Need information about the Keweenaw and western U.P.? Looking for an un-crowded, naturally beautiful area of clean air and water to escape to?
The Keweenaw Traveler is the best and most complete information source for people visiting the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For 19 years the Keweenaw Traveler has showcased our local businesses and spectacular natural beauty.
Today people all over the world sign on www.kewtrav.com to get the latest information in order to plan and learn before coming to visit. Since the Keweenaw has so much natural beauty, with wild shores, ridges and miles of trail, we bring you stories about our natural habitats, fascinating culture and rich history. Mix that with unique local businesses, who support us, and you have the resource for planning and enjoying this special place. Check out the Photo Galleries, videos and browse a couple stories and then start planning your trip. We want you to visit, learn and enjoy the Keweenaw as an informed visitor, caring, protecting and helping us preserve this great land. READMORE
 For a nice winter ski hike into a beautiful wilderness nature sanctuary look no further thanthe Estivant Pines Wilderness sanctuary. Located three miles south of the village of Copper Harbor, this 505 acre wilderness is a special place in winter. The Estivant Pines Wilderness was set aside in 1973 to preserve the old growth northern hardwood forest which has hundreds of monarch Eastern White Pine. These trees are 300 to 500 years old and are scattered in groves through out the 505 acre tract. Over 700 acres were cut before a citizens committee and the Michigan Nature Association negotiated a stop to the cutting and eventually raised 56 thousand dollars to purchase the fi rst 200 acres. Today thousands of people visit each year making it the second most popular attraction in Copper Harbor.To get to the Estivant Pines, take Lake Maganese Road. The road is also the snowmobile trail, which you will follow for the fi rst 1.5 miles, and the route is also part of the Fort Wilkins State Park cross country... READMORE
 In the Keweenaw, “taking a sauna” (sow • na) is not something you do on a whim. It is a serious tradition that has very little to do with hygiene. When the first Finnish people landed here and built that third little house out back, a tradition was begun that is as much a part of the Keweenaw’s culture as copper and pasties. In the 150 years since those first Finnish pioneers put up that two-room log building and built those wide pine benches across from the stove, man has tried to improve the design. But somehow, hi-tech doesn’t go with a good sauna. It is the thick log walls and that certain pitch on the ceiling so the steam rolls. It’s those special rocks from Lake Superior that hold the heat, but don’t explode when you throw cold water on them, and it’s that just right mixture of wood smoke and steam that make the sauna. What it takes to make the perfect sauna hasn’t changed from those early days. The art of... READMORE
 The name Leonard Oikarinen is synonymous with cross country skiing in the Keweenaw. Known as “Mr. Ski” Leonard earned this title many years ago and the story behind the title is a blue print for community activism. Leonard’s love for the Keweenaw, his Finnish heritage and great athletic ability have been a perfect formula for this pioneer of competitive cross country events, developing local ski trails and helping people get started in the sport. Leonard has been gone for several years now, but his legacy lives on Leonard came by his love for cross country skiing and a strong sense of community as a boy growing up on a farm near Calumet. His father took care of the rural roads in the area as a service to his neighbors. During the winter months the roads were kept open by “panking” the snow with a large roller leaving a hard, frozen surface for wagons and sleighs. This example played a strong part in developing in young Leonard an unselfish, no nonsense, get-it-done attitude. Of course,... READMORE
 THE PORKIES (TOP) The Porcupine Mountain Ski Area lies on a beautiful north facing 640 foot vertical drop slope overlooking Lake Superior and the rest of the Porcupine Mountain range to the west. Because of the Lake effect and the elevation, annual snowfall averages 180 inches, providing the bet natural snow conditions in the Midwest. "The Porkies" are a great family ski area with a large number of the slopes rated beginner and intermediate. Fifteen runs are serviced by triple and double chair-lifts. All runs provide a spectacular view of Lake Superior. A full service chalet provides all the services from snacks to equipment repair and the large stone fireplace is a favorite. Cross country skiers enjoy over 45 km of trails. A special lift ticket will get you to the Nordic trails south of the alpine area. There are three rustic rental ski cabins adjacent to the Nordic trail system. Call the park for reservations. (906) 885-5275. Hill conditions are at www.skitheporkies.com. MONT RIPLEY (LEFT) Mt. Ripley offers skiers great conditions due... READMORE
 Whether you are a traditional Nordic skier or one of the many who are taking up the skating style of cross country skiing, you will find miles of great trails in our four county area. The natural beauty of this region and consistently excellent snow conditions bring thousands of recreational skiers back every year. The variety of terrain affords a challenge for all experience levels. In recent years, local groups as well as state agencies have invested in trail improvements adding to the amenities for the long distance skier. Chalets and warming houses were once a rarity in the Keweenaw, but the realization that the sport was becoming more popular in our area convinced the recreation interests that the days of no frills skiing must give way to the demands of the modern enthusiast. Not withstanding these developments, these rugged woodlands still demand full effort from the skier who ventures out on the hundreds of miles of groomed trails throughout the four county area. Trail systems such as the Porcupine State Park, Pinery Lakes... READMORE
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