Adolph LaMuth Collection

You think you hit the road to the Copper Country? What about these guys, who hail from Cornwall and Croatia, Finland and French-speaking Canada? The Copper Country has a wealth of cultural heritage, thanks to the many nationalities that flocked to the mines and lumber camps: Cornish and Croatian, Finnish and French Canadian, Irish and many others. You will find a mixture of ethnic styles and religious upbringings. At the height of the mining era, the population had swelled to almost 100,000, surpassing every other city in Michigan, including Detroit.

The memorial to those killed in 1913 in what has become known as the Italian Hall disaster.

As an early stomping ground of the labor movement the people were inevitably swept into politics. Probably the most famous labor-related event was the copper strike of 1913 and the signature event -- the Italian Hall disaster.

This rich heritage, combined with the presence of Michigan Technological University and Finlandia University, provide a dynamic cultural atmosphere. Some events and attractions are listed below. Other places to find information include the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Main Street Calumet.

The Pine Mountain Music Festival -- a month-long summertime celebration of opera and classical music.

The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts -- Michigan Tech's magnificent performance hall with fine arts offerings throughout the academic year.

The Finnish American Heritage Center -- housing a theater, art gallery, and the Finnish American Historical Archive.

Fort Wilkins Civil War Living History Encampment -- Held at Ft. Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor.

Pasty Fest -- an annual celebration (July) of the Cornish delicacy that Yoopers have adopted as their own.

Heikinpaiva -- The City of Hancock's winter celebration (January)

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival -- Tech students build huge snow sculptures.

Bridgefest -- A June celebration bridging the two cities of Houghton and Hancock, complete with Seafood Fest and fireworks.

Calumet Heritage Days (August) -- Celebrating the immigrant heritage and the culture they left behind.