VAF 2024 - Welcome to the Keweenaw
VAF Members, welcome to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. We're excited to host the Vernacular Architecture Forum's 2024 Annual Meeting and share the Keweenaw's collection of unique landscapes, buildings and culture. We've compiled the information below to help you plan your visit and serve as a resource while you're in the area.
About Houghton
The City of Houghton will serve as your basecamp for VAF 2024. Located on the southern shore of the Portage Canal, Houghton was an important transport and financial hub during the Copper Rush. Today, it is home to Michigan Technological University with access to abundant, year-round outdoor recreation. While we're sure the VAF 2024 schedule will keep you busy, take the time to get to know the city. Here are some resources to help you get to know Houghton:
TOP 9 SUMMER ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE IN HOUGHTON
- 6 minute read
Houghton is often referred to as the Gateway to the Keweenaw seamlessly blending the great outdoors…
Top 7 Coolest Historical Sites Near Houghton & Hancock
- 9 minute read
Mining ruins are everywhere you look in the Keweenaw, a testament to how all-encompassing the Copper…
Houghton Rainy Day Guide: Bucket List Indoor Activities
- 11 minute read
Spring showers bring the flowers, but don’t let the weather ruin your plans in the Houghton…
A TASTE OF HOUGHTON: UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES IN DOWNTOWN HOUGHTON
- 5 minute read
There are some nights in downtown Houghton where your dinner plans call for something a…
Getting Here
It takes some effort to get here. But trust us, its worth the trouble. Check out the resources to help you navigate your way to and around the Keweenaw.
Getting Here
Getting to the Keweenaw takes some effort, but it's well worth it. Located in…
Airport
Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX) offers direct flights to the Keweenaw from Chicago O'Hare…
Getting Around
Getting around is part of the fun when in the Keweenaw. Here are some options to consider during…
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Discover your EV charging options while visiting the Keweenaw. Most of our towns will have Level 1…
Don't Miss These Keweenaw Experiences
You'll see and do a lot during the course of VAF 2024, but the organizers can't fit all the Keweenaw's historical experiences into the event schedule. Consider adding a day or two to your visit so you can explore these Copper Country attractions:
- Laurium Manor Inn
- Copper Harbor Lighthouse tours (via Noah's Ark Charters)
- Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary
- A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum
- Fort Wilkins State Historic Park
- Keweenaw Storytelling Center
- Keweenaw Boat Tours
- Open Skies Project (former Calumet Air Force Radar Station)
- History of Hockey Museum at Dee Stadium
Discover more Keweenaw historical attractions.
Bridgefest
This year, VAF '24 coincides with one of the Keweenaw's most beloved local festivals: Bridgefest! Running June 13-16th, the Keweenaw will be celebrating the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which spans the Keweenaw Waterway connecting the cities of Houghton and Hancock. Filled with family-friendly fun, live music, food., fireworks, a parade and more, this edition marks the 64th anniversary of the bridge. So after (or in-between) your architectural forays, be sure to check out the festival's activities.
More Local Resources
Check out these additional resources to help you plan your visit: