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Keweenaw's Explorer Blog

May 2025 | 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: 

 

The Keweenaw Voter’s Choice Awards Are In!

Visit Keweenaw just hosted its first-ever Keweenaw Voter’s Choice Awards – shining a light on the best of the Keweenaw. From fine sips to pasties and historical experiences – thousands of responses poured in to shine a spotlight on the following winners.

2025 Keweenaw Voter’s Choice Awards Go To:

Whether you're giving recommendations to visitors or rediscovering your hometown favorites, these winners offer an unforgettable taste of the Keweenaw experience. Explore the full list and start building your Keweenaw must-do list at www.visitkeweenaw.com/voters-choice-awards/

 

Visit Keweenaw's Voters Choice Award Thumb

Contest and conversation starter - the Keweenaw Voter's Choice has folks excited for summer!

 

Juhannus Summer Solstice Celebration Fires Up Hancock June 20-22

Hancock’s Juhannus Summer Solstice Celebration is fast approaching, and it promises to be a vibrant, joyful explosion of Finnish culture under the midsummer sun. Mark your calendars for June 20–22, the longest days of the year, and explore the full weekend lineup at www.juhannusfest.com.

Juhannus in Hancock brings an immersive cultural experience. Friday night kicks off with a buzz as folks stroll down the hill to the Portage Canal for a traditional Juhannuskokko—a large bonfire lighting up the Hancock’s Porvoo Park. The flames will be visible from Houghton’s shore and to anyone crossing the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Expect live music in the park, a glowing summer vibe, and a party with The Finnish Long Drink at Small Craft, Hancock’s newest cocktail bar. Long Drink will also host a bold ice bath challenge—with free swag rewards for those brave enough to take the plunge.

On Saturday, June 21 the Quincy Green transforms into a lively festival ground with the official Finnish Long Drink Garden taking center stage—filling the entire lawn with refreshments, flavor and fun. On one side: food vendors and a Long Drink Garden. On the other side – authentic Finnish festivities like Wife Carrying and Mölkky (cornhole and bowling mixed). You’ll also find classic lawn games and chalk art for kids and families. The sun will shine up until the late hours of the night during summer solstice making for the perfect opportunity the maximize your summer vacation days.

The heart of the celebration? The Midsummer Pole Raising Ceremony to kick off Saturday’s festivities. As music fills the air, the crowd will gather to watch the traditional decorated pole being raised, followed by joyful dancing in a celebration of sunshine, rhythm, and heritage. Dancers will pull the crowd into formation – wrapping up the Juhannus tradition and opening the Long Drink Garden. Costumed Finnish characters will fill the scene with magic and mischief—expect surprises, folklore, and plenty of photo ops on the sunny Quincy Green.

Inside the Finnish American Heritage Center, the day begins with an open singalong. Throughout the day, there will be weaving demonstrations, knitting and a take and make craft. Later in the evening, take dance lessons at 5 p.m. for the community dance from 6-9 p.m.

The entire weekend is a fundraiser for the Copper Country Finns and Friends, a group dedicated to preserving and celebrating Finnish American Heritage in the Copper Country. Juhannus is organized by Visit Keweenaw, The City of Hancock and The Finnish Long Drink.

 

people gather to raise a birch wrapped midsummer poleA longtime Keweenaw cultural tradition gets new life and welcomes all to enjoy the sweetness of summer!

 

Trails Open, Visit Keweenaw Launches New ORV Safety Video

The Keweenaw’s ORV trails opened May 15 – it’s time to get out and ride! Visitors will be coming in from across the Midwest and further, bringing trailers and staying at Visit Keweenaw member properties. New this year With such a mix of experienced riders and beginners – it’s important to keep safety top of mind.

Visit Keweenaw just produced a video with the Keweenaw ATV Club to prep riders for the upcoming season. Check it out for top safety tips and reminders on how to have a great time while keeping it safe. Remember top tips like riding within your ability, staying on the right side of the trail and to stay off closed trails. If guests have questions about ORVs refer them to the Visit Keweenaw website or the Keweenaw ATV Club’s page. Maps are available at gas stations, restaurants and the Visit Keweenaw Welcome Center.

 

Hancock’s New Food Scene

Downtown Hancock is dishing up some serious new flavor just in time for summer. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy fish, cozy diner vibes, pasties, or ramen, there’s a table—or takeout box—with your name on it.

Here’s what’s new on Quincy Hill:

  • Captain Matt’s Fish & Chips – Parked next to Small Craft, this food truck is serving up hot, golden fish and chips that pair perfectly with a craft cocktail.
  • Uncles’ Local Diner – Taking over the old Kaleva Cafe space, Uncles’ brings hearty breakfasts, lunch classics, and the unforgettable “Unc Sauce” to Hancock’s morning crowd.
  • Griffin Family Café – A pasty favorite is moving downtown! Now serving in the former Nisu Bakery space, this family-run spot is ready to bring their famous fare to the heart of the city.
  • Shiba Café – A ramen café? In Hancock? Believe it. It just happened in a restored Finlandia building, Shiba is already generating buzz with its bold flavors and cozy atmosphere.

With all this energy—and even more on the horizon—it’s clear Hancock is stepping into the spotlight. 

 

Hancock View of Bridge

The Keweenaw's "Sunny Side" certainly shining bright with all new Main Street energy!

 

Cruise Ships To Dock in Houghton

This June, Houghton will welcome two cruise ship visits by Victory Cruise Lines, starting with the first arrival the morning of June 4 and the second on June 18. Visit Keweenaw is proud to take the lead in coordinating experiences for cruise guests, acting as a local tour booking service to help them explore some of the Keweenaw’s top attractions. 

While these vessels carry less than 200 passengers, their visits bring a meaningful boost to the local economy and showcase our region as a welcoming and capable destination for small-ship cruising. Houghton’s existing waterfront infrastructure makes it a perfect port of call, and we're excited to see it put to use.

As part of our role as regional tourism leaders, Visit Keweenaw has coordinated all of Victory’s land-based excursions this summer. We're proud to support these efforts and highlight the Keweenaw's charm, history, and hospitality to a growing number of cruise travelers.

 

Cruise ship docks in downtown Houghton

The Victory Cruise Ship strikes a regal pose on the Houghton Waterfront Pier!

 

Summer Events Coming to the Keweenaw

 

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