Labor Day weekend gives students a good chance to explore the Keweenaw and its many sights. Labor Day recess falls on Monday, Sep. 7, and is followed by K-Day on Friday, Sep. 11. The long weekends provide the opportunity for students to get off-campus and get active. For students staying in town, there are accessible places that make for an easy afternoon or day trip. Most locations don’t need more than a car or bike, good weather, and a few friends.
Copper Harbor is one of the best picks for seeing what the Keweenaw has to offer. It is far enough away from Houghton to feel like a trip, but close enough to do in a day. Taking the scenic M-26 highway through Eagle River offers beautiful views of Lake Superior, while Brockway Mountain Drive is renowned for its scenic overlooks that stretch for miles. Brockway Mountain also offers multiple levels of biking trails for those who like to mountain bike. Leah Komarzec, a fourth-year environmental engineering student, said, “Mountain biking in Copper Harbor and the surrounding areas is super fun!” Copper Harbor also has multiple options for food and lakeside views to offer before driving back.
For students who want something quieter, Estivant Pines is another good choice. This nature sanctuary gives students an outdoor option that is less crowded than some of the bigger tourist attractions. It also makes for a solid hike without turning the full day into a workout. Other hiking options include Hungarian Falls and Jacob’s Falls. Hungarian Falls is located 15 minutes from campus by car and offers rugged trails with stunning waterfalls. Oliver Brunner, a fourth-year electrical engineering student, said, “Hungarian Falls is a great place to hike; it has fantastic views!” Jacob’s Falls is three miles north of Eagle River and offers a one-and-a-half-hour hike next to a waterfall. Right next to Jacob’s Falls is the Jam Pot, a monk-owned and operated store that sells jams, jellies, and baked goods.
Quincy Mine is a solid option for students who want to stay closer to Houghton or avoid bad weather. Tours cost $20 for students with Tech ID, and last for about two and a half hours. It allows for an afternoon of fascinating Copper Country history and exploration fun on rainy days.
The Keweenaw is also home to many great beaches, which are great for spending a sunny weekend. Bete Grise and Agate Beach are scenic beaches located in the Copper Harbor area. Hancock Beach, Chutes and Ladders, and Prince’s Point are easily accessible for students who want to stay closer to campus.
Another option is heading out later at night for stargazing. The Keweenaw has several dark areas away from Houghton that boast good star visibility, such as Breakers Beach. Building a campfire, cooking over a bonfire, and watching the stars make for a great way to de-stress and get outside.
The Keweenaw is home to countless outdoor activities, places, and experiences. The long weekends of Labor Day and K-Day give the perfect opportunity for students to explore the area.
