Just about every student in the world awaits the end of classes on a Friday with anxious anticipation. After a long week full of work and stress most students look forward to a relaxing weekend.
Here at Michigan Tech, one of the best ways to relax is to get out and enjoy one of the many activities the Keweenaw Peninsula offers, such as skiing, camping, hiking, or my personal favorite, snowmobiling.
The Upper Peninsula is renowned for its extensive network of snowmobile trails and quality of riding. Avid snowmobilers come from all over the Midwest to ride across the UP. Local snowmobile clubs receive money from the state government to maintain and groom the trails in their areas, which keep them in excellent condition. As long as there is snow on the ground there will be numerous snowmobiles out and about across the UP and in the Keweenaw.
Last Saturday after a particularly stressful week I went out riding with some friends. We left around noon from Michigan Tech’s own snowmobile parking lot, which is located right next to Lot 10. We hit the trail through Houghton, went under the bridge, and began what was to be a wonderful ride. A few hours later we ended up in Copper Harbor and watched the Vintage Snowmobile Drag Races that were taking place. After we ate lunch we headed back to campus, arriving shortly after dark. Snowmobiling in the Keweenaw allows you to visit some spectacular places that otherwise you would not be able to reach in the winter. Roads that are not plowed are pretty much off limits to those with regular vehicles, whereas an unplowed road with two feet of snow is perfect for a snowmobile. For example Brockway Mountain, with its view of Copper Harbor and Lake Superior, is closed during the winter but you can reach the top with a snowmobile! As long as you dress warm Snowmobiling is a fun and entertaining way to relax.
Long rides clear your mind and allow you to see the Keweenaw in its winter state. Even if you are not up to a long ride, a quick twenty-mile loop can still be a good way to escape the college life for a while. The one thing about snowmobiling is that it can get to be an expensive sport. New sleds can cost up to $8,000 nowadays and a lot of college students cannot afford one! Luckily, sleds that are taken care of can last a long time, like the vintage sleds raced in Copper Harbor last weekend, and many students can buy used snowmobiles that are still in good condition.
If school is hitting you hard and you need one sure way to relax on a weekend, try to get out snowmobiling before the snow melts! It is a great way to relax and have fun with your friends. If you do not know anyone that owns a sled ask around, somebody will surely let you go with them. Who knows, you might even pass me on the trail!

Alumni, parents and tourists alike ventured far into the Keweenaw Peninsula for Michigan Tech’s richest pastime, Winter Carnival. There is no doubt the impact that the tradition has on Michigan Tech itself, but the impact in the surrounding areas is rather profound as well, even despite the recent economic downturn.

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It has come to my attention that the resilient and persevering students who ride bicycles to school in winter are badly inconvenienced. Due to the expected onslaught of snow assigned to the Keweenaw Peninsula, the bike racks strewn about campus are covered and inaccessible. Many students choose to transport themselves to and from campus on bikes, so this is a legitimate issue to be addressed.
There are only a few racks that are not completely inaccessible. These racks are not in close proximity to the buildings, creating a nuisance for cyclers. Those bike riders who cannot find a place to secure their bicycles are at a constant risk of thievery. Students are unsure of whether or not there will be a space for them to lock up their bike once they arrive on campus.

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First of all, I must say that the Keweenaw Peninsula is outrageously beautiful and it doesn’t need human “improvement.” Houghton, Hancock and Calumet are three very welcoming, historic cities. And, of course, the included buildings require human improvement. There are many great local businesses, art galleries, cafés and restaurants within the vicinity. Just yesterday I visited the Vertin Gallery and Michigan Pub in Calumet and was pleasantly surprised.

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