Keep It In The UP!

Keweenaw Indivisible Public Gathering
2025-12-09 17:00 UTC | Houghton County Courthouse, 401 East Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
Keweenaw Indivisible, other community organizations, and the public will gather outside the Houghton County Circuit Court on Tuesday, December 9th starting at 5 PM, and to attend the Houghton County Board of Commissioners meeting at 6 PM, to voice concerns over a proposed board resolution to declare there are only two sexes.

DETAILS:

Houghton County Board of Commissioners Meeting

Tuesday, December 9th at 5 PM

Houghton County Circuit Court at 401 E Houghton Ave (3rd Floor) in Houghton

We hope you will be able to join us. We expect at least 100–200 people to attend.

Better Together presentation "The Wonder of Christmas"
2025-12-11 09:30 | Zion Lutheran Church, 13511 Roland Lake Road, Skanee, Michigan, 49962
Better Together will meet on Thursday, December 11 at 9:30 at the Zion Lutheran Church on 400 Ingot Street in Hancock. The speaker will be Kathy Ptaszek and her presentation will be “The Wonder of Christmas.” All area women are cordially invited to this special holiday event. A brunch will served and there is suggested donation of $10. All proceeds over the cost of the event will be donated to local charities. To reserve a spot, call Barb Worrall at 906-523-4445 or email judyusitalo@hotmail.com. This will be the last gathering until April 2026.

Stuff a Blue Goose
2025-12-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Pat’s Foods – L’Anse, 139 N. Main Street, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Calumet Post and five grocery stores in Baraga and Houghton counties will be working together to host “STUFF A BLUE GOOSE” Harvest Gathering charity events. The purpose is to raise food donations for local food pantries.

Troopers will be at Taydch’s Marketplace in Houghton, Louie’s Super Foods in Lake Linden, Larry’s Market in Baraga, Pat’s Foods in L’Anse, Pat’s Foods in Calumet, to assist in the collection of donated food items. A “BLUE GOOSE” patrol car will be at the sites to haul donated items to local food pantries at the conclusion of the events. The events will be as follows:

Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Pat’s Foods in L’Anse

Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Pat’s Foods in Calumet

All grocery stores will have pre-made bags available for purchase, which will be stuffed in the “BLUE GOOSE”. Each bag will be pre-filled with non-perishable food items. You may also donate your own non-perishable food items.

There is a significant need for food items in our local pantries and the participation and involvement from the public is greatly appreciated. Come help “STUFF A BLUE GOOSE”.

Stuff a Blue Goose
2025-12-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Pat’s Foods – Calumet, 56845 Station Drive, Calumet, Michigan, 49913

Let's Eat Free Community Meal
2025-12-11 16:00 - 17:30 | St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 318 Lyons Street, Baraga, Michigan, 49908
Let’s Eat Free Community Meal
sponsored by: Baraga County Chamber of Commerce
Eat inside for food and fellowship!!!

January 11, 2026 from 4pm – 5:30pm
St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Baraga, MI

Menu includes: BBQ pork on a bun, potato salad, fruit salad, dessert

Noteworthy Holiday Concert "A Holiday of Harmony"
2025-12-11 19:00 | Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Calumet, Michigan, 49913
Noteworthy Holiday Concert

7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 11
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Calumet

The women’s barbershop chorus Noteworthy will present a wide variety of popular and sacred music its annual holiday concert, “A Holiday of Harmony,” .
“We’re excited to be rolling out a number of contemporary classics, as well as an intricate arrangement of two Christmas hymns,” said Noteworthy director Joan Harbour. “I predict the audience will love this concert.”

Noteworthy is the region’s only women’s barbershop chorus, with a repertoire of singable melodies performed a cappella in four-part harmony.
Noteworthy will be joined by Maple Sugar Folk, which will perform a selection of French carols.

Admission is free to Noteworthy concerts. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home.
“We always welcome new members,” said Harbour. For more information about joining Noteworthy, email noteworthychorus@gmail.com or call 906-482-5088.

Skanee Christmas Fun Day
2025-12-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Skanee Town Hall, Park Road, Skanee, Michigan
Skanee Christmas Fun Day
Bake Sale – 50/50 – Raffles – Quarter Grab Bags
Saturday, December 13th

Skanee Town Hall Noon – 2pm
Guest appearance from Santa Claus 12:30pm
raffles will be drawn at 2pm (If not present, please have arrangements to have your prizes picked up). NO DELIVERIES!!!

UP Wild in the Keweenaw Special Advent Celebration
2025-12-13 15:00 | Calumet Township Park, 25880 Red Jacket road, Calumet, Michigan, 49913
UP Wild in the Keweenaw would like to announce its upcoming monthly event.

Special Advent Celebration
Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Meet at Calumet Township Park. Walk less than 400 yards to Sarah Green’s barn.
Music offered by Charles Murphy.

The Wilderness Walks are opportunities to connect with God and each other in an outdoor natural setting. Each walk has a leader who will guide the walk and stop along the way for readings and reflection. The walks are appropriate for all ages including families and children. Everyone is welcome, no religious affiliation is necessary.

"What Are Data Centers and How will They Impact Michigan?"
2025-12-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Michigan
What Are Cryptocurrency Data Centers and How Will They Impact Michigan?

The Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF) will host a public forum online titled “What Are Data Centers and How Will They Impact Michigan?”, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 14.

The speakers will be Kalvin Carter and Audrey Gerard. They will talk about boom-and-bust industries like crypto mining that use up natural resources without replacing them, and big tech operations that do little to benefit the people who live nearby.

Data mining requires a lot of water to cool the operation. That’s why data mining operations have their eye on communities like ours, near the Great Lakes. After the water cools the servers, it drains into the ground, where it moves through the aquifer and back to the lake, potentially warming it.

Data mining operations also use large amounts of electricity which can raise the price of power. And they create noise.

One example is a relatively small installation of cryptocurrency servers located across from Lake Superior Academy, a K-5 Montessori school in Dafter Township, Michigan, near Sault Saint Marie. The servers generate a constant noise that the school describes as “like jack hammers 24/7.” The school is suing Odessa Partners, the Florida owner of those servers.

Kalvin Carter is the director of Up North Advocacy, based in Sault Ste. Marie, an organization that encourages civic engagement, amplifying diverse voices and advocating for positive change. Since he learned about the Lake Superior Academy’s issue with the nearby cryptocurrency data mining operation, he has helped build partnerships, support local advocacy and learn everything he can about how these industries affect rural communities.

Audrey Gerard is employed with Michigan United, a nonprofit organization focused on environmental protection. She has been working closely with Dr. Chloe Kannon, director of EUP Solidarity, an advocacy group affiliated with Indivisible in Sault Ste. Marie, who serves on UP North Advocacy’s Steering Committee.
Forums are approximately one hour long. The public is invited to participate.

Join the forum via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83975762265?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 839 7576 2265; Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or visit the KUUF webpage for the zoom link: keweenawuu.org/worship/forums/

Light Up Baraga County
2025-12-20 11:00 | L’Anse, L'Anse, Michigam
Light Up Baraga County
December 20th, 2025

Free Event & Open to All. Gather Friends, Family, Groups, and bring a Lighted Float
Please pick up application to register for your float at Village of L’Anse or CVB information Center.

11-2 Children event at American Legion 144
3pm Santa arrives American Legion
5pm downtown streets will be closed follow detours
5:30pm Start of Parade
6pm – 9pm Open Skating
At parade end: Tree Li9ghting Waterfront Park

Parade route: Meadowbrook floats / Main Street Big rigs join together they go down Main Street turn left at Broad intersection, turn right on 4th Street, turn right down Baraga Avenue and making it down to tree lighting at Waterfront Park.

Christmas Carnival
2025-12-20 11:00 - 16:00 | American Legion Post 144, 115 N. Front Street, L'Anse, Michigan, 49946
Christmas Carnival

December 20th from 11am to 2pm
Santa will be here 3pm
L’Anse American Legion Post #144

Hotdogs, Popcorn, Hot Chocolate, Cake Walk, Cotton Candy
Games for the Kids

Baraga County Trails in Motion Membership Drive
2025-12-20 12:00 - 18:00 | Baraga County Chamber of Commerce, 1 N. Main Street, L'Anse, Michigan, 49946
Baraga County Trails in Motion Membership Drive
Join and help improve and expand trails

December 20th from 12p to 6pm
Baraga County Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Houghton Celebrate New Year's Eve
2025-12-31 18:00 | Houghton, Houghton
Downtown Houghton Invites the Community to Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Shelden Avenue
Downtown Houghton is ringing in the New Year with a full evening of celebrations, family friendly activities, special dining experiences, and late night
entertainment: all happening along historic Shelden Avenue. Residents and visitors alike are invited to spend their entire evening downtown and enjoy a vibrant lineup of events.
The festivities begin at 6 PM with the beloved Little Chook Drop, a family friendly countdown featuring a free kids’ craft activity and baked goods for sale by Nikki Makes. The celebration continues with the Second Chook Drop at 10 PM, giving night owls and late arriving revelers another chance to join the excitement. This event is organized by the City of Houghton and Visit Keweenaw.
Local businesses along Shelden Avenue are extending hours and offering special New Year’s Eve experiences:
 Prickly Pine will be open later into the evening with a special NYE menu crafted for the celebration.
 Beviamo is the go to spot for chook drop champagne and festive beverages throughout the night.
 The Den is hosting a Masquerade Dining Experience, with reservations recommended.
 The Observatory Lounge will remain open until midnight, offering an elevated New Year’s Eve atmosphere.
 The Bonfire will feature both live comedy and live music to keep the energy high.
 Fresh Coast Yoga invites the community to unwind after the weekend’s festivities with a special Tea & Tarot evening or any of their regularly scheduled yoga
classes.
 Find the perfect outfit at Red Jacket Boutique or browse the New Year’s specials at other locations along Shelden.
“With so many unique experiences packed into one walkable stretch, downtown Houghton is truly the place to celebrate New Year’s Eve,” said Danielle Perkowitz. “It’s a chance to support local businesses, enjoy community traditions, and welcome the New Year together.”

Community members are encouraged to bundle up, bring friends and family, and enjoy everything downtown Houghton has to offer as 2026 approaches.

Blood Drive
2026-01-02 11:00 - 15:00 | L’Anse Methodist Church, 304 North Main Street, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States
BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, January 2nd
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
L’Anse Methodist Church
Walk-ins welcome!

Business Succession Planning
2026-01-05 11:30 - 13:00 | Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock, Michgian, 49930
Join Kendricks Bordeau, P.C. and Range Bank for an essential session on business succession planning.

Discover when to start planning, explore financial tools tailored to your needs, and learn strategies for passing your business to the next generation. Our experts will show you how to maximize your business’s value, ensuring a smooth, successful transition and a lasting legacy.

Speakers:
Laura Reilly, Attorney & Shareholder, Kendricks Bordeau, P.C.
Amanda Knaffla, J.D.,CFP®,CTFA, J.D., CFP®, CTFA, Chief Trust & Wealth Management Officer, Range Bank
Alex Roy, VP Business Banking Officer, Range Bank

Location: Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, MI
Date: Monday, January 5
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Presentation begins at noon)

Free Event – Open to the Public
Lunch Provided
Registration required, register here: https://lnkd.in/gdhZPCzJ

Range Bank | Member FDIC
Wealth Management Services: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value.
Register Here

Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds Monthly Meeting
2026-01-06 18:30 | Portage Lake District Library, 4585 W. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI, 49908, United States
Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds: NO MONTHLY MEETING IN DECEMBER 2025

NEXT MEETING: TUES. JANUARY 6th, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
PLANNING FOR THE UPCOMING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FAIR
ALL ARE WELCOME

Portage Lake District Library Meeting Room
58 Huron St.
Houghton, MI 49931

Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy MInds is a public group and we welcome anyone interested in our mission: “to support healthy minds through connection and community.” Our goals are to talk more openly about mental health to reduce stigma, to build a resilient community by educating the public, and to support those at risk for mental health and substance use crises. We are on Facebook and our email address is ksup4healthyminds@gmail.com.

WAM! Wednesday After-School Ministry
2026-01-07 15:30 | L’Anse Methodist Church, 304 North Main Street, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States
A free program, Wednesday After-school Ministry (WAM!) is available to kids ages 6 to 12. It includes fun Bible-based lessons, games, crafts, music, and snacks, held at L’Anse Methodist Church. Call Laura at (906) 524-6012 for information.

UP Wild in the Keweenaw Gathering
2026-01-10 15:00 | Calumet Township Park, 25880 Red Jacket road, Calumet, Michigan, 49913
UP Wild Gathering
Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Meet at Calumet Township Park. Walk less than 400 yards to Sarah Green’s barn.

The UP Wild Gatherings are opportunities to connect with God and each other within our natural world. Each Gathering has a leader who will guide the participants through readings and reflection. The Gatherings are appropriate for all ages, including families and children. Everyone is welcome, no religious affiliation is necessary.

Public Forum "Remote Workforce Keweenaw"
2026-01-11 10:30 - 11:30 | Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 604 Bridge Street, Houghton, MI, 49931, United States
The Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF) will host a public forum online titled “Remote Workforce Keweenaw”, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January11, 2026.

Keith Meyers will present how Remote Workforce Keweenaw is an economic development initiative that has focused on recruiting individuals to the region who have the ability to work remotely. The initiative, which started in late 2018, continues to bring economic vitality to the region.

Keith Meyers is the Founder of Remote Workforce Keweenaw. He is President of the Chassell Historical Organization where he spearheaded the development of the Chassell Historic Trail. Keith also serves as Vice-Chair of the Chassell Township Planning Commission, and has secured several grants supporting Township projects, including rebuilding the township’s waterfront park. Keith retired to the Keweenaw ten years ago after a 30-year career with the State of Kansas.

Forums are approximately one hour long. The public is invited to participate. Meeting ID: 839 7576 2265; Passcode: [REDACTED]

Or visit the KUUF webpage for the zoom link: keweenawuu.org/worship/forums/

MI-Trale Annual Meeting and Elections
2026-01-12 19:00 | Stannard Township Hall, 14927 State Hwy M-28 East, Bruce Crossing, Michigan, 49912
Our January Annual Meeting and Elections will be held at 7:00pm, (Eastern Time), in person at the Stannard Township Hall on 1/12/2026. For virtual attendance, we now have ZOOM available, along with the strictly audio/phone method. If you would like to attend virtually, please email me at this address and I will get you the connection information.

If you are in the area, please stop in for the meeting! We’d love to see you there!

Our future Meetings & Events will be listed below and will also soon to be found on our website (www.mi-trale.org) under the CLUB STUFF tab, Calendar option once they have been set at this Meeting.

2025 Club Meeting Schedule
Meeting time & location: 7:pm Eastern, in person at Stannard Township Hall, 14927 State HWY M-28 East, Bruce Crossing 49912

January 12th, 2026

Keweenaw's Got Talent Auditions
2026-01-13 00:00 - 2026-03-01 23:59 | Hancock, MI
The Keweenaw is getting a new stage this spring with the debut of Keweenaw’s Got Talent, a community talent showcase and fundraiser set for Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Rachel Marie Blau Memorial Theater inside the Hancock Community Hub.
Inspired by the energy of America’s Got Talent, this first-time event will bring together music, dance, comedy, and creative performances from across the region in a wholesome, family-friendly setting. Proceeds will support the Hancock Community Hub and its mission to keep the space open, active, and full of community programming for the Keweenaw.

CALL FOR AUDITIONS
Community members are invited to apply to perform.

Who: Adults, teens, and children
What: Singing, dancing, comedy, magic, instrumental music, spoken word, and other family-friendly acts
Where: Performances will take place live at the Hancock Community Hub
How: Auditions will be accepted via online application with a short video submission.

Auditions application: https://bit.ly/KGT-2026
January 12, 2026: Online Audition Submission Opens
March 1, 2026:Online Audition Submission Closes
March 13, 2026: Audition Selection Notifications

Selected performers will be featured in either the Talent Competition (adults and teens) or the Rising Stars Showcase (children and youth). Performers will be recognized with awards and community celebration throughout the evening. Performances will be judged by a panel of community members, highlighting local voices and celebrating the talent, creativity, and spirit of the Keweenaw.

Keweenaw national Historical Park Advisory commission Regular Quarterly Meeting
2026-01-13 13:00 | Keweenaw national Historical Park Headquarters, US41 and Red Jacket Road, Calumet, MI, 49913, United States
The Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission will convene for its regular quarterly meeting at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The meeting will be held in-person at the Keweenaw National Historical Park headquarters building at the corner of US41 and Red Jacket Road.
The meeting will include an update on the work of the Commission during the last quarter, discussion of the upcoming year’s budget and plans and projects to be undertaken over the next year. The Commission will also be announcing the start of this year’s Keweenaw Heritage Grant cycle, with information about applications, eligibility, etc. made available to the public.
The Keweenaw NHP Advisory Commission, paneled by citizens appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, represents the public and works collaboratively with the National Park Service to advise and assist with managing the resources of Keweenaw National Historical Park. Agendas and minutes are available upon
request to the Executive Director, Sean Gohman, over phone / email, and can be found at the Park’s website, www.nps.gov/kewe. Contact Executive Director Gohman at 906-483-3040 / sean_gohman@partner.nps.gov.

WAM! Wednesday After-School Ministy
2026-01-14 15:30 | L’Anse Methodist Church, 304 North Main Street, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States

Shine Bright Childcare Celebration
2026-01-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Hancock Community Hub Gym, 417 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI, 49930, United States
Shine Bright Childcare Celebration — January 16
To recognize the progress achieved and continue building momentum, the community is invited to the free Shine Bright Childcare Celebration on January 16th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Hancock Community Hub.
This family-friendly evening will include:

A family dance

Kids activities

Pizza and treats

A chance to connect with local childcare providers, parents, and community partners

Attendees are encouraged to dress in their brightest outfits—the brighter, the better—to celebrate the energy and optimism driving the region’s childcare work forward. Optional diaper or monetary donations for the Tree House Family Resources Baby Closet are welcome but not required.
Community Childcare Conversation
Prior to the celebration, a community conversation will take place from 3:00-4:00 PM in the Community Room at the Hancock Community Hub (2nd Floor). This open discussion will share updates on the Start Small program, highlight recent childcare successes, and outline the needs still present. It is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about supporting local childcare initiatives or about becoming a childcare provider.

Family Fun Classic Bowling Tournment
2026-01-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Whirl-I-Gig, 15850 Whirl-I - Gig Road, L'Anse, MI, 49946, United States
FAMILY FUN CLASSIC BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Whirl-I-Gig, 15850 Whirl-I-Gig Road, L’Anse
January 17, 2026
$15 per bowler per shift
11am & 2pm
Door prizes will be awarded

Register at Baraga Co. Chamber of Commerce, 1 N. Main Street, L’Anse or call 906-353-8808

Lunch & Learn with Chamber of Commerce
2026-01-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Baraga County Chamber of Commerce, 1 N. Main Street, L'Anse, Michigan, 49946
Lunch &Learn
Join the Chamber of Commerce
January 21, 2026 from 11:30am to 1:00pm

Joan Kruzich from KBOCC will be presenting on how AI8 works and what it can do for your business

Learn Life-Saving skills at Free QPR and Narcan Trainings
2026-01-22 11:00, 2026-01-29 18:00 | Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, 821 Water Street, Hancock, Michigan, 49930
Learn life-saving skills at free QPR and Narcan Trainings in Hancock on January 22 and 29

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds are hosting free QPR and Narcan trainings, on Thursday, January 22 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, January 29 at 6 p.m. Both trainings take place at the Copper Shores office on 821 Water Street in Hancock. QPR Training takes about an hour to complete, with an optional 30-minute Narcan Training to follow.

All community members from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon counties are invited to attend. Both trainings are tailored for laypersons, including but not limited to businesses, educators, faith groups, healthcare professionals, parents and caregivers.

QPR Training is focused on suicide prevention. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer; three simple steps that anyone can learn to save a life. Those who take training learn to spot the warning signs of a suicide crisis, including expressions of hopelessness, depression, giving away prized possessions, talking about suicide and securing lethal means, and then taught how to respond.

Narcan Training teaches individuals how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. Those who take Narcan Training will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, how to carry and administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone, and better understand the role of harm reduction in the overall opioid public health crisis.
Registration is available at coppershores.org. Limited space is available. Registration closes on Tuesday, January 20 at noon for the January 22 session, and on Tuesday, January 27 at noon for the January 29 session.

Marquette County Board of Health Monthly Meeting
2026-01-28 18:00 | Marquette County Courthouse, 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, 49855
The regular monthly meeting of the Marquette County Board of Health will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm. the meeting will take place in Room 231 of the henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette County Courthouse, Marquette.

Ice Mass 2026 in the Our Lady of the Snows Ice Chapel
2026-02-06 00:00 - 2026-02-07 23:59 | St. Albert the Great University Parish, 411 MacInnes Drive, Houghton, Michgian, 49931
St. Albert the Great University Parish, serving students, faculty and staff of Michigan Technological University and Gogebic (“Go-Gee-Bick”) Community College, will host the annual Masses in the Our Lady of the Snows Ice Chapel during MTU’s famed Winter Carnival. The Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated in a chapel hand-built from ice and snow by MTU students and community members. The Ice Mass has gained international attention; it is a unique expression of Catholic faith in the deep snow country of the Keweenaw with over 800 in attendance in 2025.
There are three Masses: 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6, as well as at 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 7. The Masses at 5:30 pm EST and 10:00 pm EST on Friday Feb. 7 will be live-streamed on Facebook (and embedded on our website, mtucatholic.org/icemass).

Participants may register online for the link to the Live Stream:
mtucatholic.org/icemass
The 2026 Live Stream Event Links:
5:30 PM: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aBNfvaCtd/
10:00 PM: https://www.facebook.com/share/14TdJFWA97W/
Past 2025 Live-Stream Videos:
5:30pm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3bWU86JEz0
10:00pm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VnqTJVtUWs
Story for Media Use:

Building a chapel out of ice and snow originally came to the attention of St. Albert the Great University Parish at the suggestion of a parent. Seeing this to be a ‘fun idea’ during Michigan Tech’s famed Winter Carnival, a small group of students at St. Al’s decided to give it a go back in 2016 alongside their pastor Fr. Ben Hasse. They were quickly surprised by how the word spread and how excited people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, were to come to such an event leading to international coverage in 2021. Eleven years later, building the Our Lady of the Snows Ice Chapel is a well-known annual tradition for the students, locals, and people from all over the world.
The ice chapel is built each year by college students and community members in the Keweenaw peninsula town of Houghton, Michigan, USA. Over the course of a month, people can be found outside shoveling, bucketing, stomping, and carving from a mountain of snow. Through their efforts, and plywood forms held together by 2x4s, the ice chapel is brought to life. More andmore students get involved each year, and they bring with them their creativity to further add to
the beauty of the chapel. Examples include stained ice panes, a raised pulpit, a Marian grotto,and arched side aisles. Another unique feature is the acquisition of an ice slab pulled up by hand from a nearby bay to use as the chapel’s altar.
The priests at St. Al’s will celebrate three planned Ice Masses in the Our Lady of the Snows Ice Chapel: 5:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6, and 10:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 7. The first two Masses will be livestreamed. You may visit mtucatholic.org/icemass to register for the link. You do not need to register if you will attend in-person.
St. Albert the Great University Parish is made up of about 50 year-round parishioners and over 1,000 registered student members. The experience of building this unique structure brings about and strengthens friendships. When asked how much it costs to build an Ice Chapel, Fr. Hasse simply responds “about a thousand dollars’ worth of pizza,” which fuels the volunteers. St. Al’s parish is overjoyed to bring to life a creation that glorifies God and brings the community
together through the Mass.
To learn more about the Ice Mass or St. Albert the Great University Parish, visit mtucatholic.org/icemass. To learn more about Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival, visit mtu.edu/carnival/2026. To learn more about St. Albert the Great University Parish, visit mtucatholic.org
