Things To Do in Marquette Michigan
Marquette, Michigan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Additionally, it's home to several historical landmarks and a thriving local arts scene, making it a well-rounded destination for all types of travelers.
Fun Fact
Marquette is the largest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and used to be the premier shipping port for iron ore. Marquette Michigan is also home to the famous 'Ice Beard Surfers', surfing on Lake Superior during the winter months.
Table of Contents:
Views
The Sugarloaf Mountain trail is one of the top things to do in Marquette Michigan and is suitable for all skill levels. This trail takes you to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at 470 feet above Lake Superior. At this vantage point, you can witness incredible panoramic views of Lake Superior, the Marquette coastline, Presque Isle, and the surrounding lush forests.
Trail Information
Completing the entire Sugarloaf Mountain is 1.4 miles round-trip with 295 feet in elevation gain. The trail is a loop and is rated as "Moderate" difficulty. Plan at least 45 minutes to complete the entire trail. For more information and to download the trail offline on your mobile device, visit AllTrails.
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2. Presque Isle Park
Located on the northwest side of Marquette on an oval-shaped peninsula and spanning 323 acres, Presque Isle Park is a must-visit! With lighthouses, lookouts, beaches, and walking/hiking paths, this peninsula is a green oasis just minutes from the city center.
J&L Favorite: a must-visit in Marquette!
Some of our favorite activities on Presque Isle Park include walking out to the Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light and jumping off the iconic Black Rocks (at your own risk) into the frigid Lake Superior.
Also Read: Ultimate 1 Week Upper Peninsula Itinerary
3. Hogback Mountain
Hogback Mountain leads to breathtaking views at a higher elevation than Sugarloaf Mountain. If you are looking for a bit more challenging hike than Sugarloaf Mountain, or additional mileage, then this is the trail in Marquette for you.
Also Read: 10 Hiking Essentials
Trail Information
There are two ways to reach the Hogback Mountain summit. The first has a lower elevation gain and includes an additional pond viewing. We started on this trail but quickly turned around due to all of the bugs in mid-July. If you are visiting Marquette in the fall, you may have better luck with the bugs on this trail.
The second trail we would consider more of a hard trail than moderate. There are several areas that require searching for trail markers to find your way and a decent amount of rock scrambling towards the summit. However, we enjoyed the challenge (and lack of bugs) that led to the most picturesque views of Marquette.
4. Dead River Falls
We found Dead River Falls to be another challenging, yet rewarding hike. With river crossings and rock scrambling, the route is not easy. However, following close to the river will keep you on the trail. We had this trail nearly to ourselves and found it to be a hidden gem of Marquette with numerous spectacular waterfalls.
Fun Fact: There are actually 6 waterfalls on this trail! Do not turn around after you reach the first, the sixth is the most impressive!
Trail Information
Completing the entire Dead River Falls Trail is 1.7 miles round-trip with 229 feet in elevation gain. The trail is an out & back and is rated as "Moderate" difficulty. Plan at least one hour to complete the entire trail. For more information and to download the trail offline on your mobile device, visit AllTrails.
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5. Bad Dog Loop Trail
Bad Dog Loop Trail is such a unique trail along the Dead River. Parking can be found just past the Marquette Board of Light & Power on Wright Street, or at the Wright Street Falls Parking (which can cut off about a mile of the trail). This trail takes you past both the Wright Street Falls and Forestville Dam Falls along an easy route navigating through the Dead River power house system.
Trail Information
Completing the entire Bad Dog Loop Trail is 2.6 miles round-trip with 164 feet in elevation gain. The trail is a loop and is rated as "Moderate" difficulty. Plan at least one hour to complete the entire trail. For more information and to download the trail offline on your mobile device, visit AllTrails.
5. Wetmore Landing
Wetmore Landing parking is located across the street from one of the Hogback Mountain trailheads. We found this beach to be the ideal spot to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch after a morning of hiking. Fair warning, Lake Superior is cold! However, a quick dip always feels refreshing in the summer heat.
The Wetmore Landing beach is absolutely stunning. The white powdery sand contrasting with the lush green forest and bright blue Lake Superior makes for a postcard-worthy experience. If you are in the mood for additional hiking, take a stroll on this easy coastline trail which starts from Wetmore Landing, passes through a hidden beach, and ends at Little Presque Isle.
Time of Year: For the warmest water and least amount of bugs, head to Marquette around August/September.
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The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 46-mile point-to-point trail that starts in Marquette and ends in Republic, MI. It is commonly used for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking (mainly crushed stone). However, there is a very scenic paved portion on the eastern section of the trail that follows along Lake Superior shoreline from the Michigan Welcome Center to Presque Isle Park (it becomes the city multi-use path after the historic Lower Harbor Ore Docks). This section of the trail is about 7 miles one-way and passes by breweries such as Drifa Brewing Company & Ore Docks Brewing Company.
Tip: Discover the entire Iron Ore Heritage Trail here!
7. Go Mountain Biking
Enjoy Mountain Biking? Marquette's Noquemanon Trail Network has "received national acclaim as a premier mountain bike destination", as well as, "EPIC Trail Status from the International Mountain Biking Association". One of two in Michigan to receive this status and only 16 nationwide. This trail network features waterfalls, rustic campsites, & scenic views. Discover all of Marquette's top mountain biking trails here!
Tip: Plan your adventure on the Noquemanon Trail Network using this interactive site.
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8. Historic Marquette Ore Docks
The Ore Docks in Marquette are a very important part of the city's history. Back in the day, Marquette was the premier shipping port for iron ore. Today, the ore docks are still in use, shipping roughly 10 million tons of ore from the Marquette Ore Dock annually.
How do they work? Ore is transported to the docks via railcars. These railcars then dump the ore into steel bins stored underneath the docks. When boats arrive, these bins open from the bottom, allowing the iron ore to fill the pallets within the boat for transportation.
Tip: Find the formerly used Lower Harbor Ore Dock located downtown Marquette or the still functioning Marquette Ore Dock outside of Presque Isle Park.
9. M28 Scenic Drive to Munising
A perfect day-trip from Marquette is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located less than an hour drive from Marquette, Pictured Rocks should be on your Michigan bucket list. The drive from Marquette to Munising along M28 is nothing short of awe inspiring. The stunning Lake Superior, sandy beaches, and scenic turnouts make you feel as though you have somehow arrived in a tropical destination.
Our favorite stops along M28 include: Lakenenland Sculpture Park, Deer Lake Roadside Park, Au Train Beach, & Grand Island Harbor Scenic Turnout (these are all pinned on our Michigan Map).
Go Kayaking! Kayak the Au Train River as one of our recommended Pictured Rocks Kayaking Adventures.
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Noms
1. Rice Paddy
[Cash Only]
Rice Paddy served up some of the best Asian food we have ever tasted. This local hole-in-the-wall is a cash-only establishment serving hefty portions at an affordable price. We witnessed a local sprint down the street back to her house to grab some cash before Rice Paddy closed up shop. If that does not tell you how good their food is, we don't know what will.
J&L Tip: Try the Pad Thai or Orange Chicken and you will not be disappointed! Pair with dream-worthy cream cheese wontons.
2. Huron Mountain Bakery
Serving up some delicious breakfast food and bakery items, Huron Mountain Bakery is loved by locals and tourists alike. This is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to fuel you for a day of exploring or a sweet treat to reward yourself after hiking Marquette's mountains.
J&L Recommended: Try one of their donuts or breads, it will not disappoint!
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Located across from Blackrocks Brewery, Third Street Bagel specializes in warm, mouthwatering bagels and sandwiches. With a variety of spreads, bagel flavors, and sandwich fillers, there are so many tasty combinations to choose from. Pair with a morning coffee or breakfast smoothie!
Try: Their sun dried tomato cream cheese!
Brews
An electric brewpub in Marquette complete with fire pits, games, live music, and outdoor seating. Our favorite brew was their summertime American Wheat Ale, Honey Lav [5.2% ABV; 15 IBU] which is brewed with Michigan honey and lavender flowers. Get it while it lasts, available from May until August annually. Be sure to stop here if your travels bring you through Marquette.
Also Read: Best Craft Breweries of Michigan
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2. Ore Docks Brewery
This is a truly unique brewery near the water with a view of the ore docks. It has outdoor seating, live music, food trucks, and 10 beers served on tap. Our favorite was the Porter [5.7% ABV; no IBU], which won a silver metal at the World Beer Championships. This porter is a smooth, dark ale that packs much flavor with a sweet, enjoyable finish.
Also Read: Top Breweries of Traverse City
3. Dead River Coffee Roasters
Dead River Coffee Roasters is a small-town coffee roaster located alongside Lake Superior. Stop in for their amazing espresso and stay for some locally made pastries, pies, and vanilla bean syrup. If you are looking for some incredible tasting coffee, knowledgeable staff, and some good 'ole northern Michigan hospitality, Dead River Coffee Roasters is your spot.
Also Read: Top Coffee Shops of Michigan
Heading to Marquette in the fall? Don't miss their annual U.P. Beer Festival!
Planning Your Trip
How many days is enough to see Marquette?
In order to complete our suggested activities, we recommend spending at least two full days in Marquette. If you want to add a day trip to Pictured Rocks or spend more time relaxing at a Lake Superior beach, you may consider adding 1-2 more days.
J&L Recommended: 2-4 Full Days
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What month is the best to visit Marquette?
Marquette has its perks at all times of the year. It becomes a winter-wonderland for skiing and snow sports during the colder months, the mountains provide scenic vantage points for fall foliage, and the summer is the best time to take a dip in the frigid Lake Superior. Our personal recommendation is to enjoy pleasant weather, a warmer Lake Superior, and minimal bugs is to visit Marquette in late summer.
J&L Recommended: July - September
Where is the best area to stay in Marquette?
While visiting the outdoorsy town of Marquette, we chose to experience more of the nature by camping. Rippling River Resort was the best of both worlds. It offered rustic campsites along the river, as well as, modern amenities. For those who prefer four walls, they also offer cabins & glamping tents. This campground also has live music along the river, local beers at their campground bar, and wood fire pizza! It was easily one of our favorite camping experiences.
J&L Recommended Camping: Rippling River Resort
Prefer to stay at a hotel?
Use the search box below to select your travel dates and find a great deal on hotels in Marquette.
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Can you see the northern lights in Marquette?
If you are lucky, you may see the northern lights in Marquette! They are not seen at all times of the year, rather they are most frequently spotted from August to April
J&L Recommended: The best time to see the northern lights in Marquette is in October and November
Getting around in Marquette
Marquette is most easily explored via car in order to navigate to all of the parks and surrounding nature. Although the city of Marquette does have cellular service, we recommend downloading offline maps to navigate throughout the Upper Peninsula (which has spotty service overall).
Download offline maps with all of our recommendations pinned here!
Enjoy our Marquette Michigan tips and tricks? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
This has been very helpful in planning our trip to Marquette!