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Keweenaw's Explorer Blog

November 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: 

 

Note from the Executive Director

Hey Keweenaw Partners,

Happy December! As the snow blankets the peninsula, we shift our focus fully to the exhilarating winter season—the lifeblood of a significant portion of our tourism economy.

Winter is here, and we're ready for it! The season kicked off with a huge win for the community, as the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club officially opened its new, state-of-the-art Groomer Barn in Calumet. This investment ensures that the Keweenaw continues to offer some of the best-groomed snowmobile trails in the Midwest, which is a massive draw for visitors and essential for generating demand for lodging, dining, and fuel throughout the region.

And the national recognition keeps rolling in! We are incredibly proud to announce that Mount Bohemia captured the third spot in USA Today's 10 Best Ski Resorts in North America poll! This is a tremendous achievement that elevates the visibility of our entire destination on a national stage. Not to be out done, the Keweenaw’s Dark Skies and Great Lakes Aurora and Dark Sky Jamboree received a nod in a recent New York Times article which discussed the importance of dark sky protections.

Finally, Visit Keweenaw is thrilled to help launch two brand new events this winter:  Hancock’s Light the Night is a new holiday tradition that transforms the City’s Campground into a winter wonderland of light and color. Supported by a Visit Keweenaw Destination Development Fund award, over 23 businesses, organizations, and clubs have adopted campsites along a loop inside the campground. 

And in the spirit of the longest night of the year, Visit Keweenaw is proud to partner with Mount Bohemia and the Finnish Long Drink Company to launch a new tradition: The Annual Winter Solstice Party. Don’t miss out on this fun, celestial festival held in Lac La Belle.

From snowmobiling to skiing, the importance of winter tourism to the area's economy cannot be overstated. Every visitor who comes for the snow helps sustain our local businesses, supports jobs, and allows us to reinvest in the community. Let's work together to make this a record-breaking winter!

 

Visit Keweenaw Visitor Center Opening

Houghton Office Opening a Success

Visit Keweenaw and the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce kicked open the doors to their new shared space on Shelden Avenue with a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, Nov. 21. Around 60–70 community members packed the place — city officials, outdoor rec folks, business owners, and a whole lot of familiar faces from Visit Keweenaw’s membership — all there to cheer on the next chapter.

During the ceremony, team members from both organizations had a moment to say a few words to celebrate the co-location, share what this partnership means for the community, and officially welcome everyone into the new home base. It’s a long-welcomed moment, as Visit Keweenaw staff worked tirelessly for the last few weeks to set up furniture, decorate, and turn the space into the best functional experience for visitors as we can. The new location is the gateway to the Keweenaw, so Visit Keweenaw anticipates increased visitor traffic and having more of a chance to connect with travelers before they cross the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

The Welcome Center in Houghton will now be open Monday through Friday, 9-5 p.m. Visitors and business partners have already been stopping by to do business and learn more about the Keweenaw. Visit Keweenaw’s Google listing has been updated to reflect the new address (418 Shelden Ave. Suite B, Houghton, MI 49931).

Any Visit Keweenaw members or related attractions should know they are more than welcome to stop in the office, ask questions, visit with staff and pick up visitor literature like brochures and Visitor Guides. The new location is perfect for stopping in along Shelden Avenue.

 

A skiier in a yellow jacket skis through the trees and powder at Mount Bohemia.

Bohemia Winter Pass Sale + USA Today Ranking

One of the Keweenaw’s most influential winter tourism drivers just opened the gate for the 2025-26 season. Mount Bohemia Ski Resort’s annual $99 season pass sale is officially live through Dec. 6. The pass sale always marks a major milestone in the region’s winter kickoff. 

This sale consistently sparks early-season buzz among Midwest skiers and snowboarders. It’s especially notable this year: Bohemia placed in the top three of USA Today’s “Best Ski Resort in North America” contest. It’s the sixth consecutive year Bohemia has placed in the top five overall. Visit Keweenaw helps manage a portion of the digital pass sale campaign and promotes the sale and the contest each year. 

According to a Facebook post by Mount Bohemia - “It [reflects] our customers’ passion for Bohemia and the idea that Bohemia is a very unique and special place.”

 

What’s New at Bohemia This Winter

Mount Bohemia has expanded its experience offerings, giving both visitors and local businesses more to promote:

  • A brand-new mineral pool at the Nordic Spa—double the size of the original hot tub and kept at a consistent therapeutic temperature.
  • A new steam room, plus added spa features like floating pods and an exfoliation room.
  • Enhanced après-ski and wellness programming, including the fast-growing Winter Solstice Party at the Nordic Spa.
  • These additions strengthen Bohemia’s position as a year-round outdoor wellness destination and deepen the reasons visitors extend their stays.

 

Why the $99 Pass Matters for Our Tourism Economy

Beyond being one of the best traveler value propositions in the Midwest, the $99 pass:

  • Drives early winter bookings and repeat visits.
  • Includes unlimited access to the Nordic Spa, one of the most talked-about attractions in the Upper Peninsula.
  • Offers passholders 44 free ski days at partner resorts across the Upper Midwest, western U.S., and Canada (including unlimited skiing at Mont Édouard).
  • Keeps Bohemia competitive against national ski destinations, bringing attention—and visitors—to the Keweenaw.

For many travelers, this pass is their gateway to discovering the Keweenaw’s winter culture, lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation network.

 

Visit Keweenaw’s First-Ever GLAD JAM Mentioned in New York Times

The Keweenaw’s night skies just earned a major national spotlight. The New York Times published “Fighting for ‘The Right to Night’ Under Starry, Rural Skies,” written by Katrina Miller, who traveled to the Keweenaw this fall after being invited by Visit Keweenaw’s Executive Director, Brad Barnett. Brad helped coordinate her visit, giving her the chance to experience the region’s people, landscapes, and late-night magic firsthand.

During her trip, Katrina attended the first-ever GLAD JAM (Great Lakes Aurora Dark-Sky Jamboree)—and she highlighted the event in her story, marking a huge moment for a brand-new celebration of dark skies and northern lights. Her coverage captures exactly why the Keweenaw stands out as a rural destination fighting for (and celebrating) the “right to night.”

Building relationships with members of the media like Katrina helps reinforce the Keweenaw as a prime destination for dark skies tourism, as well as a knowledgeable source on the topic.

 

Calumet Maintenance Facility & Trailhead

Keweenaw Snowmobile and ATV Clubs Wrap up Major Trailhead/Groomer Project

 

A major recreation milestone is officially complete in Calumet. The Keweenaw Snowmobile Club and Keweenaw ATV Club have finished construction on the largest trailhead in the Keweenaw, a modern, multi-use hub designed to elevate year-round motorized trail experiences.

The new site is fully dark-sky compliant, protecting the Keweenaw’s naturally starry nights with low-impact lighting. It also includes EV charging, supporting the growing number of electric travelers exploring the region. Inside, the facility provides ample space to store and service groomers and equipment, with room for several machines on-site while still operating a couple out of Mohawk.

With parking for 20–30 trailers on big powder days, the trailhead is built for the surge of riders who flock to the Keweenaw each winter. Its close proximity to downtown Calumet gives visitors a convenient new option to ride directly into town for food, drinks, supplies, and exploration.

The clubs also plan to host events at the new site, adding fresh energy and activity to the area.

This project was made possible through years of financial support from Visit Keweenaw’s Destination Development Fund, and it’s thrilling to see it completed and ready for riders this season.

 

Winter + Holiday Events Coming Up

Visit Keweenaw is helping get the word out and bring a full slate of winter events to life this season. From winter sporting showcases to cultural celebrations like MTU’s Winter Carnival, these happenings highlight the charm of snowy weather in the far north. Our staff puts in the legwork—from planning support to day-of help—to make sure each event shines and gives visitors one more reason to love winter in the Keweenaw.

 

Holiday Events Coming Up Soon:

The Keweenaw is packed with Christmas and holiday events all season long, from festive downtown celebrations in Hancock, Houghton, Lake Linden, Chassell, and Calumet to cozy markets, parades, carriage rides, and Santa visits across the Copper Country. Communities are lighting trees, hosting craft fairs, offering free kid-friendly activities, and bringing small-town holiday magic to every corner of the peninsula. Copper Harbor, Mount Bohemia, and local arts organizations add even more with winter wonderlands, spa parties, gift markets, and long-standing traditions. See the full lineup of Christmas events here.

 

Nordic Spa Party at Mount Bohemia

Bohemia Winter Solstice Pool Party:

Visit Keweenaw is partnering with Mount Bohemia Ski Resort to turn the Nordic Spa into a glowing, snow-dusted celebration on the longest night of the year. Guests can soak, plunge, dance, and explore lantern-lit trails, bonfires, chairlift rides, and live DJ sets—all with free spa entry from noon to midnight. (Guests MUST bring a copy of their free pass printed or on their mobile device.) Highlights include the new Mineral Pool Dedication, festive contests, and the iconic “Longest Cold Plunge on the Shortest Day.”

Visit Keweenaw helped coordinate the event and brought The Finnish Long Drink into the mix to add onto the fun evening. The popular drink brand will be on site with fun swag for attendees.

 

Hancock Lights the Night:

With support from a Visit Keweenaw Destination Development Award, Hancock Lights the Night transforms the Hancock Campground into a drive-thru style glowing holiday loop. Campsites have been decorated by more than 20 local groups. It’s a must-see display that opens on Nov. 28 and will be open until early January.

 

Houghton’s New Year’s Eve Chook Drop:

Ring in 2025/2026 at the Houghton Chook Drop, the homegrown New Year’s Eve tradition launched in 2023 with the City of Houghton and Visit Keweenaw. Kick off the night at Beviamo, the new wine bar downtown, before choosing between the Family Chook Drop at 6 p.m. or the high-energy Late-Night Chook Drop at 10 p.m. Expect bonfires, music, crafts for kids, and plenty of winter cheer along the Houghton Pier. Afterward, head to Bonfire Continental for a midnight countdown with a comedian, drink specials, and the perfect sendoff into 2026.

 

Heikinpäivä Is Coming Up

Heikinpäivä is right around the corner, bringing Hancock’s beloved mid-winter celebration of Finnish culture back to downtown. This year’s festivities lead into the city’s new designation as the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, with a full year of programming to be announced soon. Longtime favorites like the kicksled races, music, food, and community traditions will return, alongside the Snow Sculpting Competition, now proudly supported by Visit Keweenaw. With Heikinpäivä approaching fast, it’s the perfect time to bundle up, join the fun, and kick off a major cultural year for the Copper Country.

 

Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival Announces 2026 Theme

Michigan Tech’s annual Winter Carnival is the Keweenaw’s most-attended event of the entire year, and for good reason. The campus transforms into a snowy playground filled with giant frozen statues, competitive broomball battles, and steaming pots of chili that keep everyone warm between events. This quirky, week-long celebration draws thousands of visitors who come to experience the creativity, chaos, and charm that make Winter Carnival a true Copper Country classic.

 

a snowboarder catches air in a downtown snow feature

Dates Announced for Jibba Jabba 2026

Houghton’s wildest night on snow is back: Jibba Jabba returns Saturday, February 14, 2026, turning downtown into a high-energy, rail-sliding spectacle packed with Red Bull flair and big-mountain talent. Huron Street (or a new course location — stay tuned) will once again ignite with urban features, bright lights, and a crowd that shows up loud. Expect new twists, returning pros, and a Valentine’s Day atmosphere only Houghton could pull off. More event details, athlete announcements, and sponsor activations will be shared soon at www.jibbajabbahoughton.com. 

Visit Keweenaw is the proud title sponsor for Jibba Jabba. With a growing partnership from Red Bull, the event is making a big name for Houghton’s snow sports culture.

 

Winter Deals + Discounts - Get Creative!

With big winter events like the Chook Drop and Jibba Jabba 2026 drawing visitors to the Keweenaw, now is the perfect time to showcase your winter specials. Our Deals & Discounts page highlights lodging offers, experience packages, gift card promos, and seasonal bundles—and we want to feature yours, too. If your business has a holiday deal, winter package, or limited-time promotion, send the details to info@visitkeweenaw.com. We’ll help get your offer in front of winter travelers and drive extra visitation your way. 

As always, Visit Keweenaw is here to support your business and amplify the experiences that make our region unforgettable.

 

Winter Is Here: Track Snow Totals on Our Website

Track real-time snow totals, trail updates, and conditions all season long on our website. Our new winter conditions page brings together snowfall data, grooming notes, and key trail reports so visitors — and industry partners — can plan their adventures with confidence. Keep an eye on it as the flakes start piling up! Visit Keweenaw plans to announce a snow total guessing contest in January this time – take notes on how winter is performing for your guess!

 

Finno Ugric with Logo

 

Hancock’s 2026 Finno Ugric Capital of Culture Programming To Be Announced Soon

After earning the international designation as the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, the City of Hancock and its community partners are gearing up to roll out a full year of celebration. The Finno-Ugric world includes cultures and languages connected through deep northern European roots — most notably Finnish, Estonian, and Hungarian — along with several Indigenous peoples across Russia and the Arctic regions. Hancock’s own Finnish heritage and community traditions made the city a natural fit for this honor.

The year-long calendar will be anchored by Juhannus—Hancock’s signature midsummer celebration that will welcome Finnish dignitaries to the Copper Country. Rounding out the core program are three beloved cultural events: Heikinpäivä, Parade of Nations and Finnish Independence Day. In addition to these four cornerstone celebrations, organizers will soon announce a much larger slate of programming for 2026, including workshops, traditional dance events, film screenings, cultural lectures, and community gatherings that highlight both local and international Finno-Ugric connections.

The full 2026 cultural programming schedule is expected to be announced by the start of the new year—and with Heikinpäivä coming up soon, excitement is already building.

Visit Keweenaw, which proudly sponsors Hancock’s annual Snow Sculpting Competition, is especially thrilled to see the contest officially incorporated into Heikinpäivä festivities this year. It’s a perfect fit for winter, culture, and community celebration all at once.

 

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