Parents and Families Weekend

Parents and Families Weekend is a Michigan Tech tradition held each fall. It's a weekend for parents, grandparents, families, partners, and friends to come and visit their students, explore campus, and see the local sights.

Weekend Ideas

Visiting Michigan Tech offers a variety of options from cheering on the Huskies to exploring the natural wonders of the local area.

For more information about Husky athletics, visit the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

To purchase tickets for any of the Michigan Tech Athletic events, visit the ticket office website.

General Ideas

Take a Trip North

• Attend a show at The Historic Calumet Theatre  Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Calumet Theatre Box Office at 906-337-2610.
• Explore Calumet, one of Michigan's most historical cities. The Visitor Center is rich with history of the Keweenaw or stop by the Farmer's Market for some fresh produce and locally made goods.
• Take a side stop to see some of the waterfalls on your way north. Jacob's Falls and Eagle River Falls are right off MI -26, while the Montreal Falls are a bit more of a hike.
• Visit the Jampot for wild berry jam, baked goods, and coffee.
• Stop by Brockway Mountain for a great view—hiking not required.

Explore Your Student's New Home

Hancock

• Visit the Magic Kiln Studio and paint some pottery.  No experience required.
• Grab a coffee and play a board game at KC Bonkers.  If you find a new family classic, they likely have a copy you can purchase for your next family event.
• Be brave and take a dip in the often chilly Lake Superior.  McLain State Park is a great option, but there are dozens of other beaches in the area to check out.

Houghton

• Book a session at Respawn Tactical Laser Tag for some friendly competition.
• Embrace your inner child at Chutes and Ladders, one of the greatest play areas in Michigan.  Pack a swimsuit and take a dip in the Portage Canal afterward.
• Like to collect rocks?  Like to look at rocks?  Take a tour of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum and check out their amazing collection.

Spend Some Time Outdoors

• Get up early (or stay out late) to see the sun over the water.  The Keweenaw has unobstructed views over Superior from both the East and West for beautiful views.
• Toss a line in the water and see if you can catch some fish.  There are charter options for Lake Superior, 18 inland lakes in the Keweenaw, and dozens of other options, including the Portage Canal in Houghton.
• Dust off your clubs - or rent a set- and get out on the golf course.  Portage Lake Golf Course is a great option near campus, but there are plenty of other courses for all skill levels.
• Take a drive to the Porcupine Mountains and visit Lake of the Clouds and have an outdoor hiking adventure.
• Go exploring and find one of the hundreds of named waterfalls in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
• For a little more adrenaline, check out Copper Harbor for some Mountain Biking, consistently ranked in the top 20 best trails globally.

Get the Keweenaw Experience

• Schedule a Mine Tour and explore the depths of some of the world's most historic copper mines.  They call it the Copper Country for a reason!
• Go searching for Yooperlites, Sea Glass, or other interesting finds on the beach.
• Pasties are UP staples.  There are hundreds of options from St. Ignace to Copper Harbor and everyone has their favorite.  Slim's Cafe is the reigning PastyFest 2023 champion (third consecutive year), located 20 miles north in Mohawk.
• Grab some firewood and have a bonfire at Breakers. If you get lucky, you might even be able to see the Northern Lights.
• Experience a piece of Finnish culture and visit a Sauna. Many of the local hotels have saunas for their guests to use, but you can access saunas if you have a student living in the residence halls, or with a day pass at the SDC. 

Parking Information

Before 4 p.m. on Friday, September 19 or after 7 a.m. on Monday, September 22, you may park and pay at the campus meters or park in the 2-hour limit Lot 24 by the Student Development Complex.

Free Parking

Free parking is available at several locations from 4 p.m. on Friday, September 19, until 7 a.m. on Monday, September 22. View the campus parking mapfor a visual guide.

Free Parking Locations

• All campus meters except in Lot 4 by Hillside.
• The following Michigan Tech campus lots:
  • Lot 27 off Hwy 41 by the Administration Building.
  • Lots 5, 9 and 10 West near the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. 
  • Lot 1 across from the Administration Building
  • Lot 12 off Hwy 41 in front of the Memorial Union Building
  • Lot 13 next to Fisher, Lot 14 by the Hamar House
  • Lot 8 on the Portage Canal side of Walker Arts & Humanities and the Rozsa Building.
  • Lot 2 behind the ROTC Building
  • Lot 3 behind the Mechanical Engineering / Engineering Mechanical Building
  • Visitor Parking areas by Daniel Heights

Areas Where you Cannot Park

• All lots that are in front of or behind any of the Residence Halls, which includes:
  • Lots 15W, 15E, 17L, and 17U in front of and behind Wadsworth Hall
  • Lot 16 next to McNair Hall
  • Lot 4 next to Hillside Place
  • Lot 21 behind the Forestry Building
  • Lot 10E which is the first parking lot as you enter the Michigan Tech campus heading north.

Additional Information

Orientation

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Family Resources

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