When Finland came to America, it brought hard workers and a unique culture.
2026 shines a light on Hancock’s heritage as the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, recognizing years of history in the community. Immigrants worked in the mines, built farms and businesses still around today.
“Hanka family built that farm and you can experience everything from a sauna to a kitchen. They have volunteers that will guide you through the houses, through the barns and help you learn what life was like there. So once they left the mines, many of them decided to go into farming or into other professions and stay in this area and that’s one example of a family that did just that,” said Amber Kraft, park ranger at Keweenaw National Historic Park.
Walking down a downtown street in a Copper Country community, you’ll find plenty of shops bearing a Finnish surname. In Hancock, Uncle’s Diner continues the Kaleva Cafe’s legacy serving up a delicious breakfast. Takka Saunas on the Portage Canal draws inspiration from the Finnish language. Takka means fire. On the deck, staff keep a fire going throughout the day, with the saunas nearby.
“As soon as you drive down the hill, you see the Quincy Mine, you’re just into Hancock and you’re like, oh, this is the community. But really being able to have a space where people can come together and take a sauna if they want and or to disconnect, to reconnect. That’s what we like the best. And you just can’t step on this deck, see the canal, see a sauna and not be relaxed and feel at peace,” said Megan Haynes, manager of Takka Saunas.
Heritage and culture can inspire new businesses growing in communities. Takka Saunas owners, Jason and Lynn Makela brought their business’ idea to the city in 2024, along with Smallcraft. Fostering a feeling of community with open gathering spaces and great views on the waterfront. Ilo Creative moved into the downtown area in 2023 to help artists find the tools to create wonderful works of art. The former Finlandia University campus offers Hancock plenty of space to redefine a large portion of the community. Some development has started in the area; Moyle Properties has residents living at Summit Place, 625 Summit Street, that features a food court dining area with Shiba Cafe. Hancock owns three buildings that the city hopes to reconfigure for new housing opportunities.
In June, Hancock hosts Juhannus, where local artisans may sell crafts, the Finnish Long Drink returns to build a garden on the Quincy Green, and several businesses will join the festivities in the city. Several programs throughout the five days will feature lectures on the diversity of Finno-Ugric cultures. Downtown Development Coordinator Todd Gast has been in contact, working with ambassadors from Finland, Estonia, and Hungry, to invite them to the solstice festival.
“We cannot wait to entertain you all. We’ll have international bands here, international speakers here,” said Gast. “So, it’s going to be a lot of fun. You’re going to learn a lot.”
Learn more about the Copper Country Finns and Friends group that will organize many Finno-Ugric programs and events throughout the yearlong celebration. Those interested in learning more about Juhannus in Hancock June 17th to the 21st, can find more details here. Learn more about Hancock becoming the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture here. Find information about the yearlong celebration in the Copper Country here.
