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:

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.

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:

• Lodging
• Restaurants
• Request a Visitor Guide
• For Families
• Day Trip Ideas
• Responsible Recreation