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Keweenaw's Explorer Blog

September 2026 | 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: 

 

A Note From the Executive Director

With September closed and October leaning into the season's changes, the crisp breeze off Lake Superior signals the return of one of our absolute favorite times of year: fall colors season! This Visit Keweenaw team is brimming with optimism for a strong, vibrant fall travel season, as leaf-peepers and outdoor enthusiasts begin making their way to our scenic drives, vistas, and trails. 

While we recognize that elevated fuel prices continue to weigh on travel budgets and may temper long-distance road trips, the Keweenaw’s unmatched autumnal beauty and regional appeal make it a premier drive-to destination. Visitors are looking for high-value, unforgettable outdoor experiences—and our community is ready to welcome them with open arms and classic U.P. hospitality. 

To celebrate the season in style, we were thrilled to partner with the City of Houghton and Circle UP to bring you the Canal Colors Festival! Taking place along the downtown Houghton waterfront, this exciting community festival brought together local favorites like Brew Street, Plaidurday, the Keweenaw Color Run, and Fall Fest into one memorable weekend of family-friendly fun, local brews, and vibrant fall colors reflected right on the Portage Canal. 

The team is also proud to share that the Keweenaw is getting a lot of well-deserved media attention as travelers plan their fall trips. Recently, Travel + Leisure named the Keweenaw as the Midwest’s top fall road trip trip thanks to the region’s natural beauty and collection of welcoming communities and immersive history. Our team will continue to spread the good word with media partners to support local visitor economy and share the stories of what makes the Keweenaw such a special place.  

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we showcase the best of the Keweenaw this fall! 

Brad  

Executive Director | Visit Keweenaw 

 

Keweenaw Voter’s Choice Results Go Public 

This year, Visit Keweenaw let the public nominate their favorite places to learn about history, grab a cocktail, dinner and much more. The winners were announced with a few champions taking first place two years in a row. 

Here are the following winners for the 2026 Keweenaw Voter’s Choice: 

 

Fall Colors in Full Swing

From Copper Harbor to the southern Keweenaw communities of Twin Lakes and Toivola, fall colors are turning! As visitors plan their autumn getaways, help them follow the season by sharing Visit Keweenaw’s Fall Color Report. With local photos and updates from across the peninsula, it’s a handy resource for answering that familiar question: “How are the colors?” Share the link with your guests, include it in your booking emails and encourage visitors to stay a little longer to explore. 

 

Events Coming Up 

Wolf’s Head Film Festival – Oct. 22-24 | Hancock 
Independent films, horror favorites and filmmaker Q&As take over the Orpheum Theater for three days of cinema with a spooky edge. With special events and after-hours fun, it’s a great reason for movie lovers to plan a late-October Keweenaw getaway. 

Potato Fest – Oct. 24 | Houghton 
A beloved Keweenaw tradition returns to the Carnegie Museum from 3-7 p.m.! Expect food, music, free games, crafts and the Potato Games competition, plus a new exhibit exploring the region’s potato-growing heritage. Send your guests downtown for an afternoon celebrating the mighty spud! 

 

Changing Your Hours for Fall? Let Us Know! 

Adjusting your hours or closing for the season? Reply to this email with your updated schedule and any seasonal closing or reopening dates. Help our welcome center team send visitors your way at the right time! 

 

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