33 Magical Things 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 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 absorb the great thing about pristine nature throughout the summer season 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 season days – that is what the season’s all about. So let’s discover all of the magical issues to do in Marquette, Michigan!

Psst: Planning …. listed below are another posts

Psst: Now we have some recommendation, right here is an decide in type:

Issues to find out about Marquette, Michigan

It’s honest to imagine you haven’t heard of Marquette, Michigan, regardless of it being a beautiful slice of paradise, so let’s inform you the whole lot you want to find out about this wonderful vacation spot!

The place is Marquette, Michigan?

Marquette is situated 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 linked 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 most important 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 a bit of 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 folks. Marquette County is larger 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 house to Menominee, Anishinaabe, and Dakota individuals. They moved round to hunt totally different animals like deer, moose, and bears. Relying on the season, they might additionally entice, ice fish, and forage. Lengthy earlier than it turned often 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 meanwhile when trappers would paddle their furs across the space by birchbark canoe.

Marquette, although, owes its repute to iron ore. This vital 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. Actually, throughout the Civil Conflict, the majority of the iron ore utilized by the Union Military got here from Marquette.

The mining trade 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 means of a lot of the UP. This cultural infusion is clear within the meals, festivals, and traditions that happen throughout the peninsula.

The legacy of the mining trade in Marquette continues to be apparent immediately — there may be nonetheless some mining carried out within the space, although nowhere close to the extent seen within the 1800s. Marquette’s harbors are house to mammoth ore docks, the place large freighters come to refill with ore. One in every of these docks continues to be lively immediately.

At present, 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. Residence to Northern Michigan College, Marquette is an brisk small city with a robust sense of group and pleasure 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?

What’s the Finest 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 season 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 so forth.). Whereas we love winter in Marquette, we expect summer season is the very best time to benefit from this outside recreation paradise.

June is the earliest you’d wish to go to if you happen to’re in search of summer season climate. To be trustworthy, 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’ll have a tough time believing that this city clinging to the northern fringe of the UP really warms up, however common summer season highs attain the mid 70s, with lows close to 60. Not scorching, per se, however fairly darn excellent.

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

How do I get to Marquette?

There is an airport in Marquette, but it surely’s not the greatest. Sawyer International Airport is a fast 25-minute drive south of Marquette. In the event you fly in, you’ll must 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 massive 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 an extended drive. The excellent news is, Michigan’s Higher Peninsula is attractive.

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 means 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 season drives by means of the UP are scenic and nice, with loads of roadside parks alongside the Nice Lakes and rivers to interrupt up the journey.

Issues to Do in Marquette

Marquette has an incredible stability of issues to do — with a heavy emphasis on outside actions and delightful vistas. Whereas summer season usually brings attractive climate, there’s a lot to do when a storm rolls in off the lake, too.

From lighthouse excursions to rocky hikes, stress-free on the seashore to holing up in a comfy bookshop, listed below are our favourite issues to do in Marquette, Michigan!

Take a Hike

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

Probably the most in style issues to do in Marquette, Michigan is climbing, and with a plethora of trails to discover you may’t go flawed — by foot in the summertime and by snowshoe and ski within the winter, there’s at all times one thing new to see.

• Sugarloaf Mountain (1 mile spherical journey, 460 ft elevation): Locals scoff on the thought 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 deliver you up in elevation. “Hike” or not, you’ll be huffing and puffing whenever 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)back Mountain (~2 miles, ~600 ft elevation): This path is for all of the adventurous hikers on the market — and by that we imply you received’t discover essentially the most clear path to the highest (or essentially 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 thought. However you’ll agree it’s price it whenever you get to the highest — anticipate infinite swaths of forest, the rolling Huron Mountains, and — in fact — Lake Superior’s deep blue expanse. Hogback — or Hogsback, relying on who you discuss to — is quintessentially UP: You received’t see many individuals, it’s very rugged, and it’s distant. Take additional precautions and navigation aids if you happen to do that hike — or higher but, seek the advice of an area.
• North Country Trail (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 means of Marquette, so you may decide a piece 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 seashore at Little Presque Isle. 

Admire a Waterfall

You might 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’ll — a few of them are fairly distant. And do you know that there’s a “Grand Canyon” of the UP? To be trustworthy, it’s actually nothing just like the precise Grand Canyon, however that’s to not say it isn’t attractive. Sorry, gorge-ous. Anyway, if you happen to’re up for chasing waterfalls, listed below are among the greatest round Marquette:

• Laughing Whitefish Falls: About 30 miles exterior Marquette, Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park incorporates probably the most picturesque waterfalls within the UP. And in comparison with lots of the opposite waterfalls within the state, it’s massive. Water flows down a 100-foot rock face that’s been eroded to type one thing like a slip-’n-slide-meets-staircase. (We don’t suggest 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 don’t have any scarcity of swimming choices elsewhere. The drive to the trailhead is fairly simple, ending on a well-maintained (if muddy) grime street. From the trailhead, the hike to the falls is about half a mile every manner. When you attain the highest of the falls, you may hike down some stairs to view the falls from the underside.
• Yellow Dog Falls: Northwest of Marquette, towards the city of Big 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 National Wild and Scenic River — a designation you don’t come throughout typically 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.
• Dead River Falls: Simply exterior of Marquette on the town’s northwest aspect, 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 a bit of little bit of rock scrambling. Roots, rocks, and an total uneven path covers nearly a mile from the trailhead to falls. Benefit from the stunning surroundings, however make sure to watch your step!

Chill out 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 identified for its freshwater browsing, although the waves are higher within the fall. Whereas Superior may be too chilly for the uninitiated, you don’t wish to miss out on stress-free at considered one of these stunning seashores. Deliver a towel, a e-book, a surfboard if you happen to dare, and revel in a one-of-a-kind seashore expertise.

• McCarty’s Cove: This in style downtown seashore is a fast stroll from motels and eating places. It’s house to the stunningly crimson Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and affords attractive shoreline views. There’s additionally a lifeguard on responsibility, which makes this an incredible place to swim. Rip currents are a hazard within the Nice Lakes, too, so pay shut consideration to forecasted situations. 
• Little Presque Isle Beach: Little Presque Isle Seaside is a quiet vacation spot seven miles northwest of city on the foot of the Huron Mountains. The seashore 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 Train Beach: A 25-mile drive east of Marquette brings you to Au Practice seashore, 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 in style sandy seashore. 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 seashore.

Stuff Your Face

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

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

You’ll discover whitefish on nearly 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 identify 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 gasoline your outside adventures.

There’s a lot 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. (In the event you’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 comfy ambiance. The Vierling is understood for its contemporary whitefish and house-brewed beers. The whitefish bites — contemporary fish fried with home made beer batter — are the proper begin to any meal (or the meal itself, if you happen to eat sufficient), and the blueberry wheat ale is a success. 
• Lawry’s Pasty Shop: 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 means of the shift. A hand pie stuffed with 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 produce them on a beachside picnic at McCarty’s Cove or Presque Isle.
• Iron Bay: In the event you’re in search of an incredible, lakeside vibe, Iron Bay is the place. The restaurant sits inside what was 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 beautiful Lake Superior view. In the event you hadn’t already seen, whitefish is on most Marquette menus — and Iron Bay has loads of choices. Strive the whitefish chowder, whitefish tacos, and even whitefish tater tots. (And don’t fear — if you happen to don’t like fish, they’ve obtained different choices). 

Cozy Up With a Espresso

For a small city, Marquette has greater than its justifiable share of espresso outlets. Possibly it’s the truth that it’s a school city. Or perhaps it’s a manner for locals to collect (and heat up) all through the various months of winter. Regardless of the motive, Marquette is fortunate to be house to a number of unbelievable espresso outlets — every with its personal persona. Listed here 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 could find your personal little nook to get pleasure from 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.
• Contrast Coffee: This espresso store emphasizes group at its 4 areas throughout the UP, partnering with native nonprofits to lift cash and group consciousness. “906 Days” — days on which 100% of income go to an area nonprofit or trigger — assist issues like psychological well being, assist for home violence survivors, and youth outside packages. Espresso with a trigger — we will’t complain about that! Apart from the nice they’re doing, Distinction serves up some tasty joe and meals, like artistic crepes and paninis. Come for a traditional nitro chilly brew or considered one of their seasonal lattes — Blackberry cobbler latte, anybody?  
• Velodrome Coffee Company: Hip, cool, and fashionable, Velodrome goes the additional mile with its distinctive menu objects, like a fruity pebbles latte, lavender basil latte, and mint Milano iced espresso. They make the whole lot in-house, together with the flavored syrups. In the event you want a chew to eat, in addition they make crispy home made waffles with native maple syrup. If that weren’t sufficient, Velodrome homes a service-focused bike store, so in case your trip is in want of a tune-up, deliver it alongside in your espresso run.

Sip a Drink on the Patio

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

• Zephyr Wine Bar: Residence to Michigan’s longest by-the-glass wine listing, 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 greatest choices from the state’s booming wine areas to the south. Strive 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 revel in a four-course, prix-fixe dinner. Sip on the charming outside patio or cozy up indoors.
• Blackrocks: Come inside a whole bunch 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 may be exaggerating a little, but it surely’s no stretch to say it is a Marquette gem. The brewery is contained inside an outdated home, they usually not too long ago 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 (typically visited by meals vehicles) is the place to be within the summertime. Strive the 51K IPA — a subtly fruity, earthy beer named for the native Noquemanon Ski Marathon. 
• Ore Dock Brewing Company: 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 vehicles. On a summer season day get pleasure from a Bum’s Seaside wheat ale or a Contemporary Coast IPA — or, if a cold breeze is coming off the lake (which is usually the case, even in the summertime), cozy up with a darkish lager just like the Six Pointer Dunkel. 

Store Downtown Marquette

Whereas Marquette is the most important metropolis within the Higher Peninsula, it’s not… massive. However there’s quite a bit packed into the downtown district that’s tucked alongside the Lake Superior shore. It is a little metropolis with an enormous persona, and it’s evident within the eclectic outlets, boutiques, and shops lining the hilly streets. Spend a day wandering by means of downtown Marquette, stopping for espresso, refreshment, or a Lake Superior view everytime you need. Listed here are among the must-visit outlets 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. Whilst you’re unlikely to get snowed in on a summer season go to, that is the very best place to select up just a few seashore reads earlier than you head to the lake.
• Downwind Sports: 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 clothes shop, with the whole lot 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 a wide range of new and outdated retro, classic, and mid-century fashionable clothes and treasures. This retailer is all about feeling fabulous and colourful — and who isn’t into that?
• Revisions: When 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 the whole lot from attractive potted vegetation to bathtub bombs to ceramics and candles — very hygge, if you happen to ask us. Cease right here for the proper 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. Every part is deliberately chosen, they usually don’t promote various of every piece (making the whole lot distinctive!). In the event you’re in search of a flowy costume or floppy hat to put on to the seashore, that is your store.

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 Law 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. At present, Presque Isle is kind of the identical wild land that Olmsted visited within the late 1800s. 

Presque Isle is most famously identified for the Blackrocks — 1.7 billion-year-old rock from historical ocean crust. Whereas they’re fascinating to have a look at and marvel at their age, most locals come to do considered one of their favourite issues to do in Marquette, Michigan: cliff jumping off the Blackrocks. If thrills aren’t your factor, there’s nonetheless a lot 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 proper 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 Sunset Point, or drive in after a dinner downtown to catch the present. Both manner, deliver your digicam to seize the wonderful reds and oranges from the muted daylight catching the rocks and the waves.
• Hike the paths: Whilst you can drive the perimeter of the park, you too can hike it on a lovely, well-kept path. Circumnavigate Presque Isle on the two.3-mile loop, take a path by means 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 “Walking Hours” throughout which the street is closed to autos.
• Hang around on the seashore: 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 seashore 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 beneath.

Tour a Lighthouse

Michigan has extra lighthouses than every 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 straightforward 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 technique to deliver it to life than by seeing or touring a lighthouse. 

• Big Bay Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse sits dramatically perched on a cliff close to Huge Bay, a tiny outpost that was as soon as a trip retreat for Henry Ford. The sunshine itself emerges from a reasonably crimson brick construction, now house to a small Bed and Breakfast. Now, this vacation spot on Huge Bay Level attracts these desirous to spend the night time in a historic lighthouse. Huge Bay Level Lighthouse Mattress and Breakfast additionally affords tours of the lively lighthouse to each visitors of the Inn and to the general public.
• Marquette Harbor Lighthouse: This traditional crimson lighthouse sits proper on the harbor and makes a fast cease throughout a day round city. Wanting like an outdated one-room schoolhouse (with a light-weight as a substitute of a bell, in fact!), it was inbuilt 1853 and is the oldest important 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 immediately! You may tour the lighthouse on foot with a information from the Marquette Maritime Museum. In the event you time your journey proper, you could even get to hitch 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 crimson and white Presque Isle Harbor Lighthouse sits on the finish of an extended breakwall, which, if the climate permits, you may stroll all the way 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 technique 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 aspect. The super pressure of the waves and the frigid water can overpower even the strongest swimmers.” Does that provide you with chills or what?

Take a Day Journey to Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore

In the event you’re in search of a day journey, you may’t beat Pictured Rocks National 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 probably the most attractive 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 seashore, see a waterfall, take a ship trip, kayak, or swim (if you happen to can deal with the chilly).

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

• Go climbing: Mountaineering is among the greatest methods to expertise Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. There are over 100 miles of trails that wind by means of dense forest, close to streams and waterfalls, and alongside Lake Superior’s dramatic coast. The North Country Trail 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 trail (10 miles) takes hikers by among the park’s extra in style waterfalls and seashores. If you wish to spend half a day on the path, the Beaver Basin Wilderness loop (5.5 miles) winds by means of numerous forests, by Beaver Lake, and alongside Lake Superior. Lastly, if you happen to solely have time for a brief hike, hike from Miner’s Castle to Miner’s Beach and again (2 miles spherical journey).
• Chill out on the seashore: 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 attractive sandy seashores tucked into the Lakeshore which can be price trying out. Sand Point Beach, Twelvemile Beach, and Miner’s Beach are a few of our favorites.
• See the waterfalls: As we talked about earlier, the Higher Peninsula is stuffed with waterfalls, and Pictured Rocks options among the greatest. Earlier than you head into the Lakeshore, you may see the 50-foot Munising Falls proper exterior the town of Munising. It’s a fast stroll on a paved path to get there. Miner’s Falls is essentially 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 when you have a high-clearance car. 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 if you happen to keep on land your complete time. On a sunny day, the lake is impossibly blue towards the orange, crimson, and brown cliffs that tower as much as 200 ft over the water beneath. However to get the total expertise — and to essentially perceive the which means of the identify “Pictured Rocks” — you must hop on a ship and cruise alongside the Superior shore. Pictured Rocks Cruises affords just a few totally different journeys that deliver you inside spitting distance of among the Lakeshore’s most iconic landforms, together with Miner’s Castle, Lover’s Leap, and Chapel Rock. Plus, two of the park’s most dramatic waterfalls cascade off steep cliffs instantly into Lake Superior — and that is one of the best ways to see them! If you wish to see these similar sights however desire a extra lively mode of transportation, select from a choice of kayaking excursions alongside the Lakeshore.

The place to Keep in Marquette

Whereas staying in Marquette, you could have two fabulous choices: staying within the small downtown space the place the whole lot is a brief stroll away, or renting a spot exterior 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 must enterprise far out of city to entry these attractive landscapes. 

That mentioned, if you wish to spend lots of time having fun with eating places, outlets, 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 exterior of city.

Listed here are a few of our suggestions for every:

• The Landmark Inn is Marquette’s most elegant lodge — the place “Previous-world European splendor and allure meet fashionable comfort.” Assume chandeliers, wood-paneled partitions, and stained glass! Located within the coronary heart of downtown Marquette, you’re near the whole lot on the Landmark. Plus, the rooftop views of Lake Superior — accompanied by cocktails and appetizers — is sufficient to make anybody swoon.
• Superior Stay is a brand new boutique lodge close to the college campus and loads of eating places and bars. This clear, comfy, and fashionable lodge is ideal for anybody who needs to take full benefit of the town and environment whereas having fun with a quiet, no-fuss keep. And like several good northerly lodging, you may wager there’s a sauna.
• This clean and modern downtown rental is near each the seashore and downtown facilities. You may stroll to the seashore for a day within the solar or stroll into city on your morning espresso. Plus, it’s obtained a cute entrance porch and a non-public yard patio for having fun with Marquette’s impossibly lengthy summer season days. 
• 15 miles from Marquette, this sunny lakeside cabin is the proper 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 if you happen to’re feeling extra adventurous, you may take the kayak or canoe out for a peaceable paddle across the lake.
• This private Lake Superior cabin sits 12 miles east of Marquette on a beautiful stretch of sugar sand seashore. Spend your days strolling the seashore, taking part in within the solar, or taking a dip within the refreshing water — and at night time, collect across the firepit for an area 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 the very best native food and drinks she will be able to discover. Study extra at emilycarolcopy.com.

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