024 award cycle.

 

  • Swedetown Recreation Area – $20,000 – Beginner-level biking/hiking trail

  • Hancock Trails Club – $17,000 – Swedetown Creek Bridge connecter at Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids Trail System

  • Copper Harbor Trails Club – $11,500 – Berry Picker climbing trail at Brockway Mountain

  • Main Street Calumet – $8,000 – Downtown seating and planters

  • City of Houghton – $7,500 – Installation of Historic Houghton downtown signage

  • Calumet Air Force Station Heritage Museum – $6,000 – Safety railing atop viewing tower

  • Calumet Township – $5,000 – New 18-hole disc golf course near Waterworks Park

  • Painesdale Mine & Shaft – $4,900 – Interpretive signage and visitor kiosk

  • Chassell Township – $2,750 – Wayfinding signage on US-41 for Accessible Kayak Launch

  • Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office – $1,725 – Directional and safety signage for County trails

  • Keweenaw ATV Club – $695 – Trail directional signage

 

Businesses are not eligible to apply for award funding but they can help guide applications. Go to https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/about-us/destination-development/ to learn more about the program and eligibility.

Historic Inns - Vote For Laurium Manor

 

The Laurium Manor Inn is competing for its place as the Best Historical B&B on Newsweek.com. Pushing through the ranks of other experiences across the USA, the Laurium Manor Inn stands alone as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s shot at winning. With its regal, white tile balcony and exotic elephant hide walls in the dining room, this copper mining manor in the Keweenaw is an obvious choice. Vote daily to help Upper Michigan win this contest and prove that the Laurium Manor Inn’s historical significance is second to none.

“When mining magnate Thomas Hoatson Jr. built Laurium Manor for his wife, Cornelia, in 1908, the four-story residence stood as the largest, most splendid on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The 45-room mansion became a bread and breakfast in 1989, retaining many of its unique features, such as the silver-leaf domed parlor ceiling, elephant leather wall coverings and hand-carved oak triple staircase. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.” – Newsweek.

Help support the Laurium Manor Inn and the Keweenaw by voting in this contest. The contest closes on Aug. 15 at noon, and the top 10 winners will be announced on Aug. 22. The Laurium Inn recently celebrated its 35 year anniversary of ownership under Dave and Julie Sprenger.

an antebellum style mansion with a wrap around porch is highlighted by blue skies and lush summer foliage
Vote daily for the Laurium Manor Inn to secure its place as the best historical B&B in the USA. (Visit Keweenaw)

Isle Royale Wall Street Journal

 

The Wall Street Journal recognized Isle Royale as the best uncrowded national park in the United States. This recognition highlights the park’s unique offerings and unparalleled natural beauty. 

Surpassing Big Bend, Denali and Yellowstone National Parks – Isle Royale was praised as “the best” by the Wall Street Journal. The criteria for ranking focused 50% on crowd size, with hiking, camping and outdoor recreation opportunities also considered. The park boasts over 165 miles of hiking trails. Noted for its rich wildlife and rustic charm – Isle Royale is home to the longest predator-prey study in the world with its wolves and moose.

Isle Royale is a vast wilderness spanning 45 miles across Lake Superior. Understanding the island is important for visitors planning on making trips. Go here for first timer tips before traveling to Isle Royale.

 

Crossing Place Surpasses 1 Million Views

The Crossing Place, Visit Keweenaw’s new documentary film series, has surpassed 1 million views across all platforms. The episodes explore the deep veins of inspiration and majesty that run through the people, organizations and experiences that make the Keweenaw truly singular. The series is particularly appreciated by locals and past residents who have deep connections to the people and places featured, but it also inspires new people to see it themselves.

The first video featured the Keweenaw Heartlands, and the project has gone on to cover topics like the Delaware Mine’s new ownership, the majesty of Isle Royale National Park and a few other community landmarks like the Douglass Houghton Saloon.

For the series to accumulate over 1 million views in just a few short months since its launch, this really speaks to the continued growing interest our region is receiving. Folks are hungry for a deeper dive into this special place to learn more about its people, places and history. Visit Keweenaw will continue to help that effort by telling compelling, visual stories.

UTR Visit

two figures sit at a table surrounded by people
The Laurium Manor Inn porch makes a great book signing venue! (Laurium Manor Inn)

Under the Radar (UTR) Michigan made a mid-summer visit to the Keweenaw to highlight some of the area’s new must-see attractions. Tom Daldin and his crew were welcomed into town at the Hampton Inn’s Observatory Lounge. The next day, they got a taste of Houghton trying out Keweenaw Boat Tours’ new pedal trolley. A group of local staff from member businesses joined the crew to film a segment for the show.

Later, UTR had a pop-up book signing at the Laurium Manor Inn. A steady stream of fans came through the afternoon, getting photos and signatures from Tom Daldin and crew. The opportunity to be on PBS is tremendous for the region. The show inspires a lot of travelers (especially older generations) to book trips to featured destinations.

UTR also filmed at the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Copper Harbor and Takka Sauna in Eagle Harbor.

CCNBT Update

 

A 47-mile stretch of US-41 from Houghton to Copper Harbor runs atop one of the largest copper lodes in the world. This era-defining geological feature led to the rapid success of many mining operations, like the Quincy Mine and the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company. The Copper Country Trail (CCT) National Byway was first designated as a Michigan State Heritage Road in 1994: marking 30 years of preserved history. It later joined America’s Byways collection in 2005, highlighting the national impact of the Keweenaw’s mining contribution. The Byway serves as a curated experience for visitors to the Keweenaw region but also a catalyst for preservation along the corridor.  

Recently, the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) has convened regional organizations to reignite Byway planning and promotion. Early efforts focus on evaluating the key goals of the Byway and exploring opportunities to enhance wayfinding signage.

Canal Run

 

Canal Run put on its annual race along the Portage Canal, bringing nearly 1,000 athletes to the Keweenaw to compete. With kids races, a 5- and 10-mile, and adaptive athlete categories, Canal Run is accessible to many worlds of runners, walkers and wheelchair users. The event has a large volunteer group that puts on a large operation to keep athletes monitored and hydrated. The organization puts on a large food tent at the finish line where folks can get a drink of water or gatorade, eat healthy snacks and get free massages.

The race draws a large number of visitors from out of the immediate area and fills Hancock’s Quincy Street for a morning. The pivotal summer event marks a shift toward the fall season. Canal Run is a scenic route along the Portage Canal, showcasing the Keweenaw’s natural beauty and offers a unique race compared to folks running or walking in other Midwest destinations. The course is unparalleled and runners always have a smile on their face crossing the finish line.

Visit Keweenaw is a supporting sponsor of Canal Run and volunteers some of its staffs’ time the day of the event.

Summer Heat: Where to Send Your Guests

 

Where should we go swimming? Or, where should we get ice cream? These may be two common questions hitting our hoteliers and outdoor recreation guide services. The term “coolcation” has been passed around the travel industry this year, and the Keweenaw is a perfect place to have this experience. The Midwest is in for a hot week, and the Keweenaw remains cool, comparatively. Folks will come here for the refreshing shores of Lake Superior and don’t mind having some ice cream while they’re at it.

Here are some easy picks to recommend to your guests. You can also share the online tool called Seagull to look at live shore temperatures if you’re set on a warmer swim.

Visit Keweenaw’s Top Swims:

1.)    McLain State Park & Breakers Beach: According to shoreline temperature data, McLain State Park and Breakers Beaches both are mid-70 degrees. They make for a refreshing swim without shocking your senses much. Enjoy bath- “like'' waters of Lake Superior through this week with the warm temperatures. Both spots are excellent for rock picking and Yooperlite hunting.

2.)    Superior Grand Traverse Bay: We have a beach that will still give you classically cold Lake Superior Temps all summer due to its geography. Enjoy uninterrupted shoreline at Superior Grand Traverse Bay’s sandy escape. Schoolcraft Township Park has a restroom and play equipment for kids, in the middle of the shore.

3.)    Ray Kestner Waterfront Park & Hancock Beach: Both the cities of Houghton and Hancock have city parks with sandy beaches. Don’t drive far, stay in town for a warm dip in the Portage Canal. It’s guaranteed to be warmer than open Lake Superior waters any given day.

Visit Keweenaw’s Top Scoops:

1.)    The Copper Scoop – Try specialty sorbet and ice cream flavors at the Copper Scoop on Fifth Street in Calumet. Next to its farm-fresh meat store, Frozen Farms, the Copper Scoop slings up flavors of the Keweenaw in perfect icy splendor like gluten free raspberry sherbet or local strawberry ice cream. Stop in for lunch too, the Copper Scoop serves home-grown hot dogs.

2.)    Portage Paddle Sports – If you’re near the Portage Canal and have a sweet tooth after a day under the sun, stop by Portage Paddle Sports. You’ll find vegan gelato, hand-scooped Jilbert’s ice cream flavors and a classic family park to enjoy your treats in. Ray Kestner Waterfront Park houses Portage Paddle Sports in Houghton, and is commonly referred to as Chutes & Ladders because of its large playground for kids.

3.)    Drive Thru Depot – The Drive Thru Depot offers a wide variety of food and sweets to satisfy any craving. The Depot serves breakfast, lunch and sweet treats. Order frozen custard, ice cream, root beer floats and slush puppies.

two laughing figures embrace in the water
Your week-long window to swim in a warm Lake Superior starts now. (Visit Keweenaw)

Summer Sponsorships/Event Recap

 

Visit Keweenaw sponsors many events throughout the year to help the community draw visitors and show off its vibrant culture. Events can drive people into downtowns and make them experience certain parts of the Keweenaw they may not otherwise choose themselves.

Keweenaw Brewfest took place over the weekend, a Visit Keweenaw-sponsored event. Bringing hundreds of types of beers to the Houghton Pier, nearly a thousand people took part in Brewfest. This summer, Visit Keweenaw has sponsored Canal Run, Brewfest, Keweenaw Pridefest and Pasty Fest.

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