Turning the Keweenaw Peninsula into a destination takes many people and projects, and Visit Keweenaw’s destination development grant awards meet at the intersection of visitors and residents enjoying the Copper Country’s outdoors.
“Visitors come here to do all the things that we love to do, right? The hiking trails, the beaches, the history — those are a lot of the reasons why we choose to live here in the Keweenaw,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “So we know if it’s a cool visitor project, it’s probably gonna be a really cool impactful project to the local community members as well.”
Barnett adds that projects originate from community organizations primarily serving local residents. And destination development projects often will overlap into the visitor economy.
Earlier this year, the tourism bureau began accepting applications for the destination development program. Over five years, the grants have supported projects including establishing new trailheads, events such as Hancock Lights the Night, and creating new interpretive signage at historic sites.
“These are like micro-investments, but they can make a huge difference in the local community and on community partners and visitors as well,” Barnett said. “I think about the mural project that took place a few years back in Houghton, across from The Vault Hotel, and actually set a precedent on how to create community art in Keweenaw.”
In 2023, a destination development grant supported that mural painting in downtown Houghton. Barnett emphasized the program’s broader impact beyond the physical projects groups complete.
“It’s not always just about the physical project. It’s about the relationships and partnerships that are built by moving forward to get a project done, that are lasting and will have impacts for years to come,” he said.
The destination development program awards up to $25,000 for a single project. All grant awards require matching funds from a nonprofit for a specific project. Visit Keweenaw dedicates 10 percent of its annual budget for the grant program, and as the bureau’s budget grows, so will grant awards.
“The balance of funds could come from a variety of sources. It could be cash match. It could be through in-kind support from the organization itself or other contributions from partnering organizations,” Barnett said.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of Visit Keweenaw staff and board members for their impacts to the local community and visitor economy. The organization prioritizes accessibility, sustainability and other focus areas during the review process.
The program continues accepting applications until March 31. Contact Visit Keweenaw for questions or find details online.
