There Is A Tiny European Village Hiding On The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan
By Trent Jonas|Published July 20, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
With towns like Frankenmuth and Holland, which are considered some of the “most European” cities in the United States, Michiganders on the Lower Peninsula can take a day trip and feel like they’re traveling back to the Continent. But there’s also a town on the U.P. with Finnish roots so deep that a visit there feels like you’re visiting a European village in Michigan.
At first glance, Hancock, Michigan - a community of around 4,500 - may look how you’d expect a small, Great Lakes mining port to appear.
But the details in the corners are a bit… different from your typical midwestern town. The Finnish flags offer a clue to what makes the character of Hancock unique.
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As does the park named for its sister city in Finland (and not its sister city of Houghton, just across the canal).
Finlandia University, founded as Suomi College in 1896, was established to give the Finnish-speaking immigrants of the region a place to seek higher education.
Finlandia University Gallery, Quincy Street, Hancock, MI, USA
The Finnish American Reporter, a monthly based in Hancock, is an English language journal that compiles news and features of interest for Finns across the U.S. and Canada.
Among the other annual Finnish events in Hancock are Festival Ruska in the fall, Finland Independence Day in December, and, sometimes, St. Urho’s Day in March.
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The January Heikinpäivä is probably the year’s biggest celebration, though.
With food, music, and cultural demonstrations, this is the best time to immerse yourself in Hancock’s Finnish culture. Don’t worry - some of the events are indoors.
And any time you visit, you can always pop into Nisu Bakery and Cafe for a taste of Finland.
NISU Bakery & Cafe, East Quincy Street, Hancock, MI, USA
You may just forget you’re in Michigan for a while. When you visit Hancock, be sure to stay a while – there are many fine hotels and lodges – and explore the area. There’s much to learn about the area’s rich mining history, as well as its tremendous natural beauty, including deep forests and stunning Lake Superior shoreline.
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