The cities of Houghton and Hancock, separated only by the Portage Canal, offer some of the best sites to behold in the Upper Peninsula. In the fall, the colors on the Keweenaw Peninsula are as vibrant as anywhere in the country. Come winter, Michigan Technological University hosts Winter Carnival, a celebration of the cold and snow—the elements that helped Houghton set the snowfall record of 355.7 inches in the winter of 1978-79. Besides Michigan Tech, the area is home to Finlandia University.