Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
HOUGHTON Visitors and residents of the Midwest’s “snow capital” have a new outdoor attraction this winter. This past Friday, the City of Houghton launched a new outdoor ice-skating ribbon at the Ray Kestner Waterfront Park on the shores of the Keweenaw Waterway. Skaters can enjoy a scenic loop around the park with views of the historic Portage Lake Lift Bridge and easy access to downtown dining and shopping.
“Not everyone is a skier or snowshoer,” explained Eric Waara, Houghton City Manager. “After seeing people’s reaction to the opportunity to skate on the Portage itself earlier this winter around the holidays, it was easy to see that this might be something people would use and be fun for everyone.”
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When a canal between 2 U.P. towns froze, something magical happened
Updated Dec 23, 2020;
Posted Dec 23, 2020
Skaters took to the ice on the Portage Canal between Houghton and Hancock on Dec. 19, 2020.
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HOUGHTON, MI - When the Portage Canal flowing between the two Upper Peninsula college towns of Houghton and Hancock froze last week, it wasn’t unusual. The water that runs under the Portage Lift Bridge in this part of the Keweenaw Peninsula regularly freezes during the long winters. But that ice is also typically covered by a deep snow in this northernmost section of Michigan’s mainland.
Here’s where the magic starts. There was no snow on the canal’s surface when icy temperatures froze it last week, creating a glassy surface just begging for skates. People in both towns were surprised - and delighted to oblige.
Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau
RIPLEY Visitors to the Copper Country seeking winter excitement are eagerly anticipating the opening of Mont Ripley this weekend in Hancock, Michigan. Located in the snowiest city in the Midwest, Mont Ripley announced they will open this Saturday, Dec. 19.
Mont Ripley opened in 1934 and was taken over by Michigan Technological University in 1944. The ski area now serves as a destination for students and the public interested in downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. As the oldest ski area in Michigan and snowiest city in the Midwest, Mont Ripley is a true alpine town experience: Twenty-two trails, terrain park, tubing park, 112 acres, and a scenic overlook of the Keweenaw Waterway.