Marquette County, Michigan

Published: Tuesday, July 25, 2017

On the list of the ‘Top 25 Best Adventure Destinations in the World’, Marquette County is right on the shores of Lake Superior in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Put in at Cinder Pond Marina, near downtown Marquette, or Presque Isle Marina, along the City Bike Path, with 160 slips total.

From either marina, it’s a manageable walk, bike ride, or quick cab ride to three craft breweries: Blackrocks, Ore Dock, and Marquette Harbor. There’s also a new wine bar in town–the Zephyr on Front Street. Taste-test local favorites on the patio with spectacular downtown and lake views. Or catch the view with some top-shelf liquor in the Sky Lounge located on the top floor of the Landmark Inn.

Great food is just around the corner at the Marq, on Baraga Street, with the best deep-fried cheese curds north of the Wisconsin border. Get your Cajun on at Lagniappes Cajun Creole or indulge in the mouth-watering fried brussel sprouts at the Delft Bistro, both on Washington Street. Try out the new Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery overlooking the Lower Harbor on Lakeshore Boulevard. In fact, you’ll find an astounding variety of quaint eateries throughout the downtown Marquette district. You may even consider extending your stay and trying a couple extras, like the Steinhaus, the Piedmont, or Dig’s. Don’t forget to order up some authentic U.P. pasties from Jean Kay’s for the journey home!

Boutique shops line Washington, Front, and Third streets, with new collections and establishments added this season.

Set aside time in your travels to visit sites dedicated to preserving the story of Marquette County. Spend time at the Regional History Center. Visit the statue of Father Marquette, the Jesuit explorer from the 1600s and Marquette County's namesake. Linger at the Marquette Maritime Museum and Harbor Lighthouse.

Bring your bikes? If not, rent some and enjoy the scenic Iron Ore Heritage Trail stretching from Marquette to Michigamme. For the more adventuresome, get on those mountain bikes and take on miles of single-track. The local trail system holds Bronze Ride Center rating from the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

No matter when you’re in town, summer means festivals in the park and downtown. July kicks off with the International Food Fest, Independence Day parades and celebrations, U.P. Shakespeare Festival, Hiawatha Music Festival, Blueberry Fest, and Art on the Rocks. August brings the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic, Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon, and the music and excitement of Harborfest.

f Iyou’re just looking to relax and enjoy nature, make the easy climb up Sugarloaf Mountain and take in the spectacular view of Lake Superior and Marquette County. Walk along the shoreline at Wetmore Landing and explore the pines and rock formations. Stand on the black rocks of Presque Isle and breathe in the awe-inspiring sunset. When you’re in Marquette County, you decide if you want to take things fast or slow, or enjoy city or wilderness.

Embrace your natural identity in Marquette County, Michigan.
Plan your adventure at TravelMarquetteMichigan.com. Call 1-800-544-4321 for more information.

tags: Destination, Lake Superior