Finlandia has been a college of the Lutheran church since its inception. In 1988, the University became affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The new Chapel of St. Matthew provides an enhanced spiritual atmosphere. The campus chaplain holds chapel services twice a week while artists, scholars, and performers present topics of interest during the Campus Enrichment Hour twice each month. In addition, students also enjoy the benefits of the Paavo Nurmi Athletic Center, including the fitness center, swimming pool, full-size gymnasium, and the bowling alley.
Many students participate in intramural sports, campus clubs, and student senate activities.
The Houghton County Memorial Airport is five miles north of the campus and Mount Ripley, the area ski hill, is about a mile from campus. The two cities also offer students social opportunities for shopping, theater, and dining, all in the natural setting of the Copper Country. The rugged terrain of the Keweenaw Peninsula extends into Lake Superior, making it great for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, canoeing, and camping. The Art and Design program at Finlandia is designed to be as practical as possible with internships in various cities. The curriculum also consists of business classes with an entrepreneurship emphasis and application to art.