33 Magical Issues to do in Marquette, Michigan

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Picturesque lighthouses. Gushing waterfalls. Dramatic rocky cliffs overlooking the world’s largest freshwater lake. Marquette, a small city on the northern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is both an outdoor lover’s paradise and a culturally unique destination. But just because it's a small town doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do in Marquette, Michigan - here you can take in the beauty of pristine nature during the summer when this remote, lakeside town is bustling with locals and tourists alike.

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Picturesque lighthouses. Gushing waterfalls. Dramatic rocky cliffs overlooking the world’s largest freshwater lake. Marquette, a small metropolis on the northern coast of Michigan’s Higher Peninsula, is each an out of doors lover’s paradise and a culturally distinctive vacation spot. However simply because it’s a small city doesn’t imply there aren’t loads of issues to do in Marquette, Michigan – right here you may soak up the great thing about pristine nature throughout the summer time when this distant, lakeside city is bustling with locals and vacationers alike.

You may spend your days paddling on Lake Superior, climbing to gushing waterfalls, and absorbing each final drop of this northerly outpost’s prolonged summer time days – that is what the season’s all about. So let’s discover all of the magical issues to do in Marquette, Michigan!

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aerial view of marquette michigan
Marquette, Michigan is a slice of paradise in the summertime. (Photograph Credit score)

Issues to find out about Marquette, Michigan

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The place is Marquette, Michigan?

Marquette is positioned in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula – that’s the lengthy, skinny half that sits above the mitten half. The UP touches Wisconsin on its western finish and is related to the Decrease Peninsula by way of the 5-mile-long Mackinac Bridge. The UP has coastlines alongside Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron. Marquette is located within the central third of the UP and sits on Lake Superior’s southern shore.

Marquette is the biggest metropolis in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula, however solely the fifty-fourth most populous metropolis within the state of Michigan. That ought to provide you with slightly context for what to anticipate from the UP, the place solely 3% of Michigan’s inhabitants resides. Forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are extra frequent than cities, subdivisions and other people. Marquette County is greater than the state of Rhode Island (and residential to a fraction of the inhabitants).

What’s the Historical past of Marquette?

Earlier than Europeans got here to this a part of the world, it was dwelling to Menominee, Anishinaabe, and Dakota folks. They moved round to hunt completely different animals like deer, moose, and bears. Relying on the season, they might additionally entice, ice fish, and forage. Lengthy earlier than it turned generally known as “Copper Nation,” Indigenous peoples started digging for copper within the Keweenaw Peninsula to Marquette’s northwest.

Within the seventeenth century, the French arrived. The fur commerce dominated the economics of this area in the interim when trappers would paddle their furs across the space by birchbark canoe.

Marquette, although, owes its status to iron ore. This necessary mineral was found in 1844, and extra wealth got here from mining iron ore within the UP than from gold mined throughout the California Gold Rush. The truth is, throughout the Civil Battle, the majority of the iron ore utilized by the Union Military got here from Marquette.

The mining business attracted a variety of immigrants to the UP, together with Irish, Cornish, French-Canadian, German, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish staff. Many of those immigrants ended up farther north within the Keweenaw Peninsula, however their tradition and custom permeated by way of a lot of the UP. This cultural infusion is obvious within the meals, festivals, and traditions that happen throughout the peninsula.

The legacy of the mining business in Marquette remains to be apparent in the present day — there may be nonetheless some mining finished within the space, although nowhere close to the extent seen within the 1800s. Marquette’s harbors are dwelling to mammoth ore docks, the place big freighters come to replenish with ore. Certainly one of these docks remains to be lively in the present day.

In the present day, Marquette is understood extra as an out of doors fanatic’s dream than a mining city. Pristine rivers, seashores, and woods welcome these in search of solitude and nature. Dwelling to Northern Michigan College, Marquette is an lively small city with a robust sense of neighborhood and satisfaction of their stunning environment. 

Some name Marquette “the Queen Metropolis of the North” or “the Queen Metropolis of Lake Superior” — although the origins of those nicknames aren’t clear, they’ve a pleasant ring to them, don’t they?

Mosquito Beach at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Lake Superior, Michigan_
Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. (Photograph Credit score)

What’s the Greatest Time to Go to Marquette?

Marquette transforms from absolutely the epitome of winter — buried below a number of ft of lovely snow alongside Lake Superior’s icy coast — into an idyllic lakeside summer time wonderland and a colourful playground within the fall. It’s solely the in-between that’s disagreeable. “Spring” is a loaded phrase within the UP, and may’t be trusted (suppose snow, rain, mud, extra snow, and many others.). Whereas we love winter in Marquette, we predict summer time is one of the best time to benefit from this outside recreation paradise.

June is the earliest you’d need to go to should you’re in search of summer time climate. To be sincere, June can nonetheless be chilly (we’re speaking lows round 50, and highs within the 60s). However you may beat the crowds coming for the hotter months of July and August. You might have a tough time believing that this city clinging to the northern fringe of the UP truly warms up, however common summer time highs attain the mid 70s, with lows close to 60. Not scorching, per se, however fairly darn excellent.

Plus, because of this northern metropolis’s latitude, summer time days stretch on and on — across the summer time solstice, sundown isn’t till practically 10 p.m!

How do I get to Marquette?

There is an airport in Marquette, however it’s not the greatest. Sawyer Worldwide Airport is a fast 25-minute drive south of Marquette. For those who fly in, you’ll need to cease in Chicago or Detroit — the one cities with direct flights from Marquette.

In any other case, you may drive in. There aren’t many large cities shut by (Detroit is nearly 7 hours away, Milwaukee is nearly 5) so no matter the place you’re coming from, you’ll in all probability have a protracted drive. The excellent news is, Michigan’s Higher Peninsula is beautiful.

A drive from the Decrease Peninsula will embody a memorable crossing over the five-mile Mackinac Bridge — the place you may anticipate to pay a $4 toll — and a stunning journey alongside Lake Michigan’s shoreline earlier than turning north.

A drive from Wisconsin means extra lakeside driving and winding by way of stunning woods. Within the winter, the drive can imply hours of white-knuckling the steering wheel whereas curtains of lake impact snow bury the roads — however summer time drives by way of the UP are scenic and nice, with loads of roadside parks alongside the Nice Lakes and rivers to interrupt up the journey.

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Issues to Do in Marquette

Marquette has a terrific stability of issues to do — with a heavy emphasis on outside actions and exquisite vistas. Whereas summer time sometimes brings beautiful climate, there’s lots to do when a storm rolls in off the lake, too.

From lighthouse excursions to rocky hikes, enjoyable on the seaside to holing up in a comfortable bookshop, listed here are our favourite issues to do in Marquette, Michigan!

view from sugarloaf mountain in marquette michigan-2
The views from Sugarloaf Mountain of Lake Superior are unparalleled. (Photograph Credit score)

Take a Hike

As you’ll know by the point you arrive in Marquette, there may be lots of beautiful nature to discover in and round this metropolis. In fact, folks come to the UP for one factor (trace: it’s not the nightlife). You guessed it — outside recreation.

One of the vital fashionable issues to do in Marquette, Michigan is climbing, and with a plethora of trails to discover you may’t go mistaken — by foot in the summertime and by snowshoe and ski within the winter, there’s all the time one thing new to see.

  • Sugarloaf Mountain (1 mile spherical journey, 460 ft elevation): Locals scoff on the concept of Sugarloaf as a “hike” — it’s extra of a sequence of staircases that finish atop a mountain. No matter you name it, the journey of Sugarloaf is properly definitely worth the effort. After climbing on a steep wooded path from one of many two parking tons, you’ll begin climbing the steps that rapidly carry you up in elevation. “Hike” or not, you’ll be huffing and puffing while you arrive on the viewing platform and easy rock faces on high. The views are unbeatable — you’ll see Lake Superior, Hogsback Mountain, Presque Isle Park and even the Higher Ore Dock. 
  • Hog(s)again Mountain (~2 miles, ~600 ft elevation): This path is for all of the adventurous hikers on the market — and by that we imply you gained’t discover probably the most clear path to the highest (or probably the most clear instructions to the path, both). Plus, the final half mile of the hike is extra of a scramble up a rocky face than a hike… You get the concept. However you’ll agree it’s value it while you get to the highest — anticipate infinite swaths of forest, the rolling Huron Mountains, and — after all — Lake Superior’s deep blue expanse. Hogback — or Hogsback, relying on who you discuss to — is quintessentially UP: You gained’t see many individuals, it’s very rugged, and it’s distant. Take additional precautions and navigation aids should you do that hike — or higher but, seek the advice of a neighborhood.
  • North Nation Path (so long as you need): The North Nation Path is a lesser-known Nationwide Scenic Path — just like the Appalachian Path or Pacific Crest Path. It’s additionally the longest within the Nationwide Path System, spanning from Vermont to North Dakota over 4,800 miles. Within the UP, this path crosses east-west and passes proper by way of Marquette, so you may decide a bit of it and hike so far as you want. You may catch the path downtown the place it skirts the waterfront to see the place the historic, charming buildings line the harbor. Or you may head west and begin climbing within the towering pine forests nestled alongside the pristine, sandy seaside at Little Presque Isle
laughing whitefish falls marquette michigan
Laughing Whitefish Falls appears like a slip-n-slide staircase. (Photograph Credit score)

Admire a Waterfall

Chances are you’ll not realize it, however Michigan is full of waterfalls. A whole lot of them. And solely two — sure, a measly two — are within the Decrease Peninsula. Meaning the UP is chock-full of waterfalls, and there are a ton round Marquette.

You can spend weeks, months, or years touring across the UP making an attempt to see all of its waterfalls, although it’s uncertain you’d — a few of them are fairly distant. And do you know that there’s a “Grand Canyon” of the UP? To be sincere, it’s actually nothing just like the precise Grand Canyon, however that’s to not say it isn’t beautiful. Sorry, gorge-ous. Anyway, should you’re up for chasing waterfalls, listed here are among the finest round Marquette:

  • Laughing Whitefish Falls: About 30 miles outdoors Marquette, Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park comprises one of the vital picturesque waterfalls within the UP. And in comparison with plenty of the opposite waterfalls within the state, it’s large. Water flows down a 100-foot rock face that’s been eroded to kind one thing like a slip-’n-slide-meets-staircase. (We don’t advocate you attempt to scale it — one slip, and also you’re toast). This isn’t a swimming vacation spot — there’s no path to entry the pool — however you’ll haven’t any scarcity of swimming choices elsewhere. The drive to the trailhead is fairly easy, ending on a well-maintained (if muddy) grime street. From the trailhead, the hike to the falls is about half a mile every method. When you attain the highest of the falls, you may hike down some stairs to view the falls from the underside.
  • Yellow Canine Falls: Northwest of Marquette, towards the city of Large Bay, a half-mile hike leads to Yellow Canine Falls. Fifty ft extensive with a thirty-foot drop, a big boulder splits the falls down the center. The Yellow Canine river is designated as a Nationwide Wild and Scenic River — a designation you don’t come throughout usually within the Midwest. There are a number of peaceable swimming pools alongside the river each earlier than and after the falls — excellent locations to take a splash within the clear (and chilly!) water on a scorching day.
  • Lifeless River Falls: Simply outdoors of Marquette on town’s northwest facet, Lifeless River Falls plunges over a half mile of rocky outcroppings dropping practically 100 ft. The hike to get there is reasonably difficult and contains a few water crossings and slightly little bit of rock scrambling. Roots, rocks, and an general uneven path covers virtually a mile from the trailhead to falls. Benefit from the stunning surroundings, however make sure you watch your step!

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lighthouse at From McCarty's Cove, Marquette--
Marquette Harbour Lighthouse at McCarty’s Cove. (Photograph Credit score)

Calm down on the Seaside 

Nice Lakes seashores are in a category of their very own. No, there aren’t palm timber or beachside tiki bars. However what they lack in tropical aptitude, they make up for with freshwater allure. Superior’s waters are chilly, blue, and clear. The seashores vary from rocky cliffs to tender, sandy stretches.  And no, you may’t see Canada throughout the lake!

Marquette is even recognized for its freshwater browsing, although the waves are higher within the fall. Whereas Superior could be too chilly for the uninitiated, you don’t need to miss out on enjoyable at one in every of these stunning seashores. Deliver a towel, a e book, a surfboard should you dare, and luxuriate in a one-of-a-kind seaside expertise.

  • McCarty’s Cove: This fashionable downtown seaside is a fast stroll from inns and eating places. It’s dwelling to the stunningly pink Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and affords beautiful shoreline views. There’s additionally a lifeguard on responsibility, which makes this a terrific place to swim. Rip currents are a hazard within the Nice Lakes, too, so pay shut consideration to forecasted situations. 
  • Little Presque Isle Seaside: Little Presque Isle Seaside is a quiet vacation spot seven miles northwest of city on the foot of the Huron Mountains. The seaside itself is a picturesque, sandy expanse overlooking the rocky Little Presque Isle offshore. Inland, there are trails (for climbing and mountain biking), lakes (for fishing or paddling), and extra dramatic views of moody Lake Superior and the rocky isle offshore. 
  • Au Practice Seaside: A 25-mile drive east of Marquette brings you to Au Practice seaside, the place infinite sand and dune grass make for a picturesque shore. The Au Practice River flows gently into Superior right here, including to the curiosity of this fashionable sandy seaside. Au Practice Seaside is well accessible from M-28 — simply park within the lot proper off the freeway and comply with the path to the seaside.

Stuff Your Face

Chances are you’ll not know what to anticipate when visiting what appears like a wilderness outpost on the sting of civilization. However allow us to reassure you: You will eat properly. Chances are you’ll be questioning, in a spot with such a brief rising season, what’s Marquette recognized for?

Two dishes stand out among the many relaxation: pasties and whitefish

You’ll discover whitefish on virtually each menu within the Higher Peninsula. And for good motive — it’s contemporary and scrumptious. Feast on whitefish sandwiches, whitefish dip, fried whitefish bites — you title it, and you’ll eat it.

Pasties are one other UP staple — a savory meat pie born from the mining days, and a hearty meal to gas your outside adventures.

There’s lots extra to Marquette’s meals scene, so strive these native favorites, then discover your personal!

  • The Vierling: The Vierling is a traditional and Marquette’s oldest brew pub, only a block from the waterfront and the ore docks. (For those who’re fortunate, you’ll get a desk with a view). Contained in the restaurant, traditional art work, wooden finishes, and stained glass home windows create a comfortable environment. The Vierling is understood for its contemporary whitefish and house-brewed beers. The whitefish bites — contemporary fish fried with do-it-yourself beer batter — are the right begin to any meal (or the meal itself, should you eat sufficient), and the blueberry wheat ale is a success. 
  • Lawry’s Pasty Store: You can’t come to the UP with out consuming a pasty. This handy, satisfying, and undeniably scrumptious creation is a relic of the mining days, when the boys wanted a handy, handheld lunch to get them by way of the shift. A hand pie full of savory meat and veggies, pasties came visiting with Nineteenth-century Cornish immigrants. You’ll see pasties being bought all around the UP, however in Marquette, you’ve gotta strive Lawry’s. It’s a small store with restricted seating, so get your pasties to go and convey them on a beachside picnic at McCarty’s Cove or Presque Isle.
  • Iron Bay: For those who’re in search of a terrific, lakeside vibe, Iron Bay is the place. The restaurant sits inside what was once the Iron Bay Foundry, inbuilt 1872. Set proper alongside the harbor, this hip, historic constructing serves up traditional UP consolation meals, a big choice of beer, and a stunning Lake Superior view. For those who hadn’t already observed, whitefish is on most Marquette menus — and Iron Bay has loads of choices. Attempt the whitefish chowder, whitefish tacos, and even whitefish tater tots. (And don’t fear — should you don’t like fish, they’ve acquired different choices). 

Cozy Up With a Espresso

For a small city, Marquette has greater than its fair proportion of espresso retailers. Perhaps it’s the truth that it’s a school city. Or possibly it’s a method for locals to assemble (and heat up) all through the various months of winter. Regardless of the motive, Marquette is fortunate to be dwelling to a number of unbelievable espresso retailers — every with its personal character. Listed below are our favorites — take your decide or strive all of them!

  • The Crib: This spacious espresso store is located inside a renovated 1800s Victorian home in downtown Marquette. It’s the house of Crappie Espresso Roasters (don’t fear, the espresso is something however crappy). With house each downstairs and up, you’ll find your personal little nook to take pleasure in your espresso or tea. Not craving caffeine? In addition they serve wine, beer, cider, and cocktails. From a traditional cappuccino to a fresh-squeezed margarita, the menu is as pleasantly eclectic because the house.
  • Distinction Espresso: This espresso store emphasizes neighborhood at its 4 areas throughout the UP, partnering with native nonprofits to boost cash and neighborhood consciousness. “906 Days” — days on which 100% of earnings go to a neighborhood nonprofit or trigger — assist issues like psychological well being, assist for home violence survivors, and youth outside applications. Espresso with a trigger — we will’t complain about that! Apart from the great they’re doing, Distinction serves up some tasty joe and meals, like artistic crepes and paninis. Come for a traditional nitro chilly brew or one in every of their seasonal lattes — Blackberry cobbler latte, anybody?  
  • Velodrome Espresso Firm: Hip, cool, and trendy, Velodrome goes the additional mile with its distinctive menu gadgets, like a fruity pebbles latte, lavender basil latte, and mint Milano iced espresso. They make all the pieces in-house, together with the flavored syrups. For those who want a chew to eat, in addition they make crispy do-it-yourself waffles with native maple syrup. If that weren’t sufficient, Velodrome homes a service-focused bike store, so in case your experience is in want of a tune-up, carry it alongside in your espresso run.

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Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette Michigan
Ore Dock Brewing Firm is a superb place to seize a beer and take in the solar! (Photograph Credit score)

Sip a Drink on the Patio

Yoopers know learn how to take full benefit of summer time. They usually higher — as a result of it doesn’t final lengthy. There’s one thing about capitalizing on these beautiful summer time days — sitting on a patio with a chilly drink in hand — that’s nothing wanting idyllic. Michigan’s summer time days are lengthy, however the season is brief. So seize a spot within the solar and drink up!

  • Zephyr Wine Bar: Dwelling to Michigan’s longest by-the-glass wine checklist, Zephyr Wine Bar is the place to get a pour of no matter you want. Marquette isn’t wine nation, however Zephyr options a few of Michigan’s finest alternatives from the state’s booming wine areas to the south. Attempt one of many Michigan glowing wines — award-winning Mawby Vineyards close to Traverse Metropolis focuses on it. Zephyr additionally serves cocktails, beer, espresso, appetizers, and desserts. On weekends, you may even eat at The Cellar restaurant (by reservation solely) and luxuriate in a four-course, prix-fixe dinner. Sip on the charming outside patio or cozy up indoors.
  • Blackrocks: Come inside lots of of miles of this much-loved native brewery, and also you’ll see its emblem plastered on the rear bumper of each beer-drinkin’ Yooper’s Subaru. Okay, we could be exaggerating a little, however it’s no stretch to say this can be a Marquette gem. The brewery is contained inside an outdated home, and so they just lately expanded so as to add tons of house. The indoor house is cozy and informal with loads of room to unfold out, and the patio out again (usually visited by meals vans) is the place to be within the summertime. Attempt the 51K IPA — a subtly fruity, earthy beer named for the native Noquemanon Ski Marathon
  • Ore Dock Brewing Firm: Downtown close to the waterfront, Ore Dock is a brewery making Lake Superior-sourced brews and seltzers. They don’t serve meals, however you may order in or seize meals from visiting meals vans. On a summer time day take pleasure in a Bum’s Seaside wheat ale or a Contemporary Coast IPA — or, if a cold breeze is coming off the lake (which is typically the case, even in the summertime), cozy up with a darkish lager just like the Six Pointer Dunkel. 
Revisions in Marquette Michigan
Revisions has all of the beautiful dwelling items you may ever want. (Photograph Credit score)

Store Downtown Marquette

Whereas Marquette is the largest metropolis within the Higher Peninsula, it’s not… large. However there’s loads packed into the downtown district that’s tucked alongside the Lake Superior shore. This can be a little metropolis with a giant character, and it’s evident within the eclectic retailers, boutiques, and shops lining the hilly streets. Spend a day wandering by way of downtown Marquette, stopping for espresso, refreshment, or a Lake Superior view everytime you need. Listed below are among the must-visit retailers in Marquette:

  • Snowbound Books – Cozy, pleasant, with loads of nooks and crannies — what extra may you need from a bookstore? The aptly named Snowbound Books in downtown Marquette is a must-stop in any season. When you’re unlikely to get snowed in on a summer time go to, that is one of the best place to choose up a couple of seaside reads earlier than you head to the lake.
  • Downwind Sports activities: In a city as outdoorsy as Marquette, you want a trusty place to seek out your whole gear. Downwind Sports activities is the city’s native clothing store, with all the pieces from climbing equipment and fishing gear to PFDs and bike helmets. Come right here to buy or to get the lowdown on Marquette’s trails, rivers, and lakes. 
  • Boomerang Retro and Relics: Go to the UP’s first retro-chic boutique! Boomerang carries quite a lot of new and outdated retro, classic, and mid-century trendy clothes and treasures. This retailer is all about feeling fabulous and colourful — and who isn’t into that?
  • Revisions: If in case you have any curiosity in vegetation, playing cards, and the most stunning items, ensure you go to Revisions. This retailer is a pleasure to browse and sells all the pieces from beautiful potted vegetation to bathtub bombs to ceramics and candles — very hygge, should you ask us. Cease right here for the right reward or memento out of your time in Marquette!
  • Revival: A sister retailer to Revisions, this boutique has the identical stunning, calming vibe. As an alternative of vegetation and items, Revival sells clothes, equipment, and residential decor. All the pieces is deliberately chosen, and so they don’t promote quite a lot of of every piece (making all the pieces distinctive!). For those who’re in search of a flowy costume or floppy hat to put on to the seaside, that is your store.

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people jumping off blackrocks in Presque Isle Park in marquette michigan
Individuals leaping off blackrocks in Presque Isle Park. (Photograph Credit score)

Go to Presque Isle Park

Presque Isle Park is Marquette’s native gem — a 323-acre wooded peninsula surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior. The park’s declare to fame is that it was “designed” by Frederick Legislation Olmsted. The well-known panorama architect, who designed Central Park in NYC, was within the space to design the grounds round a millionaire’s mansion however was additionally requested to create a plan to show this rugged peninsula right into a park. His recommendation? Don’t contact it. Or, extra eloquently, Presque Isle “shouldn’t be marred with the intrusion of synthetic objects.” Level taken. In the present day, Presque Isle is kind of the identical wild land that Olmsted visited within the late 1800s. 

Presque Isle is most famously recognized for the Blackrocks — 1.7 billion-year-old rock from historical ocean crust. Whereas they’re fascinating to take a look at and marvel at their age, most locals come to do one in every of their favourite issues to do in Marquette, Michigan: cliff leaping off the Blackrocks. If thrills aren’t your factor, there’s nonetheless lots to do at Presque Isle. Our favorites embody:

  • Watch the sundown at Sundown Level: Have you ever ever seen a Nice Lakes sundown? There’s nothing like ‘em, and Presque Isle Park is the right spot to catch one. This far north, the solar units fairly late in the summertime. Cap off a day on the park with a picnic at Sundown Level, or drive in after a dinner downtown to catch the present. Both method, carry your digicam to seize the fantastic reds and oranges from the muted daylight catching the rocks and the waves.
  • Hike the paths: When you can drive the perimeter of the park, you can even hike it on an exquisite, well-kept path. Circumnavigate Presque Isle on the two.3-mile loop, take a path by way of the inside of the peninsula, and cease alongside as many offshoots as you wish to take an image, swim in Lake Superior, or simply benefit from the view. Whereas the park’s Peter White Drive does hint the path at some factors, it’s nonetheless fairly quiet — and there are even “Strolling Hours” throughout which the street is closed to autos.
  • Hang around on the seaside: The seashores on Presque Isle may not be the white, sandy stretches you’ll discover elsewhere alongside Superior’s shore, however they’re actually particular: Assume historical, rocky outcrops dropping off into the deep blue lake. The seaside subsequent to the well-known Blackrocks is an thrilling place to hang around, have a picnic, rockhound, and watch courageous locals and vacationers soar off the cliffs into the frigid water under.
Presque Isle Harbor Lighthouse in marquette michigan
You may stroll down the breakwall to Presque Isle Harbor Lighthouse. (Photograph Credit score)

Tour a Lighthouse

Michigan has extra lighthouses than some other state (although for some motive Maine calls itself “the Lighthouse State”…). Greater than 40 of them are discovered within the Higher Peninsula. There are three that make a simple go to throughout your journey to Marquette, all on Lake Superior’s shore, although the UP has lighthouses on Lakes Michigan and Huron, too. Michigan’s maritime historical past is fascinating (cue: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald), and there’s no higher solution to carry it to life than by seeing or touring a lighthouse. 

  • Large Bay Level Lighthouse: This lighthouse sits dramatically perched on a cliff close to Large Bay, a tiny outpost that was as soon as a trip retreat for Henry Ford. The sunshine itself emerges from a reasonably pink brick construction, now dwelling to a small Mattress and Breakfast. Now, this vacation spot on Large Bay Level attracts these desirous to spend the evening in a historic lighthouse. Large Bay Level Lighthouse Mattress and Breakfast additionally affords excursions of the lively lighthouse to each visitors of the Inn and to the general public.
  • Marquette Harbor Lighthouse: This traditional pink lighthouse sits proper on the harbor and makes a fast cease throughout a day round city. Trying like an outdated one-room schoolhouse (with a light-weight as a substitute of a bell, after all!), it was inbuilt 1853 and is the oldest vital construction within the metropolis of Marquette. It was a important a part of the cargo of iron ore within the Nice Lakes area, and it nonetheless shines in the present day! You may tour the lighthouse on foot with a information from the Marquette Maritime Museum. For those who time your journey proper, you might even get to affix a “paranormal” tour — they’re provided the third Friday of the month.
  • Presque Isle Harbor Lighthouse: Subsequent to Presque Isle Park, the very nautical-looking pink and white Presque Isle Harbor Lighthouse sits on the finish of a protracted breakwall, which, if the climate permits, you may stroll right down to view the lighthouse. It’s nonetheless in operation, guiding Nice Lakes freighters into the Presque Isle Dock to gather their a great deal of iron ore. In your solution to the lighthouse, take a look at the monument close to the breakwall that warns of Superior’s wrath: “The superior fantastic thing about Lake Superior’s waves have their darkish and tragic facet. The large pressure of the waves and the frigid water can overpower even the strongest swimmers.” Does that provide you with chills or what?
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in marquette michigan
Notice the kayakers on the backside of the rocks to see how large Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore actually is! (Photograph Credit score)

Take a Day Journey to Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore

For those who’re in search of a day journey, you may’t beat Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. Right here you may see colourful sandstone cliffs rising from the icy waters of Lake Superior. It’s a panorama of beautiful seashores, thundering waterfalls, wooded trails, and Caribbean blue water. Checking it out is unquestionably one of the vital beautiful issues to do in Marquette, Michigan!

A fast 45-minute drive east alongside the shore of Lake Superior brings you to this 42-mile stretch of cliffs, seashores, and dunes. You may discover the Lakeshore by land or by water, and there are many actions to select from. Hike, go to a seaside, see a waterfall, take a ship experience, kayak, or swim (should you can deal with the chilly).

Listed below are a few of our favourite issues to do at Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore:

  • Go climbing: Mountain climbing is without doubt one of the finest methods to expertise Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. There are over 100 miles of trails that wind by way of dense forest, close to streams and waterfalls, and alongside Lake Superior’s dramatic coast. The North Nation Path additionally traverses the lakeshore. You can spend a number of days climbing alongside the Lakeshore from finish to finish, however there are many nice day hikes, too. For a full-day hike, Chapel Loop path (10 miles) takes hikers by among the park’s extra fashionable waterfalls and seashores. If you wish to spend half a day on the path, the Beaver Basin Wilderness loop (5.5 miles) winds by way of various forests, by Beaver Lake, and alongside Lake Superior. Lastly, should you solely have time for a brief hike, hike from Miner’s Citadel to Miner’s Seaside and again (2 miles spherical journey).
  • Calm down on the seaside: If it isn’t obvious but, Lake Superior’s south shore options some fairly spectacular seashores. And opposite to what you may anticipate, not all of Pictured Rocks’ shoreline is characterised by sheer cliffs. There are some beautiful sandy seashores tucked into the Lakeshore which can be value testing. Sand Level Seaside, Twelvemile Seaside, and Miner’s Seaside are a few of our favorites.
  • See the waterfalls: As we talked about earlier, the Higher Peninsula is filled with waterfalls, and Pictured Rocks options among the finest. Earlier than you head into the Lakeshore, you may see the 50-foot Munising Falls proper outdoors town of Munising. It’s a fast stroll on a paved path to get there. Miner’s Falls is probably the most highly effective waterfall within the park and drops 50 ft over a sandstone cliff and there’s a stunning (although busy) 1.2-mile spherical journey hike to get there. Chapel Falls drops 60 ft into Chapel Lake, however solely try and entry this waterfall you probably have a high-clearance automobile. Lastly, Sable Falls, one mile west of Grand Marias, features a sequence of cascades that tumble 75 ft towards Lake Superior.
  • Take within the colourful cliffs from a ship (and see much more waterfalls): Pictured Rocks is unbelievable even should you keep on land your entire time. On a sunny day, the lake is impossibly blue in opposition to the orange, pink, and brown cliffs that tower as much as 200 ft over the water under. However to get the total expertise — and to actually perceive the which means of the title “Pictured Rocks” — you must hop on a ship and cruise alongside the Superior shore. Pictured Rocks Cruises affords a couple of completely different journeys that carry you inside spitting distance of among the Lakeshore’s most iconic landforms, together with Miner’s Citadel, Lover’s Leap, and Chapel Rock. Plus, two of the park’s most dramatic waterfalls cascade off steep cliffs immediately into Lake Superior — and that is the easiest way to see them! If you wish to see these similar sights however favor a extra lively mode of transportation, select from a choice of kayaking excursions alongside the Lakeshore.

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The place to Keep in Marquette

Whereas staying in Marquette, you will have two fabulous choices: staying within the small downtown space the place all the pieces is a brief stroll away, or renting a spot outdoors of city that places you in the course of nature. As a result of Marquette is surrounded by dense forests, rivers, hills, and Lake Superior, you don’t need to enterprise far out of city to entry these beautiful landscapes. 

That stated, if you wish to spend plenty of time having fun with eating places, retailers, breweries, and the waterfront, decide a spot to remain downtown. If you need a quieter place to remain — one which makes you’re feeling one with nature — select a spot outdoors of city.

Listed below are a few of our suggestions for every:

  • The Landmark Inn is Marquette’s most elegant lodge — the place “Outdated-world European splendor and allure meet trendy comfort.” Assume chandeliers, wood-paneled partitions, and stained glass! Located within the coronary heart of downtown Marquette, you’re near all the pieces on the Landmark. Plus, the rooftop views of Lake Superior — accompanied by cocktails and appetizers — is sufficient to make anybody swoon.
  • Superior Keep is a brand new boutique lodge close to the college campus and loads of eating places and bars. This clear, snug, and trendy lodge is ideal for anybody who needs to take full benefit of town and environment whereas having fun with a quiet, no-fuss keep. And like all good northerly lodging, you may guess there’s a sauna.
  • This clear and trendy downtown rental is near each the seaside and downtown facilities. You may stroll to the seaside for a day within the solar or stroll into city to your morning espresso. Plus, it’s acquired a cute entrance porch and a personal yard patio for having fun with Marquette’s impossibly lengthy summer time days. 
  • 15 miles from Marquette, this sunny lakeside cabin is the right Northwoods retreat. The house’s spacious wraparound balcony takes benefit of beautiful views of the peaceable, quiet Saux Head Lake. Your morning espresso or night glass of wine couldn’t be accompanied by something extra serene. However should you’re feeling extra adventurous, you may take the kayak or canoe out for a peaceable paddle across the lake.
  • This personal Lake Superior cabin sits 12 miles east of Marquette on a stunning stretch of sugar sand seaside. Spend your days strolling the seaside, enjoying within the solar, or taking a dip within the refreshing water — and at evening, collect across the firepit for a neighborhood brew or s’extra whereas listening to the waves lapping the shore. That is UP paradise.

About Our Visitor Poster: Emily is a copywriter, nature lover, and artwork dabbler who lives within the northern Michigan city of Traverse Metropolis. Her favourite components of journey are the outside pursuits distinctive to the vacation spot — and one of the best native foods and drinks she will discover. Be taught extra at emilycarolcopy.com.


What issues to do in Marquette, Michigan are you most excited to do first? Tell us within the feedback under!

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Picturesque lighthouses. Gushing waterfalls. Dramatic rocky cliffs overlooking the world’s largest freshwater lake. Marquette, a small city on the northern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is both an outdoor lover’s paradise and a culturally unique destination. But just because it's a small town doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do in Marquette, Michigan - here you can take in the beauty of pristine nature during the summer when this remote, lakeside town is bustling with locals and tourists alike.

Our High Journey Suggestions & Sources

Listed below are our favourite journey ideas & sources for saving cash and planning journey logistics! For extra ideas, take a look at our journey ideas useful resource web page or our information to planning a visit.

  • Reserving Flights: To attain flight offers, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Cash-saving ideas: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on solely on a price range airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
  • Lodging: We normally keep in budget-friendly trip leases, boutique inns or personal rooms in hostels. We use Reserving.com to e book inns (we love their versatile cancellation coverage) and Hostelworld to e book hostels (low deposit, simple change/cancellation, and wonderful evaluations). For trip leases, we favor to e book utilizing VRBO as a result of they have decrease charges and higher assist than Airbnb, and we’re not followers of Airbnb’s unethical monitor file. You may as well e book trip leases on Expedia and Accommodations.com. We additionally use TrustedHousesitters as each hosts (for our dwelling and our fur-child) and vacationers!
  • Journey Insurance coverage: We all the time, all the time, ALWAYS purchase journey insurance coverage for worldwide journeys, and we STRONGLY counsel it – go to our Journey Insurance coverage Information to seek out out why. We advocate both World Nomads or SafetyWing for worldwide journey insurance coverage. SafetyWing is without doubt one of the few insurance policies that covers Covid-19, and so they have wonderful month-to-month insurance policies which can be excellent for Digital Nomads and long run vacationers!
  • Journey Credit score Card: We e book all of our journeys on our favourite journey bank card. Not solely can we earn money again that we will spend on extra journey, however the card affords unbelievable journey perks like journey insurance coverage, journey delay and cancellation protection, misplaced baggage reimbursement, and rental automobile protection, which helps defend us on our travels. Be taught extra right here.
  • Vaccines & Meds: We use the journey guides on the CDC web site to analysis beneficial drugs and vaccines for worldwide journeys. We all the time advocate getting each vaccine beneficial by the CDC! You will get them at your main care physician’s workplace or a walk-in pharmacy.
  • Excursions: We love reserving guided excursions, particularly meals excursions and strolling excursions, to get a neighborhood’s perspective and a historical past lesson whereas sight-seeing! We e book our excursions utilizing Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to determine learn how to get from place to position, and e book native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway wherever we will. Once we e book a rental automobile, we use DiscoverCars to match rental corporations and discover one of the best deal.
  • Baggage Storage: Each time we’re testing early or making the most of a protracted layover, we use LuggageHero to soundly retailer our baggage whereas we’re working round. Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.
  • VPN Service: A VPN retains your digital data (like web site login particulars, financial institution data, and many others) secure, even while you’re related to an unsecured community whereas touring. Plus, it enables you to use Netflix & different streaming websites overseas! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO while you enroll!
  • What to Pack: Listed below are the journey necessities that we carry on each journey. We even have packing lists for scorching climate, chilly climate, and lots of extra. Check out all of our packing guides!



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