Visiting Houghton in the Winter

Looking for some winter ideas for your next visit to the Houghton area in the Keweenaw? I’ve got you covered! Winter is such a magical time in the Upper Peninsula, there’s so much fun stuff to do… whether you’re looking for more adventure or just looking for a low-key weekend! Trust me, a winter trip to Houghton is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the magic of the season in full swing. Read on for some of my favorite things to do!

Winter walks along the Portage Canal unveil a totally different beauty to these familiar views!

Check Out Winter Carnival Events

Crafting snow sculptures is a time-honored MTU tradition, and always an impressive sight!

Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown into one of the biggest annual winter celebrations in the nation. It’s known for huge, intricate ice and snow sculptures around Michigan Tech’s campus and the community, and it also has fun events like dog races, broomball, comedy skits, human ice bowling, and more! And I’d recommend checking out the events at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts… I got to see a mind-blowing acrobatics show in a winter setting which was highly entertaining! They have different events each year though, so be sure to check the website for what’s available.

Grab a coffee or breakfast and cozy up inside

Steps away from breakfast pasties and winter warm ups!

Two of my favorite recommendations for breakfast in the Houghton area are Roy’s Pasties and Bakery & Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant. Roy's Pasties & Bakery is such a welcome retreat from the wintry conditions! They have plenty of accessible parking spots, you can snap a few pictures at the Portage Canal Lift Bridge, and then head inside for a cozy cup of coffee and a delicious pastry. They are family-owned and operated, and feature made-from-scratch pasties, deli soups, sandwiches, and a full bakery.

Even in a layer of fresh snow, Suomi looks warm and welcoming! 

For more than 40 years, Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant has featured traditional Finnish-style breakfasts and pastries. I’d recommend the Pannukakku, which is an oven-baked, custard-like Finnish pancake served with warm raspberry sauce. So good! You definitely have to check this place out for breakfast if you’re in Houghton.

A trip to the Keweenaw isn't complete until you've tried this classic Finnish breakfast!

Check out one of Houghton’s many amazing restaurants for dinner

Icons of the Keweenaw: Portage Lake Lift Bridge, Brockway Mountain, Ambo Tostada Pizza

One of my favorite restaurants in the area is the Ambassador — they have an incredible tostada pizza, which is one of my favorite things on the menu, but really you can’t go wrong with any selection. I also love splitting some of their tortilla chips & nacho cheese sauce when I go with a friend. Plus, the fishbowl cocktails are amazing! So many options to choose from.

Ambo Fishbowls come in every color and many flavors... everyone has their favorite!

If you’re looking for a delicious dinner in a very cozy setting, I’d recommend The Den Restaurant. They have some incredible appetizers and entrees, featuring delicious salmon, steak, shrimp, and pasta, and I’d definitely suggest trying the truffle fries! Their staff was very welcoming and kind. I’d recommend making a reservation, even in the winter months!

Wood fired flavor and savory bites - the best way to warm up in the winter is from the inside out!

Take a hike to Canyon Falls

The Keweenaw's waterfalls in winter evolve into completely unique natural art each year!

Canyon Falls is about 16 minutes outside of Baraga, so a bit of a trek from Houghton, but maybe on your way into or out of town, I’d recommend a visit! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this waterfall… but it was amazing and super easy to get to. The parking is closed/not maintained for the winter, so I had to park off the side of the street with several other cars and walk into the park. The trail along the Sturgeon River was very easy though, super maintained considering it was very snowy, but so incredibly scenic. You see a series of rapids/small falls before you reach Canyon Falls aka “Grand Canyon of the UP”. It falls nearly 30’ over black rock into a box canyon. A must visit!

Sunset at Breakers Beach

Winter sunsets can warm the spirit, even when ice floes dance on the water.

Picture this: getting an ultimate winter sunset experience, with a backdrop of a waterway lighthouse and views of Lake Superior. I’d recommend checking out Breakers Beach. It’s an easy 15-minute drive from downtown Houghton, located in North Canal Township Park. In winter, you’ll have to park at the bottom of the hill, and walk up the hill. I might recommend snowshoes if there’s lots of snow, but otherwise, it’s a relatively easy hike/walk in boots. Follow the road until you hit the shoreline, and then settle in for the show! Bundle up & bring a thermos of hot cocoa to keep warm as you soak in the views. Watching the sunset at Breakers Beach is the perfect way to end a winter day in Houghton.

Grab a pasty

Beloved Keweenaw pasty purveyor Toni's knows that everything is better with butter.

There are several pasty options in the Keweenaw area… several in Houghton alone. They even have a pasty trail where you can seek out different options! In Houghton, you can check out Suomi Diner or Roy’s Pasties, but if you’re up for a quick road trip, I’d check out Toni’s Country Kitchen in Laurium. They serve up their pastries with a slab of butter in the middle… which just elevates the whole experience! 

Visit the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

The A.E. Seaman's finely curated mineral displays draw out a sense of wonder and curiosity in all who visit.

Ready to check out some amazing treasures? For a fun indoor activity for all ages, head over to the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan Tech for an awe-inspiring journey through the world of minerals! Get ready to marvel at dazzling gemstones, crystals, and rare specimens from around the globe. With interactive exhibits, informative displays, and knowledgeable staff, you’ll dive into the fascinating science behind these formations. Whether you’re a geology buff or just curious about the wonders of the natural world, a visit to the Seaman Mineral Museum promises an educational and unique experience. Plus, be sure to check out the gift shop to take a unique treasure home!

Visit a local coffee shop

Whether hot or iced, however you need your winter caffeine boost is fine by us!

Coffee lovers… they’ve got you covered in Houghton! Dive into the coffee scene and hit up must-visit spots like Camp Coffee in downtown Houghton. I especially love their seasonal lattes and cozy, minimalist cafe. Or venture up to Calumet to check out Keweenaw Coffee Works, offering artisanal brews roasted in-house and a welcoming ambiance that feels like a home away from home.

Enjoy the early morning calm of the KCW cafe while you warm up to a day of winter exploration!

All photos courtesy of Tieka Knight (Selective Potential).