Visit Keweenaw awards nearly $99K to recreation and tourism projects
Fueled by a local lodging assessment, these grants will improve trail access, community gathering spaces, historic attractions, and accessibility for both residents and visitors.
What’s happening: Through its Destination Development Fund, Visit Keweenaw has awarded $98,625 to eight outdoor recreation projects in Houghton and Keweenaw counties, according to Visit Keweenaw, the destination marketing and tourism organization for the Keweenaw Peninsula. The funded projects will improve trail access, community gathering spaces, historic attractions, and scenic experiences throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. Several projects also expand accessibility, helping more residents and visitors experience the region.
The award recipients are: Keweenaw County Road Commission, $20,000, for the Keweenaw Snow Gauge renovation project; Swedetown Trails Club, $15,000, accessible chalet expansion project; city of Houghton, $15,000, waterfront vendor chalet and winter seasonal market project; city of Hancock, $15,000, phase two of Hancock Lights the Night; Copper Harbor Trails Club, $10,000, phase three of the Keweenaw Point Trail project; Chassell Township, $8,625, bike skills park project; Keweenaw County Historical Society, 8,000, stairway renovation of observation deck at Eagle Harbor Lighthouse; and Calumet Air Force Station Museum, $7,000, spiral staircase to overlook.
What they’re saying: “Every time someone chooses to stay in the Keweenaw, part of that visit comes back to the communities that welcomed them,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “These projects will open trails to more people, breathe new life into historic places and create experiences families will remember. That is what makes this fund so special — visitors help us build a stronger Keweenaw for everyone who calls it home.”
About the Destination Development Fund: The fund provides financial support to projects that strengthen the Keweenaw as a place to visit, live and explore. Funding is generated through the 6 percent assessment collected by participating lodging properties in Houghton and Keweenaw counties.
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