Visit Keweenaw invests $85,000 in recreation economy
A portion of your vacation’s cost goes toward improving recreation opportunities when you stay in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
For its 2024 Destination Development Awards: Visit Keweenaw has distributed over $85,000 to 11 Keweenaw and Houghton County nonprofits proposing recreation improvement projects. Some of the highlights include funding the Copper Harbor Trails Club’s new Berry Picker climbing trail ($11,500) up Brockway Mountain, and a $17,000 Swedetown Creek bridge connection for trail users in Hancock. When you choose to stay with one of Visit Keweenaw’s approximately 40 member properties, you're not just booking a room—you're making a meaningful contribution. A percentage of the dollars spent at these member properties goes directly to Visit Keweenaw, which then reinvests those funds into community recreation projects that are open to the public. By staying with our members, you're helping to support and enhance recreational opportunities in our two-county destination.
“We are very proud to help fund more reasons to be recreating outdoors in Houghton and Keweenaw County,” said Brad Barnett, Visit Keweenaw Executive Director. “Over the years, we’ve helped add new signage, trails and exhibits in various communities from Copper Harbor to Painesdale. These additions and improvements are enjoyed by visitors and residents alike but can really make a difference on a visitor’s impression of an area and their likelihood to return.”
Each year, Visit Keweenaw allows Houghton and Keweenaw County non-profits and groups of government to apply for matching Destination Development Awards. The full list of awards is below, just announced for the 2024 award cycle.
Swedetown Recreation Area – $20,000 – Beginner-level biking/hiking trail
Hancock Trails Club – $17,000 – Swedetown Creek Bridge connecter at Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids Trail System
Copper Harbor Trails Club – $11,500 – Berry Picker climbing trail at Brockway Mountain
Main Street Calumet – $8,000 – Downtown seating and planters
City of Houghton – $7,500 – Installation of Historic Houghton downtown signage
Calumet Air Force Station Heritage Museum – $6,000 – Safety railing atop viewing tower
Calumet Township – $5,000 – New 18-hole disc golf course near Waterworks Park
Painesdale Mine & Shaft – $4,900 – Interpretive signage and visitor kiosk
Chassell Township – $2,750 – Wayfinding signage on US-41 for Accessible Kayak Launch
Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office – $1,725 – Directional and safety signage for County trails
Keweenaw ATV Club – $695 – Trail directional signage