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KEWEENAW PASTY TRAIL

The Pasty is a cultural point of pride in the Keweenaw. They’re considered sacred among many life-long residents of the Upper Peninsula. Debates range far and wide on which pasty reigns supreme. Each summer, the Copper Country’s prime pasty pros go head to head during Pasty Fest to determine a champion.

Now, you can immerse yourself in a treasure trove of portable yumminess by doing your own pasty pilgrimage. So grab a bib and pick a side (ketchup or gravy) and travel along the Keweenaw’s Pasty Trail!

WHAT IS A PASTY?

Pronounced “past-ee”, this cuisine is a folded pastry case with a savory filling, typically of seasoned meat and vegetables. The travel-ready meal came to the Keweenaw by way of Cornish miners who migrated to the area to work in the region’s booming copper mines during the 19th century.

COMPLETE THE KEWEENAW PASTY TRAIL CHALLENGE

Do you have what it takes to become a Keweenaw Pasty Trail (KPT) Legend?  If you’ve got the guts (literally and figuratively), complete the following to achieve unprecedented fame and score some sweet Keweenaw swag:

  1. Procure a Keweenaw Pasty Trail Map at the Visit Keweenaw Visitor Center in Calumet, or at one of the 11 participating locations.
  2. Get your Pasty Trail Map stamped at each listed shop by purchasing a delicious pasty.
  3. Bring the completed Map to our Calumet Visitor Center  at 56638 Calumet Avenue, Calumet, MI 49913 or mail it to us. We’ll verify and send you some Keweenaw swag. 

Laurie O' Brien-Clark poses with Pasty Trail swag.

Laurie O'Brien-Clark poses with swag after claiming Keweenaw Pasty Trail Legendary Status. | Photo courtesy of Laurie O'Brien-Clark

KEWEENAW PASTY SHOP DESTINATIONS

Here’s the list of our Keweenaw shops.

Keweenaw Pasty Trail Hall of Fame

Congratulations to all the Keweenaw Pasty Legends! These hearty souls pursued a quest for the ages and returned victorious!  

  • Carol Lyzenga
  • Cathy Schrock
  • Allison Johnson
  • Glen Gomez
  • Laurie O'Brien-Clark
  • Sonia Bechberger 
  • State Representative Greg Markkanen
  • Florence Schretzmann
  • Kirin, Elma, Laney, and Lisa Eggebrecht
  • Carrie and Kristina Howell
  • April and Emmet Amundson

In the native Ojibwe language “Keweenaw” roughly translates to “the crossing place” and today, its natural beauty and history draw people…