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Brrrr: The Heikinpäivä Polar Plunge returns to Hancock in February

The return of the polar plunge, organizers said, elevates Heikinpäivä’s role as the official kickoff to Hancock’s winter festival season.

The eastern U.P.’s Hiawatha Heritage Dog Sled Race returns

Changes this year include the addition of an eight-dog, 80-mile overnight endurance race in two segments.

Nikki Storey, right, is stepping down as president of the Marine Trades Institute.
Marine Trades Institue welcomes new leadership

"Nikki has been the driving force behind the school's success. Her vision and energy have shaped the institute into what it is today -- a thriving center for workforce development," said Joseph D. Reid, chairman of the board of the Marine Trades Institute.

The Laurium Manor Inn
Newsweek names the U.P.’s Laurium Manor Inn as #1 Historical B&B in America

“The Laurium Manor Inn’s recognition as the nation’s best historic B&B highlights the Keweenaw as a destination that blends stunning landscapes with one-of-a-kind cultural treasures. This award will help attract new visitors eager to experience the Copper Country’s past while supporting our local businesses today.”” said Brad Barnett, who is executive director of Visit Keweenaw. 

The tiny thimbleberry gets its due with first-ever festival on the Keweenaw Peninsula

Long a part of the cultural fabric of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the thimbleberry is being celebrated with its first-ever festival, rolling out at farmers' markets in Houghton, Hancock and Calumet this week. 

From left to right:  Jenny Van Sickle, Kathy Laakso, Gina Thorsen, Teddie Meronek, and Briana Fiandt.
Stormy Kromer donates $12,900 to Friends of the Fitz

"We knew this project would resonate with our community, but we were blown away by the overwhelming response," said Gina Thorsen, CEO of Stormy Kromer. "It's an honor to support this meaningful effort and help ensure the legacy of the Fitzgerald and her crew is preserved for generations to come."

Marine Trades Institute receives $10,000 grant from Enbridge

"We appreciate the continued support from Enbridge through their Fueling Futures grant to help us acquire equipment that positively impacts students in both training programs here at (Marine Trades Institute)," said Tom Coates, who is director of development at the Cedarville school.

This sculpture was unveiled at Keweenaw National Historical Park last year.
New sculptures to be unveiled at Keweenaw National Historical Park

“The sculptures were intended to bring the memory of those miners and their families, those original immigrants to this area, back here,” says artist Kasey Koski.

InvestUP receives $1.6 million from Michigan Innovation Fund

“The funding from the Michigan Innovation Fund is recognition that rural regions like the Upper Peninsula have the sophistication and capability to be meaningful partners in innovation and entrepreneurship. This distinction is critical given growth follows a culture of innovation,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP.

Visit Keweenaw awards $100k in 2025 Destination Development grants

“Each overnight stay in the Keweenaw helps make this region better,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “Tourism doesn’t just support businesses – it supports trail access, land stewardship, and spaces our communities use every day. This program infuses tourism dollars into our community which benefits locals and visitors alike.”

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