Keweenaw Mountain Lodge

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.

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

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

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

Northern Lights Photography Workshop
2025-03-29 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Detroit)
[ 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.

New Moon - March 2025
2025-03-29

Lights Out!
2025-03-26 - 2025-04-01, 2025-02-26 - 2025-03-04, 2025-01-25 - 2025-01-31, 2024-12-26 - 2025-01-01

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

Spring Equinox
2025-03-20

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

New Moon - February 2025
2025-02-27

Snowshoe Hare
2025-02-15 09:30 - 17:00
[ 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

Moonlit Snowshoe Hike
2025-02-12 20:00 - 22:30
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 7:30pm and 7:45pm to sign the waiver. Hike leaves at 8:15pm.

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.

Full Moon (Snow) - February 2025
2025-02-12

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2025-01-29 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: January 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 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.

New Moon - January 2025
2025-01-29

Moonlit Snowshoe Hike
2025-01-13 19:00 - 21:30
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 6:30pm and 6:45pm to sign the waiver. Hike leaves at 7:15pm.

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.

Full Moon (Wolf) - January 2025
2025-01-13

Stargazing: Night Sky Photography Workshop
2024-12-28 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: December 28, 2024: 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 brief 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 (if you have one), 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.

Moonlit Snowshoe Hike
2024-12-15 19:00 - 21:30
[ Read: November December 15, 2024: Moonlit Snowshoe Hike Recap ]
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 6:30pm and 6:45pm to sign the waiver. Hike leaves at 7:15pm.

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.
