Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula (Winter!!)

Looking for the best things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the winter? Read this article for the best winter hiking, snowshoeing, and more in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

why this article?! Hi! my name is Maddy and I’ve lived most of my live in the Great Lakes Region, working as an outdoor adventure guide & guidebook writer. I grew up in Michigan, spending almost every summer and many winters at my Grandparents cabin in the woods in Northern Michigan. Once I hit college, I started to spend every weekend all winter exploring the beautiful state with my friends. I love Michigan and all of the adventure it has to offer, and I’m so happy to show you around!

note: this blog post uses affiliate links! that means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

What to pack for outdoor winter adventures in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan:

Did you know the Keweenaw Peninsula sometimes sees as much as 300 inches of snow in a winter!? Here’s what to pack for your winter adventures in the Keweenaw Peninsula:

• Good wool baselayers! I recommend Smartwool baselayers; after five years of sea kayak guiding and expedition paddling, these last much longer than any other baselayer I’ve owned. 
• Fleece midlayers: the key to happy winter adventure is layers! After my wool baselayers, I add a layer of fleece. I only add fleece pants when the temperature is below zero; otherwise I’ll sweat too much. 
• Wool sweaters! I usually get my wool sweaters from antique stores or knit them myself, but you can also find cute wool sweaters from Fjallraven. 
• A down jacket! Depending on temperature, I’ll either bring my super warm, subzero ready parka, or a thinner down layer if it’s above freezing. 
• Fjallraven Keb Trousers: Fjallraven pants for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing are such a great investment as an outer layer! 10/10 recommend. 
• Granite Gear Perimeter 35 as a winter hiking pack, snowshoes, XC skis, winter hiking boots,microspikes, emergency bivvy, Garmin InReach, First Aid Kit, and a shovel to keep in your car for when you inevitably get stuck
• The Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for all of the best hiking trails, paddling routes, hidden campsites, beaches, all-season itineraries, and so much more!

Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Winter:

From snowshoeing at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to exploring the Lake Superior shoreline, here are the best things to do in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula in the winter!

the trip used to research for this blog post was hosted by Visit Keweenaw

1) Watch the sunrise at the Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light

One of the best things to do in the winter in the Keweenaw is watch the sunrise at the Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light. This is best done in early or late winter, as portions of the road may not be plowed.

2) Visit the Nisu Finnish Cafe and Bakery

Check out the Nisu Bakery for fresh Finnish and Swedish treats, like cinnamon cardamom rolls and so much more. This is easily one of the best places to eat in Houghton, Michigan.

3) Snowshoe to Canyon Falls

Looking for the prettiest winter hiking trail near Houghton, Michigan? Head down to Canyon Falls, a roadside hike off Highway 41 just south of Alberta, Michigan. Here, you can park at the Canyon Falls Roadside Park and hike just two miles to see the beautiful canyon falls waterfall as well as the canyon after the falls.

4) Visit the Superior Steam Sauna

Check out the Superior Steam Sauna in Copper Harbor, Michigan for a beautiful Lake Superior side sauna!

5) Snowshoe and Ski at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

Looking for one of the best places to ski and snowshoe in the Keweenaw Peninsula? Head up to Copper Harbor’s Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for snowy trails, hot coffee, and cinnamon rolls.

6) Test your downhill ski skills at Mount Bohemia

For one of the best advanced downhill ski locations in the Midwest, head to Mount Bohemia in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Here, you can make use of the Keweenaw’s record snowfall or check out their iconic Nordic Spa.

7) Drive the M-26 Scenic Drive

If you’re looking for a winter activity in the Keweenaw Peninsula that will get you outside but keep you near the safety of your own car, check out the M-26 Scenic Drive from Copper Harbor to Eagle River. Along this route, you’ll encounter sand dunes, rugged shoreline, lighthouses, and more.

In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the winter.

9) Grab Dinner on Lake Superior At Fitzgeralds

One of the best places to eat in the Keweenaw Peninsula is Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in Eagle River, Michigan. Here you can try some of the best brisket and pulled pork in Michigan and watch the sunset over Lake Superior from your dining table.

10) Visit Frozen Waterfalls

The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to beautiful waterfalls, and there’s nothing better than visiting these falls in the winter! Check out the easy-to-access M-26 side Jacobs Falls and Eagle River Falls for quick and easy waterfalls!

11) Hunt for Great Lakes Icebergs

One of the best things to do in the Keweenaw in the winter and early spring is to hunt for Great Lakes icebergs! As the pack ice on Lake Superior shifts and breaks with the wind and freeze and thaw cycle, the Northern Keweenaw is perfectly poised to see some of the best Great Lakes “icebergs”!

12) Go to the Michigan Tech University Winter Carnival

One of the best things to do in the winter in the Keweenaw Peninsula is attend to the Michigan Tech Winter Carnival. Here, you can watch the students of Michigan Tech compete to make the best snow sculptures and support the organizations buy buying cups of chilli or cookies. This event is a blast and great for everyone!

where can I learn more about exploring the Midwest?

Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Love reading about the best things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Winter? Check out these other winter Great Lakes Destinations:

• Check out Minnesota’s North Shore in the winter
• Explore Wisconsin’s beautiful Bayfield Peninsula in the snow
• Check out the 16 Best Winter Adventures in Michigan

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