Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

Snowshoe Hare
2025-02-15 09:30 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | MI
[ Read: 2025 Snowshoe Hare Recap ]
The Snowshoe Hare at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is an event celebrating snowshoeing in the Keweenaw. The event’s focus is on education through guided and interpretative snowshoe hikes and inside presentations. This is a free activity for lodging guests and $10 for the general public, advanced reservations are required. [ Contact: outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com | 906-289-4403 ext 4 ]

Snowshoe Activities:

Access to over 10 km of trails for snowshoeing
A guided Snowshoe Adventure
Iverson Snowshoes demos
Ecology and history presentations

Schedule:
9:30am: History of Snowshoeing Presentation (in the Class Room of the Education Center at the Lodge).
10:30am: Guided Snowshoe Hike [ The Wanderer Route, 1.5 miles ]
12:30pm: Lunch Break [ bring your own food or order from the Little Cabin Cafe ]
1:30pm: Snowshoe Hare Presentation (in the Class Room of the Education Center at the Lodge).
2:30pm: Guided Snowshoe Hike [ The Explorer Route, 2.5 miles ]
5:00pm: Done

Lights Out!
2025-02-26 - 2025-03-04, 2025-03-26 - 2025-04-01, 2025-04-24 - 2025-04-30, 2025-05-22 - 2025-05-28

New Moon - February 2025
2025-02-27

Copper Dog 150
2025-02-28 - 2025-03-02
The Copper Dog 150 dog sled race starts in Calumet and works up to Copper Harbor and back to Calumet.
Official website: https://copperdog150.com

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2025-02-28 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: February 28, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 6:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

2025 Dawg Daze
2025-03-02 11:00 - 14:00
[ Read: 2025 Dawg Daze Recap ]
What is Dawg Daze? Dawg Daze is a fun event that celebrates the winter, trails and dogs. There will be four events: a time trial skijoring race called the “Forest Dog Derby” that circumnavigates the Outer and Inner Loops, a human / dog sled pull sled pull, a dog and human costume contest, and a best trick contest.
This is a free activity for lodging guests and the general public; however, advanced reservations are required. [ Contact: outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com | 906-289-4403 ext 4 ]

When: March 2, 2025
Forest Dog Derby: 11am – 1pm
Human/Dog Sled Pull: 11am – 1pm
Human/Dog Costume Contest: 1:30pm – 2:00pm
Best Trick Contest: 1:30pm – 2:00 pm
Awards Ceremonies: 2:00pm
Where: The event will be held outside on the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge grounds.
Details:
“Forest Dog Derby” : Is a time trial style event. Dogs must be leashed or tethered at all times. Teams consist of one person and one dog. Teams start at the starting line and must complete one loop around part of Outer Loop & Inner Loop . Fastest time wins.
“Human/Dog Sled Pull” : This new event will get dogs and their people onto the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge’s snowshoe trails. It is in honor of the time when dogs and people were linked for survival in the winters of the Upper Peninsula, but now it is just for the fun. Teams consist of at least one person and at least one dog. Dogs must be leashed or tethers at all times to people. People must be on snowshoes. Dog(s) and/or people must pull a plastic sled with a minimum of 15 pieces of firewood or the equivalent weight in kids (it is ok to pull more kid weight if you have bigger kids). You must finish with all 15 pieces or all of the kids. The route is on the Wanderer Snowshoe Route. Fastest time wins.
“Costume Contest” : Is a costume contest for dogs and humans. Costumes will be judged on a scale from 1 to 10 on “originality” “cuteness” “human costume.” Bonus points for matching dog and owner costumes.
There will be a “Best Trick” contest and a “Furriest Dog” award!
KML Dog Treats will be available for purchase and random dog treat tastings will happen throughout the day.
Lodging guests will have their pet fee waived for their entire stay, if their stay includes Saturday, March 2, 2025. Pets must still be registered with guest services.
All events are free to enter. A donation box for pet related items (used linens, blankets, sheet, pillowcases, towels, dog/cat treats and toys.) and a donation jar for monetary donations will be set up for the Copper Country Humane Society. https://www.cchumanesociety.com/
Overall Rules:

Dogs must be leashed at all times while on the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.
No aggressive dogs.
Dog waste must be picked up immediately except during race.

Forest Dog Derby Race Rules:

Only 1 dog and 1 person per team.
Dog must be leashed or tethered at all times.
A specific team only gets one chance around the course.
You can start anytime between 11am and 1pm. There will be no starts after 1pm.

Prizes: Prizes will be international recognition, a certificate, dog and/or human treats from the Little Cabin Cafe.
Race Course: You are welcome to bring your team to practice any day. Course closes to practice on Race Day at 10:30am March 2, 2025.

Great Bear Chase
2025-03-08
The Great Bear Chase takes place in Calumet, on the Swedetown trails. It is a cross country ski race that was started in 1980. The resort is open, and we have cabins open for visitors to rent during the race.
http://www.greatbearchase.com

Total Lunar Eclipse
2025-03-13 19:00 - 2025-03-14 07:00
The total lunar eclipse will last just over 1 hour, with the eclipse starting around midnight on March 13th to around 5am on March 14th. Learn more about this total lunar eclipse from Space.com.

Full Moon (Worm) - March 2025
2025-03-14

Moonlit Snowshoe Hike
2025-03-14 21:30 - 23:30
Join us for a guided night time interpretive snowshoe hike. Please join our Outdoor Activities Center (OAC) staff members on an interpretive snowshoe hike around the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge property. This is a free activity for lodging guests and $10 for non-lodging guests, reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling the OAC at (906) 289-4403, ext 4. Please show up between 9:00pm and 9:`15pm to sign the waiver. Hike leaves at 9:45pm.

Snowshoes rentals are available.
Participants will meet in the Winter OAC which is located in the back of the Lodge in the Education Center. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the start time to check gear, sign the waiver and meet the staff and other participants.
These dates were selected close to the full moon in hopes of a clear night. The snowshoe hikes will go off regardless of the weather so be prepared for changing conditions.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the hike.
This is an alcohol and smoking free event.
Recommended Items to bring: warm, layered clothing, red night lights, snow shoes, poles, goggles and an adventurous attitude.

Lodge Closed
2025-03-16 - 2025-03-26

Spring Equinox
2025-03-20

World Rewilding Day
2025-03-20
#RewildingTogether encompasses many people that have apositive movement towards a wilder, more resilient and biodiverse future.

New Moon - March 2025
2025-03-29

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-03-29 19:30 - 22:00
[ Read: March 29, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.

Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 7:15pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Full Moon (Pink) - April 2025
2025-04-12

International Dark Sky Week
2025-04-21 - 2025-04-28
International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration of the dark and natural night. The goal is to draw attention to light pollution, promote simple solutions to mitigate the issue, and celebrate the irreplaceable beauty of a natural night.
Look up into the night sky. How many stars can you see? Light
pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate, doubling every
eight years, taking away our view of the stars while harming human
health and critical wildlife habitat. Did you know, smart and simple
lighting practices around your own home and community can make
a difference?
For many, the dark night is often misunderstood, unfamiliar, and frightening. But the night is filled with wonder and awe and is critical to the health and well-being of our planet.
Join DarkSky International as people around the world discover the night together and learn about the effects of light pollution and actions we can take to embrace the dark and save the night. [ Learn more ]

International Dark Sky Week was started by high school student Jennifer Barlow in 2003 and is now spearheaded by DarkSky International. In explaining why she started the week, Barlow said, “I want people to be able to see the wonder of the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The universe is our view into our past and our vision into the future. I want to help preserve its wonder.”
About Light Pollution
Did you know that light can be a pollutant? Overly bright and unnecessary outdoor lighting creates glare and skyglow, destroying critical nocturnal wildlife habitats, harming human health, and diminishing our view of the stars.
As lighting options become more inexpensive and brighter, we are illuminating the night more and more. Every eight years, light pollution around the world doubles! Today, 80% of the world’s population lives beneath light-polluted skies. 8 out of 10 children will grow up never seeing the Milky Way.
While lighting at night is necessary in today’s world, there are easy steps you can take to ensure your lights protect the night! Check out DarkSky’s Five Principles for Outdoor Lighting! [ Learn more ]
Wildlife at Night
Did you know plants and animals depend on natural light cycles to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection from predators? Scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has deadly effects on many creatures, contributing to declining biodiversity worldwide.
Artificial lights can cause migrating birds to wander off course toward dangerous cityscapes. Millions of birds die every year when they collide with needlessly illuminated buildings and towers.
Hatchling sea turtles find the sea by detecting the bright horizon over the ocean. Artificial lights draw them away from the ocean. In Florida alone, millions of hatchlings die this way every year.
We are just starting to understand the devastating effects
of artificial light on habitats. [ Learn more ]
Human Health and Well-being
Did you know our health is dependent on the dark? Over the past 100 years, humans have transformed the night, erasing the natural= darkness with which we evolved. While artificial light at night is crucial to our modern world, it comes at a cost.
Increasing scientific research indicates that artificial light at night harms human health, including circadian rhythm disruption and decreased melatonin production, leading to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, reproductive problems, and cancers. [ Learn more ]
Safety and Security
Lighting up the nighttime environment does not necessarily increase safety and security. Effective lighting that helps people be safe — not just feel safe — is a win-win situation for everyone.
Poorly designed outdoor lighting can backfire on safety. Bright and misdirected lights create shadows for criminals to hide, and some crimes, like vandalism, thrive in well-lit areas. Floodlights, for example, may highlight potential targets. [ Learn more ]

Learn more about what you can do to help to foster the
night at darksky.org.

Source: DarkSky International

Earth Day
2025-04-22
2025 Earth Day is April 22nd, which has a theme this year of “Our Power, Our Planet”.
Here is an action toolkit to work with on improving our environment: Earth Day Action Toolkit
#InvestInOurPlanet

Lodge Closed to General Public for Private Event
2025-04-24 - 2025-04-26
We are hosting the 2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival on April 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2025. During these three days, the Lodge will be closed to the general public.

2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
2025-04-24 15:00 - 2025-04-26 23:30
[ Read: 2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival Recap ]
[ Purchase Tickets ]
Limit: 50 tickets
Last day to purchase tickets: April 20th
— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, is hosting its third annual event around International Dark Sky Week: The Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival. DarkSky International (formerly known as, the International Dark-Sky Association) encourages people worldwide to discover the night during International Dark Sky Week. This annual week-long event aims to raise awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist and simultaneously celebrate the night.
The 2025 event will be held over April 24th, 25th, and 26th, and provides three days / nights of learning. Events and workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
The event is intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts. The evening event on Thursday allows guests to check into their accommodations, have a meal and then take in the presentation. Friday and Saturday’s events in the afternoon allow guests to have a morning adventure and an afternoon and evening of learning.

Schedule
Below is the schedule for the festival (last updated April 7, 2025):
Thursday, April 24th

6:00pm: Welcome / Opening Remarks (John Mueller, KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park & Amber Harrison, DarkSky International – Virtually)
7:00pm: Stargazing: Dark Sky Photography and Etiquette Workshop (Tom Oliver, Photographer and Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University)
Evening: Stargazing

Friday, April 25th

9:00am: Open Skies Tour (limited to 24 people – call (906) 289-4403 ext 4 to sign up) [ sponsored by Visit Keweenaw ]
11:30am: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Illuminating Opportunities: Dark Sky Programming in the Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Industry (Jamie Westfall, Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park)
3:30pm: Postcards from the Universe: 2024-2025 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (Robert Nemiroff, Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University)
8:00pm: Deep Sky Astrophotography: From First Shot to Final Masterpiece (Ogetay Kayali, Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student)
Evening: Stargazing

Saturday, April 26th

9:30am: Ecology Tour with Tom Oliver (limited to 15 people – please call 906-289-4403 ext 4 to sign up)
11:30am: Rustic and Worldly Lunch (included in your festival ticket purchase)
1:00pm: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds and Pathways to Solutions (Jared Wolfe, Ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University)
3:30pm: Understanding the Magnetosphere and Experiencing Solar Max! (MaryBeth Kiczenski, Adventurer / Photographer / Northern Lights Chaser)
8:00pm: Discover the Sun (Dave Falkner, NASA Solar System Ambassador)
Evening: Stargazing

Location
The festival will be held at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the headquarters of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
14252 US Hwy 41
Copper Harbor, Michigan 49918

Price
Tickets for the festival are $250 / person + tax. Tickets include admission to all presentations and the lunch on Friday and Saturday. A maximum of 50 tickets will be sold. The last day to purchase tickets is April 20, 2025.
[ Purchase Tickets ]

— Tickets are no longer available to be purchased —

Presentation Topics and Speaker Bios
Below is the list of speakers, with their bios and presentation topics. The list is sorted by last name of the speaker.
Dave Falkner
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Presentation Topic: Discover the Sun
The Northern Lights have been plentiful and spectacular over the past year. While most people know the aurora borealis occurs when the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, how much do they know about the source of the solar wind, namely, our nearest star, the Sun? In his presentation, Dave will talk about how ancient astronomers perceived the Sun. He will walk through astronomical history showing how astronomers gradually figured out what the Sun was and the source of its energy. Dave will then talk about how more recent observations of the Sun have revealed its structure, its surface features, and the sources of the solar wind. Dave will also talk about the mysteries the Sun still holds and what we are doing today to unravel them. Finally, Dave will talk about the fate of the Sun as it enters the second half of its lifetime.
About Dave
Dave Falkner is a retired Naval officer and a lifelong amateur astronomer. He has two books published (one in 2nd edition) and has taught Introduction to Astronomy at the college level. He has served on the board of the Minnesota Astronomical Society and does extensive outreach. He enjoys showing the public the wonders of the universe through his telescope. Dave is a member
of the Astronomy in Chile Education Ambassador Program (ACEAP) as well as a NASA Solar System Ambassador. He and his wife, Kathy, have 3 adult children and reside in Blaine, Minnesota.
—–
Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager at DarkSky International
Presentation Topic: Opening Remarks and Status of Dark Sky Places Program
Amber will join us virtually to discuss the status of the DarkSky International’s places program.
About Amber
Amber is responsible for the Dark Sky Places Program at DarkSky International. Prior to joining DarkSky International, she was a park ranger and interpreter at Big Bend Ranch State Park — the largest, most remote, and darkest park in Texas. She completed successful applications to the International Dark Sky Places program for public lands in the Big Bend of West Texas and is active in dark sky advocacy throughout the region. Her focus on dark sky conservation developed during her time as a Ranger, where she incorporated dark sky education in her programming and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of natural dark skies on the natural world and the human experience.
Amber grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where she spent most of her time riding and caring for horses. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Anthropology with a focus on bioarchaeology at Wichita State University.
—–
Ogetay Kayali
Deep Space Photographer and Michigan Technological University Graduate Student
Presentation Topic: Deep Sky Astrophotography: From First Shot to Final Masterpiece
Curious about capturing stunning images of nebulae and galaxies but not sure where to begin? Or perhaps you are already exploring the night sky and looking to take your astrophotography to the next level? This session will guide you step by step — from basic gear and setup to advanced techniques — for producing breathtaking deep sky images with just a camera. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you will walk away with the knowledge and inspiration to create award-winning astrophotography.
About Ogetay
Ogetay is a PhD Candidate in Astrophysics at Michigan Tech and works for NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. He has been doing public outreach and science communication for over 10 years, founded a popular science platform with nearly 10 volunteers that became a top-visited science platform in Turkey, and has written over 300 popular science articles and 70+ video scripts for a YouTube channel that reached over 50M views. His astrophotography has received recognition with awards by Astrobin (top astrophotography platform) — with 1 image of the day, 6 Top Picks, and 8 Top Pick Nominations. In addition, has had one of his photos on the cover of ScopeTrader magazine’s, the November 2024 issue.
—–
MaryBeth Kiczenski
Adventurer / Photographer / Northern Lights Chaser
Presentation Topic: Understanding the Magnetosphere and Experiencing Solar Max!
In this presentation, we will take a deep dive into the ever evolving, ever changing world of Aurora Chasing. This field is evolving at virtually the speed of light, and as we understand more of how our magnetosphere responds to solar wind, the more we can apply this to witnessing this amazing phenome! MaryBeth will introduce the Glendale App and how to use this incredible tool used to track substorms in real time.
The hype is here!! We are officially in Solar Max! At the time of this presentation, we will be well into the declining phase. This talk will highlight some of the incredible aurora shows we have seen so far – and how it has challenged everything we thought we knew about aurora visibility. With the advent of powerful cameras and cell phones, the aurora has been seen in places once thought impossible. That “once-in-a-lifeline” event, has become multiple times in a lifetime!
About MaryBeth
Marybeth Kiczenski is a Great Lakes-based adventurer and photographer with an obsession for dark skies and northern lights.
Marybeth is also an automotive product specialist who travels on the show circuit, a job that has taken her to virtually all corners of the United States and sparked her extreme wanderlust. She says this world is full of beauty, waiting to be discovered, and that’s where the shift from automotive photography to landscapes and nightscapes happened.
Now that she has a few years experience, Marybeth loves to help others discover the beauty of the night sky! Seeing the delight that comes from capturing that first Milky Way brings her joy. As this connection to a starry dark sky has inspired many for generations. [ View MaryBeth’s Website ]
—–
John Mueller
KML Team – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Welcome Remarks and the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park
John will provide opening remarks and welcome, talk about the progress of the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park and have a Q&A session with Amber Harrison on regarding the DarkSky International’s places program.
About John
John is the chief lead at the Lodge, and is heavily involved with the staff as it relates to operations and strategy of the resort. He led the application process for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and is closely involved with and knowledgeable of the dark sky park.
Previously, John was a professor at St. Edwards University, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial finance). Before his time at St. Edward’s, he was a faculty member at Fresno State and Western Michigan University. He finished his PhD in Entrepreneurship at the University of Louisville. He is a native of Austin, Texas, and has lived in many cool places around the world.
John has started several companies, and worked as an employee in others. He is the founder of Keweenaw Resort, LLC, which owns the Lodge.
—–
Robert Nemiroff
Co-creator of Astronomy Picture of the Day, Astrophysicist and Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Postcards from the Universe: 2024-2025 via NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
Some of the coolest images and videos from the popular NASA science website Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD: apod.nasa.gov) that appeared during 2024 and 2025 will be presented. The science and stories behind these images will be discussed. The images not only include the best of the Hubble and Webb space telescope, but also images taken from dark skies around the world. Topics include nebulae, aurorae, galaxies, the distant universe, the nearby Solar System, and more.
About Robert
Robert J. Nemiroff is a Professor of Physics at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Dr. Nemiroff is perhaps best known as a creator, writer, and editor for one of NASA’s most popular science websites: the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Dr. Nemiroff’s new book, “Faster than Light, How Your Shadow Can Do It but You Can’t”, is available from Amazon. [ View Robert’s Michigan Tech Profile ]
—–
Tom Oliver
Photographer and Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Stargazing: Dark Sky Photography and Etiquette Workshop
Join photographer Tom Oliver for a comprehensive and informative session on night sky photography. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. Learn more about the best gear to use and how to use it to get the night sky shots that you have always wanted.
Tom has noticed that with the increase in interest in Dark Sky tourism, there are people who, while enthusiastic about experiencing Dark Sky phenomena, sometimes conduct themselves in ways that could detract from experiences of others and may place themselves and others in potentially dangerous situations. As such, he will talk about the etiquette and safety when out and about experiencing the dark sky.
About Tom
Tom is currently the director of the Michigan Tech University Center for Environmental Science and Outreach. Since he was a child, nature, wildlife, and the outdoors have always been his deepest fascination – the intrinsic force which drives him. Those interests led him through, both, his career (in wildlife ecology/management and science education) and his preferred forms of recreation (hiking, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting and fishing, and birding). Although, he was born and raised in the UP, these pursuits also provided him the opportunity to live overseas (in Europe and Asia) for 15 years, which greatly expanded his experience with the outdoors and outdoor recreation in different cultures. Tom has been a passionate photographer, and has taught various photography workshops at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. His work can be viewed at teoliver.com and @theupwell on Instagram.
—–
Jamie Westfall
Park Manager of The Headlands Dark Sky Park
Presentation Topic: Illuminating Opportunities: Dark Sky Programming in the Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Industry
Jamie’s presentation will highlight the growing demand for dark sky experiences and their role in sustainable tourism through an analysis of creative initiatives and existing programming opportunities and partnerships in designated DarkSky Places, and public, private, and non-profit sector attractions around the world. Attendees will learn how effective programming and partnerships can enrich visitor experiences, foster environmental stewardship, and contribute to regional economies. They will think critically about the challenges this industry might face. Participants will create their own astrotourism adventure bucket list. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, including strategies for integrating dark sky programming into their operations, and a deeper understanding of its value for communities and visitors.
About Jamie
Jamie is the Park Manager for Headlands International Dark Sky Park, as well as two other Emmet County Parks in Mackinaw City, Michigan. She is a Dark Sky Advocate with Dark Sky International, and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She is a self-proclaimed “parks dork,” and recreation enthusiast.
Jamie’s favorite thing about working at the Headlands has been teaming up with astronomers, learning about dark sky conservation, and actively participating in the dark sky protection movement within the parks and recreation industry. [ View Jamie’s LinkedIn Profile ]
—–
Jared Wolfe
Ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University
Presentation Topic: Navigating the Impact of Light Pollution on Migratory Songbirds and Pathways to Solutions
Dr. Wolfe will explore the complex interplay between migratory birds’ navigation mechanisms, including their use of the Earth’s magnetic fields and celestial cues, and the challenges posed by human-induced light pollution. Recent research reveals that these natural navigational aids are disrupted by artificial lighting, leading to disorientation and potential risks during nocturnal migration. This disturbance is increasingly implicated in the broader context of declines in migratory songbird populations across the hemisphere, highlighting an urgent need for conservation strategies that mitigate light pollution and protect these critical avian pathways.
About Jared
Jared Wolfe is an ornithologist and Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University, specializing in avian ecology and conservation. His research focuses on understanding the factors affecting avian survival in both temperate and tropical forests. Dr. Wolfe is co-founder of the Louisiana Bird Observatory, the Biodiversity Initiative, and has conducted extensive fieldwork across the Americas and Africa. His work aims to bridge the gap between empirical research and practical conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of avian biodiversity.

Rustic and Worldly Lunches
Each ticket to the festival includes two rustic worldly lunches; one on Friday and one on Saturday. When purchasing your ticket please state if you prefer the lunch with meat or the vegetarian option. Please note that there are no substitutions, and the menu is subject to change as we get closer to the event based upon access to ingredients.
Friday Lunch Menu (served at 11:30am)

Pork Loin Strips Stir Fry Bowl: Pork loin strip – stir fried pork strips with vegetables and bang bang sauce served on rice with corn and cilantro.
– or –
Vegetables Stir Fry Wrap: Vegetables stir fry w/ house made Asian sauce with rice served in a wrap and a small cabbage salad.
Saturday Lunch Menu (served at 11:30am)
Roasted Chicken Sandwich: Roasted chicken with garlic, spices and lemon, served on a bun with mayo-lemon-cilantro spread, lettuce and a small side salad.
– or –
Vegetarian Lasagna: Lasagna noodles layered with vegetables in tomato sauce, ricotta with herbs and mozzarella. Served with a small side salad.
Rustic Worldly Lunch during the 2024 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

Lodging
The dark sky park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to stay before traveling. The following options are available for lodging in the area:

Aqua Cabins at Mt. Bohemia (Lac La Belle)
Brockway Inn (Copper Harbor)
Da Beach Cabin (Lac La Belle)
Dapple-Gray Bed & Breakfast (Copper Harbor)
Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)
Trails End Campground (Copper Harbor)

[ to see more Lodging options, go to Visit Keweenaw ]

Food
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge / Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is in a remote area, so it is important for you to plan where you are going to eat before traveling. The following options are available for food in the area:

Eagle Harbor Inn (Eagle Harbor)
Fitzgerald’s (Eagle River)
Glacia Tavern (Mohawk)
Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (host) – see the Lodge’s dinner options during the festival (which you pay for separate from the tickets)
Mariner North (Copper Harbor)

[ Purchase Tickets ]
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[ 2025 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival Presentations ]
the page is for attendees & is password protected

New Moon - April 2025
2025-04-27

Full Moon (Flower) - May 2025
2025-05-12

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-05-23 21:00 - 23:00
[ Read: May 23, 2025: Northern Lights Photography Workshop Recap ]
About the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is to educate people on how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. Topics being covered include equipment needed, camera settings, and the best locations for viewing. These workshops will start out with a PowerPoint presentation (in the conference room), and then we will go outside for hands-on experience — taking pictures of the night time sky (hopefully northern lights) around the Lodge property (weather depending). With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable.
Please bring your camera, a tripod, a red flashlight, warm clothing, and a great attitude.
Price
Free for Lodge guests, $75 for non-Lodge guests.
Reservations are required. Space is limited, so you will want to register early to reserve your spot. To reserve your spot, please call (906-289-4403 ext 4) or email outdoor-activities@keweenawresort.com.
Location
Meet in the Class Room at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at 8:45pm, and the session will last about 2 hours.
About the Instructor: Nate Bett
Nathan Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nathan maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Back 9 Endurance Race
2025-05-24 08:00 - 2025-05-25 08:00
[ Read: 2025 Back 9 Endurance Run Recap ]

Limit: 40 people
Last day to register: May 23rd

The first of its kind in the area, the Back 9 Endurance Run is a 12/24 Hour endurance run that takes place on a 3.68 mile loop at the historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, MI. Runners will wind their way through a mix of the wooded trails (including the Back 9 Trails) and paths across the Lodge’s historic, wilderness golf course. Views of Brockway Mountain and Lake Superior are seen periodically around the race course. Don’t forget your headlights because the run takes place inside the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, the only dark sky park in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Register in teams of 2 or 4…. or take on the challenge as a solo individual. The goal? Complete as many loops as you want or can in the given amount of time, with only one team member (or your crazy, solo self) running at a time.
Learn more about the event at Back9EnduranceRun.com

New Moon - May 2025
2025-05-26

Golf Course Opens for 2025 Season
2025-06-01
The golf course opens June 1st for the 2025 season. The golf course is only for cabin guests, except on special days once a month.

Full Moon (Strawberry) - June 2025
2025-06-11
