Heikinpäivä by the Canal
Finnish roots, shared traditions, winter gatherings
Heikinpäivä is a beloved winter tradition in Michigan’s Copper Country, celebrating Finnish heritage, resilience, and the joy of gathering through the coldest season. Each year, the community comes together to share stories, spend time outdoors, and embrace winter together.
Join us by the canal at Small Craft & Takka for a midwinter celebration honoring Heikinpäivä weekend filled with classic games, curling, warm drinks, and grounding movement.
For a look at everything happening across the peninsula, view the full Heikinpäivä event schedule at
Visit Keweenaw.
Each event draws from multi-cultural traditions and invites you to experience something new with someone new whether that means playing a familiar game, learning a new winter sport, or simply warming up with good company.
What’s Happening This Weekend
polar plunge
RESCHEDULED TO feb 7 ● 1-3 pM | Outside Takka Saunas, Hancock Boardwalk
After nearly a decade, the Heikinpäivä Polar Plunge returns. Take part in this bold winter tradition with an icy dip along the boardwalk, followed by free short sauna sessions to warm up and reset. There’s no fee to participate, though a $5 donation is encouraged. Bring warm, dry clothes and towels. Whether you plunge or watch, expect a lively winter gathering by the canal. For more information, visit Visit Keweenaw.
Sponsored by the City of Hancock, Visit Keweenaw, Takka Saunas and Small Craft.
Canal-Side Curling Demo
RESCHEDULED TO feb 7 ● 2 - 4 PM | Outside in the Pavilion
Curling may look quirky at first glance, but it’s a sport built on teamwork, strategy, and a good sense of humor. During this interactive demo, Drew Grohowski from Copper Country Curling will guide you through the basics, share stories from the ice, and invite you to try it yourself. Expect learning, laughter, and plenty of sweeping along the canal. This event takes place outdoors, so be sure to bundle up and dress warm.
Beer Poking (Bierstacheln)
RESCHEDULED TO feb 7 ● 3 - 5 PM | Outside in the Buoyard
In partnership with 3 Sheeps Brewing from Sheyboygan, Wisconsin, this German winter tradition turns an ordinary beer into something special. A hot iron is dipped directly into your glass, warming the beer and creating a lightly caramelized flavor with a soft foam on top. It’s a simple ritual, perfect for slowing down, warming your hands, and savoring the moment on a wintery afternoon. This event is held outside, so we recommend dressing warm.
Warm Up with
Sauna Week
Sauna has always been at the heart of Finnish culture. It’s a place to warm up, slow down, and reconnect, especially in the depth of winter. After spending time outdoors celebrating Heikinpäivä, Sauna Week at Takka offers the perfect way to continue that tradition.
Throughout Sauna Week, we’re inviting you to experience thoughtfully curated sauna sessions designed to help you rest, reset, and embrace the season. Whether you’re new to sauna or it’s already part of your winter ritual, it’s a chance to linger a little longer and give your body the warmth it’s been craving.
Pair a day by the canal with a sauna session, or make it a weeklong winter reset.