The snowbanks towered above me, thanks to 250+ inches of snow. While I’m no giant at 5’4”, the sheer amount of frostiness surrounding me in the Keweenaw Peninsula had me in awe and quaking a bit in my boots.
As someone not accustomed to big winters, I was determined to experience Michigan’s Upper Peninsula winter adventures.
Snowshoeing Through a Winter Wonderland
My trip jump-started with snowshoeing at the Swedetown Recreation Area, which consists of 1,900 public acres for year-round use.
In winter, volunteers from the Swedestown Trail Club groom 29 kilometers of cross-country ski routes and two snowshoe trails. A rustic chalet offers a warm place to change and gear up for your journey.
As I followed my group down the trail, I frequently stopped to stare at the perfectly flocked pines. The snow-laden branches made the scene feel like a real winter wonderland. I worked up a solid appetite for our post-trip meal (and a blood orange honey ale) at the Glacia Tavern in nearby Mohawk.
Experience the Excitement of the CopperDog Dogsled Race
The town of Calumet turns into the place to be each February/March as dogsled enthusiasts cheer on mushers and excited sled dogs at the CopperDog Race. Mushers travel from across the country to compete in races of up to about 120 miles.
The dogsleds traverse the extensive snowmobile trails throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula over this three-day event.
The energy was palpable on Main Street as we waited for the race to start. I enjoyed talking to the mushers and learning about their dogs as their teams got ready to head to the starting gate.
Onlookers perched on second-story roofs and children sat on their daddy’s shoulders just to get a glimpse as each sled team raced by.
Snowmobiling Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Snowmobile fans flock to the Keweenaw to traverse the wilderness and along Lake Superior. 235 miles of trail crisscross through communities like Calumet and Houghton all the way up to remote Copper Harbor.
You’ll see snowmobiles all around racing on the frozen river, parked in town and rolling into local restaurants like Mariner North.
The Keweenaw Snowmobile Club logs more than 30,000 miles of grooming each season across those 235 miles of trail. Gigantic plows, run mostly by volunteers, operate 12 to 14 hours a night, keeping the trails safe for everyone.
I didn’t get to snowmobile due to the CopperDog Race. Still, I got to experience the challenges of trail grooming with those enormous machines.
Relax and Recharge with Sauna Culture
The Keweenaw boasts a diverse heritage from immigrants who moved here to mine copper. Many arrived from Finland, bringing its sauna culture to the region. Detoxing in a steam room is a social event here.
The Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa recreates the experience with traditional saunas, a cold plunge pool, a hot springs mineral pool and more.
You could easily spend the day here trying out all the facilities, grabbing a cocktail and relaxing in the hot tub. I soaked my troubles away, chatting with my new friends in the warm waters.
For a calmer vibe, Takka Portage in downtown Hancock has sauna cabins with views of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. I enjoyed moving from the heat to chilling outside by the fire pit. The steam-based saunas seat several people and can be booked privately.
Birthplace of Professional Hockey
Houghton, Michigan, claims the origin of professional hockey. Dee Stadium, one of the oldest indoor ice rinks in the world, houses a history room that tells the story of how professional hockey began here. Dozens of kids laced up for their game and darted around as we took in this quaint museum.
For more hockey action, the Michigan Tech Huskies bring the joy of university sports with some hard-hitting plays. The men’s season runs from October into March. We had fun cheering on the Huskies for a potential playoff run.
Indoor Attractions for Cold Winter Days
If you need to get out of the cold, the Visitor Center at Keweenaw National Historical Park offers an in-depth history of copper mining in the region. You’ll learn about the unique landscape and the people who were impacted by life in the mines. There are about 20 Keweenaw Heritage Sites to explore.
The Calumet Theatre is a working example of a heritage site. The historical building provided entertainment in the early 1900s, hosting some of the biggest stars.
You can still see performances here today. The seasonal two-hour guided tour also provides backstage access and insight into the Renaissance Revival architectural details. In winter, call the box office to arrange a tour.
If You Go
The Keweenaw Peninsula offers a variety of lodging options. During my visit, I stayed at the charming Laurium Manor Inn. The beautifully restored building houses antiques hand-selected by owners Julie and Dave Sprenger.
I also had a chance to visit the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor. Known as an International Dark Sky Park, the picturesque lodge offers countless outdoor activities from stargazing to snowshoeing. Cabin rentals require a two-night minimum.
For some unique eats, you must try a hearty pasty, a handheld meat (or veggie) pie. You’ll find great options along the Keweenaw Pasty Trail. For house-roasted coffee and a snack, head to Keweenaw Coffee Works in Calumet. Located next to Takka Portage, Small Craft serves killer cocktails with a fantastic view.
Mark your calendar for the next CopperDog February 26th-28th 2027. The race kickoff takes place Friday evening, so dress warmly. Snowmobile rentals are available while in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw Snowmobile Club has downloadable snowmobile maps on their website.
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Author Bio: Julie Dee Suman is a Maryland-based freelance outdoor travel writer and photographer. Julie enjoys destination travel with a focus on nature, wildlife excursions and conservation. She is a member of the Travel Writers Café, Trav Media, and the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Julie is also a retired pharmaceutical scientist. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and trade magazines.
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