Michigan Tech Breaks World Record

2,228 Snowmen Built in One Hour

When temperatures dipped into the single digits on February 10, 2018, Michigan Technological University faced a unique challenge. Could a group of dedicated students, faculty, and community members defy the odds and break a Guinness World Record? The answer was a resounding “yes”! They shattered the record for the most snowmen built in one hour. They crafted a world record of a total of 2,228 snowmen. This beat the previous record of 2,036 set in Japan back in 2015.

The event, aptly named “Snowman Left Behind,” took place at Sherman Field on the Michigan Tech campus in Houghton. Over 1,600 participants, including 261 children rallied together on the Keweenaw Peninsula for a memorable goal. Despite the frigid temperatures and the challenge of uncooperative snow, these determined individuals relied on creativity and innovative techniques, like applying pressure to form snowmen rather than relying solely on moisture. The results were impressive, with 2,228 snowmen proudly standing in the snow—well over the required minimum of three feet tall, with two arms, eyes, and noses made from skewers and biodegradable paintball pellets.

Community Responded

The snowmen may have been the stars of the day, but the event did much more than just break a record—it brought the entire community together. Organizers from Michigan Tech’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) were thrilled by the enthusiastic crowd, which included both locals and alumni. The event even included a torchlight parade and fireworks, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Michigan Tech’s World Records

This was not Michigan Tech’s first foray into Guinness World Records. In fact, it was the fourth time the university had gathered students and community members to set a new record. Earlier, in 2006, Michigan Tech made history with three records: the largest snowball fight, the most people making snow angels simultaneously, and the largest snowball—though those records were eventually broken.

However, Tech recaptured the largest snowball record in 2013, and it remains unchallenged today.
Snowman Left Behind was a success not just because it broke a record but also because it highlighted the power of community spirit. The event will surely remain a cherished memory for all those who participated, especially when Michigan Tech gets that world record certification from Guinness.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.