Discover Michigan’s snow paradise – the Keweenaw Peninsula in winter! Here’s where to ski, sauna, snow mobile, find frozen waterfalls, see northern lights, eat, stay, and more!

The Keweenaw Peninsula in winter is THE spot for snowy Midwest winter adventures. Starting around late October, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula transforms into a snow-covered paradise, making it a phenomenal spot for snowy fun.

If you’re looking for a unique Midwest destination, here’s how to plan a fantastic getaway in the Keweenaw Peninsula in winter!

Many thanks to Visit Keweenaw for sponsoring my trip. All opinions are mine.

Where is the Keweenaw Peninsula?

You’ll find the Keweenaw Peninsula (pronounced KEY-wi-naw) along Lake Superior northeast of Wisconsin. Twin cities Houghton (HOE-ton) and Hancock are in the south and Copper Harbor is up north. It’s also the gateway to Isle Royale National Park.

What strikes me most about the Keweenaw is how it feels like stepping back into a different time. The landscape is full of snow and heritage sites from the copper mining era. In an age of crowded tourism, the relatively few people and the reasonable prices here are refreshing. Local diners serve hearty breakfasts and family-run restaurants offer delicious comfort food.

But the real magic happens when the cold air meets the open water of Lake Superior. Spectacular lake effect snow transforms the peninsula into a winter playground every year. From the challenging runs at Mount Bohemia to the family-friendly slopes at Mont Ripley, this region is a hidden gem for everything winter.

From downhill skiing to seeing the stunning aurora borealis. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned explorer of the Great Lakes region, each day has opportunities for a new winter activity.

Up for an adventure in the Keweenaw Peninsula in winter? Here’s what you need to know. Whether you’re an experienced winter sports enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the quiet beauty of a snow-covered landscape, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers something magical. And for people who like me, love exploring a winter wonderland, you will definitely enjoy your time here.

How to Get to the Keweenaw Peninsula

There are two ways to get to the Keweenaw Peninsula: driving or flying. All routes converge on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, your gateway to the Keweenaw.

The area is currently served by one regional airport: Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX). It’s a short flight on United from Chicago O’Hare, though with only two daily flights, weather delays and cancellations are common.

On my visit, I had flight cancellations coming and going and I wished I would have driven! One thing I learned during my visit to the Keweenaw: whether flying or driving, winter travel to Northern Michigan requires patience and flexibility.

The Keweenaw is in Michigan, but it’s closer to Wisconsin and Minnesota than parts of down state Michigan.

• Madison, Wisconsin is about a 5 1/2 hour drive
• From Minneapolis it takes about 6 hours
• Chicago is about a 7 hour drive
• From my home in Eastern Iowa it takes about 8 hours to drive
• Detroit is about a 9 hour drive

Winter Weather in Michigan’s Northernmost Peninsula

Lake effect snow defines Keweenaw winters, with temperatures typically ranging from 10-30°F but often much colder with windchill. The cold air sweeping across Lake Superior creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities Up North from late October through April. Pack plenty of layers and always check road conditions before traveling. The reward? Pristine snow conditions that often last well into spring, making it a great place for winter sports.

Best Time to Visit Keweenaw Peninsula for Snow Activities

Mid-January through March offers the most reliable snow conditions and winter activities. Annual events like the Michigan Tech Winter Carnival and the Jibba Jabba Snow Board Stomp happen in mid-February.

If you want snowy festivals, visiting in February is sure to deliver!

What to Pack for a Keweenaw Peninsula Winter Vacation

It gets cold in this UP – but if you pack smart, you will stay warm. Layer up with moisture-wicking wool base layers (Smartwool is my favorite), insulating fleece mid-layers (think Patagonia), and waterproof outer shells (I love my OR ski jacket). Don’t forget:

• Waterproof winter boots rated for sub-zero temperatures – like these Snowgems from Kamik
• Merino wool socks (pack extras) I love SmartWool and Darn Tough
• Hand and toe warmers
• Swimsuit & sauna hat
• Camera and tripod for northern lights photography – I love my Fujifilm Mirrorless!
• Thermos for hot beverages

Where to Stay in the Keweenaw Peninsula During Winter

Downtown Houghton’s boutiuqe Vault Hotel is located in a restored historic bank building, It has beautiful rooms and a secret speakeasy open only to guests!

For traditional hotel comfort, the Hampton Inn Houghton provides reliable accommodations with winter parking and lake views. Both options put you within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops.

If you’re looking for an outdoor paradise, we recommend staying at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. This private resort features rustic lodge cabins, a WPA wilderness area lodge, and lots of outdoor fun, even in the winter.

Keweenaw Peninsula 21 Perfect Spots for Snowy Fun

1. Mount Bohemia Ski Resort: Michigan’s Most Challenging Slopes

Mount Bohemia is billed as the Midwest’s most challenging ski resort. It features 585 acres of ungroomed, backcountry-style terrain. If you like skiing ungroomed trails through the trees, this is your place! No beginner runs here – this is expert downhill skiing territory only. Also, you have to bring your own gear. Rentals are not available.

After skiing, unwind at the Nordic spa, where hot tubs, a small pool, and traditional saunas overlook the mountain. Day passes are available so you don’t even have to ski to enjoy the spa! Evening soaks under starlit skies provide an unforgettable Keweenaw experience.

2. Mont Ripley Ski Area: Family-Friendly Slopes in Hancock

Skiers, snowboarders, and tubers will enjoy Mont Ripley – part of Michigan Technological University. Mont Ripley offers 24 runs with stunning views of the Portage Canal. Perfect for all skill levels, this accessible ski area features night skiing, a terrain and tubing park, and ski lessons.

Its location in Hancock makes it perfect for visitors staying in the Houghton-Hancock area who want to combine skiing with other winter activities.

3. Snowmobile Trails in the Keweenaw Peninsula

The Keweenaw is a snowmobiler’s paradise! With more than 230 miles of trails on the peninsula, you can get from all the way from Hancock to Copper Harbor. Several outfitters in Houghton and Copper Harbor offer rentals and guided tours, but many visitors bring their own snowmobiles.

Before heading out, review Michigan’s snowmobile safety regulations. Always ride sober, stick to marked trails, and travel with a partner. Check trail conditions through the Michigan Snowmobile Association, and never ride alone at night.

4. Cross-Country Skiing

Great places to cross-country ski in the UP include the the Swedetown Trails in Calumet and Michigan Tech’s Nara Nature Park. You’ll find many miles of groomed trails at both locations.

5. Snowshoe Adventures

There are lots of places for snowshoe adventures in the Keweenaw. You can enjoy backcountry adventure at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Mount Bohemia, McLain State Park and so many more areas!

Rent shoeshoes at local outfitters like Down Wind Sports in Houghton if you don’t have your own.

6. Finnish Sauna Experience at Takka Sauna

Embrace the peninsula’s Finnish heritage with an authentic sauna (pronounced SOW-na, not SAW-na) experience. The Keweenaw’s sauna tradition dates back to the late 1800s when Finnish immigrants brought this cultural cornerstone to the Upper Peninsula. Today, Takka Sauna in Hancock offers an authentic public sauna experience, featuring traditional wood-fired heat and handcrafted cedar interiors.

For the full experience, alternate between the intense heat and cooling off outdoors. If you’re really brave, roll in the snow or jump in a cold plunge pool. This temperature contrast offers health benefits and I think it’s a perfect complement to cold winter activities.

7. Michigan Tech Winter Carnival: Ice Sculptures and Traditions

This February tradition features massive snow sculptures, winter games, and community celebrations. Student organizations spend weeks creating elaborate snow sculputres and statues that transform the campus into a winter art gallery.

8. Jibba Jabba Snow Board Stomp

This February event at Mount Bohemia draws snowboarders from across the Midwest for and evening of demonstrations and a competition.

9. Visit the Historic Town Calumet

Step back in time in Calumet, once a booming copper mining town. During winter, the historic red sandstone buildings look especially charming dusted with snow. Visit the Calumet Theatre, a beautifully preserved opera house from 1900, or explore the Keweenaw National Historical Park Visitor Center to learn about the area’s rich mining history. The Keweenaw Peninsula in winter offers a perfect backdrop for appreciating this well-preserved piece of American history.

10. Drive the Scenic M-26 Highway

The M-26 scenic highway provides breathtaking views of Lake Superior’s shoreline. It’s a magical drive if you want to see the ice formations that build along the coast. This drive takes you through charming small towns and offers stunning vistas of snow-covered forests and frozen lake views.

Don’t miss the Holy Protection Monastery and Jampot, if it’s open!

11. Enjoy a Meal at Fitzgerald’s in Eagle River

Warm up with exceptional food and drinks at Fitzgerald’s Restaurant on the shores of Lake Superior in Eagle River. It’s a local favorite with incredible BBQ and an impressive whiskey selection. The large windows provide spectacular views of the frozen lake and snow-covered landscape and the food and drinks are phenomenal!

Don’t miss the poutine! Best I’ve ever had!

12. Have a Finnish Breakfast at Suomi

Experience authentic Finnish cuisine at Suomi Restaurant in Houghton. Make sure to try the traditional pannukakku (Finnish pancakes). They’re pretty similar to the German Pancakes I serve a lot of home! Trying regional cuisine influenced by the area’s strong Finnish heritage is something I hope you’ll do!

13. Try a Pasty

No visit to the Upper Peninsula is complete without sampling a pasty (pronounced “pass-tee”). This food is similar to a traditional Cornish meat pie and was brought to the region by miners.

The Pasty is a hearty hand pie filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Roy’s Pasties in Houghton and the Mohawk Superette in Mohwak offer some of the best in the region.

14. Peruse the Shops in Houghton

Downtown Houghton offers charming shopping experiences even in the depths of winter. Browse local art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops while snow falls gently outside. You’ll find lots of unique gifts and souvenirs, from local art to UP-made food products. You can even browse preowned winter gear at the

15. Try a Michigan Brew at Keweenaw Brewing Company

Warm up with a locally crafted beer at Keweenaw Brewing Company in downtown Houghton. Their cozy taproom is the perfect place to relax after a day of outdoor adventures. They have a nice selection of quality brews named after local landmarks and mining history. The large windows provide views of snow-covered Portage Lake, enhancing your Keweenaw Peninsula in winter experience.

16. Admire the Portage Lake Lift Bridge

The iconic Portage Lake Lift Bridge connecting Houghton and Hancock is particularly stunning when surrounded by ice and snow. Not only is it the heaviest aerial lift bridge in the world but it’s really pretty too. Take a drive across or view it from the waterfront for a quintessential Keweenaw Peninsula in winter photo opportunity.

17. Visit the Quincy Mine

Explore the region’s mining heritage with a visit to the Quincy Mine in Hancock. While underground tours need to be booked in advance, the surface tours and exhibits are open year-round. The historic mining structure is a must visit.

18. See the Northern Lights in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The Keweenaw’s dark skies and northern location make it ideal for aurora viewing. Prime spots include Brockway Mountain Drive, Great Sand Bay, and Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park offers some of the best things to see in winter. Monitor aurora forecasts and plan for late-night viewing of the aurora borealis.

19. Photograph Wildlife & Lake Superior Ice Formations

Winter transforms Lake Superior’s shoreline into an otherworldly ice gallery. Visit McLain State Park for dramatic ice formations, or find pretty spots along M-26.

Important safety note: Never venture onto Lake Superior’s ice without a professional guide. The lake’s conditions can be treacherous and unpredictable, with areas of thin ice and pressure cracks hidden beneath snow.

We went on a photoshoot with local photographer Thomas Oliver and highly recommend him. He’ll show you the best spots, make sure you are prepared for the cold, and give you photography advice too! Visit his website to learn how to book a guided hike.

20. Visit Frozen Waterfalls of the Keweenaw Peninsula

Hungarian Falls, just outside Lake Linden, offers spectacular winter viewing with its three-tiered frozen cascades. Be careful heading out there and take into account that the snow may be obscuring the view, but it’s a beautiful winter hike or snowshoe out to see the Hungarian Falls in winter!

21. Explore McLain State Park’s Winter Wonderland

McLain State Park, is fun to visit during winter. This 443-acre park offers accessible and dramatic views of Lake Superior’s ice formations. If you’re lucky, you’ll see massive ice shelves and blue ice caves forming along the two miles of shoreline.

The park maintains several trails perfect for winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with breathtaking photo opportunities. I hear it;’ especially at sunset when the light casts a golden glow across the frozen scenery.

Essential Winter Safety and Planning Tips

Winter Driving Safety in the Keweenaw Peninsula

Snow tires or all-wheel drive are essential for winter travel in these small towns. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle including blankets, snacks, and a shovel. Monitor winter weather conditions through the Michigan DOT website, and remember that rural roads may take longer to plow than main highways.

Emergency Services and Cell Coverage in Remote Areas

Cell service can be spotty north of Houghton. It’s a good idea to download offline maps and keep emergency numbers handy. AT&T and Verizon offer the most reliable coverage, though expect gaps along remote stretches of US-41.

Winter Hiking and Outdoor Safety

Follow Leave No Trace principles even in winter. Stay on marked trails, pack out what you pack in, and respect wildlife. For winter hikes:

• Always tell someone your plans and expected return time
• Carry basic survival gear including fire starter and emergency shelter
• Use traction devices (microspikes or snowshoe rentals) on trails
• Check sunset times and bring headlamps
• Carry extra warm layers and high-energy snacks

The Keweenaw Peninsula isn’t just a destination; it’s a celebration of winter in its purest form. Whether you’re seeking challenging ski resorts, peaceful cross-country trails, or simply the chance to experience the quiet beauty of a snow-covered landscape, this northern paradise delivers.

As someone who will always travel for snow, I can say with certainty that the Keweenaw’s winter magic is absolutely unmatched.

Thanks again to Visit Keweenaw for sponsoring my amazing trip. Request your free Visitor’s Guide here.

For more of our favorite snowy adventures, read these!

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