25+ Best Things To Do In Marquette MI
There are so many things to do in Marquette MI – you’d be surprised! From outdoor activities, museums, shopping, places to eat, hotel accommodations & so much more, Marquette is such a great town to visit whether relaxing or exploring!
See below to help plan your visit to the UP with these things to do in Marquette MI!
Is Marquette MI Worth Visiting?
As one of the largest cities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette has what you’re looking for with its rather large blend of opportunity. Whether it be outdoor adventure or city life, with so many things to do in Marquette MI – this place will deliver!
Things To Do In Marquette MI
Your guide to 25+ Best Things To Do In Marquette MI to make the most of your visit to the UP!
1. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is a popular scenic overlook with a measured length of 3,200 feet. This combination hike offers a foot trail and stairway segments that lead to Sugarloaf’s summit, 470 feet above Lake Superior. It’s the highest point on its central Upper Peninsula coastline and provides amazing views for miles around!
2. Wander Through The Lakenenland Sculpture Park
This free sculpture park is a great option if you are looking for things to do in Marquette MI on a budget! It’s open 24/7 offering a bog walk, pavilion, an area for picnics, playground, ponds for fishing, & so much more. Not to mention, it holds 100+ sculptures!
3. Stop By The Marquette Regional History Center
The mission of the Marquette Regional History Center is to preserve and present history for audiences in order that they may understand it better.
The center’s collection includes books, maps, photographs as well personal papers which provide stories & helped shape this nation; from historical documents chronicling America’s first interactions with Native Americans.
4. Have Breakfast at Contrast Coffee
Contrast Coffee is a stylish, modern coffee shop with a location in downtown Marquette & 3 other locations across Michigan. Serving up coffee, other beverages, & breakfast – they will leave you wanting to come back to their shop more than once during your trip to Marquette. Their crepes are to die for!
5. Surf on Lake Superior
Yup, you read that right! People do, in fact, surf on Lake Superior & the best time to do it is during the winter months! According to Down Wind Sports in Marquette – the best places to surf near Marquette are Gitchi Gumi, McCarty’s Cove & the Zoo.
6. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum
This interactive museum is a great place for kids of all ages. It has plenty to keep them busy and entertained with fun exhibits, shows, hands-on activities like arts & crafts workshops or cooking classes.
7. Explore Presque Isle Park
One of the most picturesque parks in Marquette County, Presque Isle is a 323-acre forested peninsula that extends into Lake Superior. The water and land are serenely beautiful together with great views for visitors to take it all in from their own picnic spot, shelter on site, or take a drive around the peninsula to experience it’s beauty up close!
8. Explore Hogback Mountain
Hogback Mountain, near Marquette is one of the most beautiful places to explore. The views on this mountain range you’ll never find anywhere else- they’re so deep and wide! It’s an excellent place for hiking or just relaxing in your own private glen.
9. Take a Stroll Downtown & Check Out the Many Shops
Located right next to Lake Superior, downtown Marquette has many different shops from souvenirs, décor, clothing, & more. As well as, a wide variety of places to eat or grab a snack while you walk the streets. Be sure to check it out while you are visiting & enjoy all that downtown Marquette has to offer!
10. Visit Blackrocks Brewery
Blackrocks Brewery in downtown Marquette, Michigan is known to be a mellow microbrewery with an inviting taproom. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating while they sip their favorite brews or listen to some live music – all without even leaving this great town!
11. Enjoy The Lake Superior Theatre
Take a stroll down by the water & check out the Lake Superior Theatre. It is a great place for anyone looking to get out and enjoy some live theatre. Whether you’re there during the day or evening, this venue has something that will suit your taste!
12. Cliff Jump from Black Rocks
A popular things to do in Marquette MI is to jump off of the Black Rocks in Presque Isle Park. Jumping off the Black Rocks is an exhilarating experience. This scenic area of land offers visitors stunning views and great opportunities for adventure when they jump into Lake Superior’s chilly waters!
13. See The Superior Dome in Person
Another great thing to do in Marquette, MI is to see the Northern Michigan University’s Superior Dome in person! This 7,000 square-foot facility that was built in the early 1990s & is used for many sports activities at the NMU campus. It is also said to be the world’s largest wooden dome.
14. Enjoy a Bagel at Third Street Bagel
Looking for a filling breakfast? Stop by Third Street Bagel for a bagel with their wide variety of bagels, cream cheese spreads, & other toppings or make it a breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, sausage, and/or cheese. They also have coffee, tea, & other beverages – yum!
15. Visit The Moosewood Nature Center
The MooseWood Nature Center, located in Presque Isle Park and run by a non-profit organization with an educational mission to help individuals learn more about the importance of nature. They host many events for people who want fun activities while they’re learning!
16. Check Out The DeVos Art Museum
The DeVos Art Museum in Marquette, Michigan is known for its incredible collection of art and history.
It’s the perfect place to visit during any season—it features permanent galleries as well as rotating exhibitions from many different artists!
17. Go To McCarty Cove for Some Beach Time
Among the many things to do in Marquette MI, if you get some nice weather during your visit – be sure to enjoy some beach time at McCarty Cove & explore the area around the picturesque lighthouse!
18. Iron Ore Heritage Trail
Along this 40+ mile trail you can see abandoned blast furnaces and coal camps as well as explore lush forests inhabited by wildlife native only to these parts! You’ll also learn all about Marquette’s rich iron ore legacy as well as how we use these resources today.
19. Jilbert Dairy
The Jilbert Dairy in Marquette Michigan is a must see for any family looking to have some fun. Filled with all sorts of treats and activities, you’re bound to find something that will keep your kids entertained!
20. Dead River Falls
Looking for a quick but fun walk/hike? Check out Dead River Falls in Marquette, Michigan. It’s just shy of 2 miles long and it has an awesome waterfall, surrounded by trees & a peaceful atmosphere.
The parking lot has easy access to the trailhead & has a porta-potty. Speaking of the parking lot – as you enter or exit the parking lot be sure to keep your eye out for Reany Falls too!
21. Have a Drink at Barrel & Beam
This brewery only crafts beer with old world process and new world taste. The company’s name reflects its intersectional focus on both tradition versus innovation; as well as quality ingredients from around the globe for their various styles of ales to be enjoyed by everyone!
22. Visit the Marquette Maritime Museum
The Marquette Maritime Museum is a great place to visit for anyone who loves ships and nautical history. It has one of the most extensive collections anywhere, with more than 75 different vessels on display! The museum also offers many educational programs each year including ongoing docent-led tours.
22. Hit the Slopes at Marquette Mountain
Marquette Mountain is a great place to snowboard and ski. The slopes have everything from wide open spaces for beginners, to expert runs that will challenge even the most skilled skier or boarder! If you’re looking for an adrenaline packed weekend getaway Marquette has what it takes with plenty of terrain.
Other Things To Do Near Marquette MI
23. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a place where you can find peace and tranquility in nature. The lakes are home to some really amazing scenery, like waterfalls that shoot skyward as high as 100 feet
Whether your idea runs along hiking trails through forests with new views on every corner or watching the sunset over Lake Superior; there will be something here for everyone!
24. Yellow Dog Falls
Located in the Ottawa National Forest, Yellow Dog Falls is outside of Marquette but well worth the drive! These falls are known for the large bolder that sits in the center & how easy they are to reach from the trial.
25. Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve
In Harvey, Michigan you will find this 13 acre nature preserve. It is known to be home to the first steam-powered sawmill, but offers jaw dropping beauty & is connected to these popular trails: Iron Ore Heritage Trail & North Country National Scenic Trail.
26. Wagner Falls
Located in Munising at the Wagner Fall Scenic Site State Park, Wagner Falls is a favorite among many! The trail leading to the falls is picturesque as you walk across the boardwalk through the trees. If you are in the Munising area, add Wagner Falls to the top of your list.
27. Explore Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook
Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook is located in Big Bay, MI which is slightly northwest of Marquette. This overlook is popular year road offering a partially paved path, a look out area, & picnic area.
Things to do in Marquette, MI this weekend
Looking for things to do in Marquette MI this weekend? Marquette is always bustling with events & exciting things to do. Check out the Travel Marquette page to see what’s going on this weekend!
What is Marquette Michigan Known For?
Marquette is named after the French Jesuit, Jacques Marquette. The scenic beauty of Marquette’s land make it an unrivaled place to explore or enjoy life the simple way – enjoying time in nature while being surrounded by rich traditions that date back 160 years ago when iron mining became big business here.
Places to Stay in Marquette MI
Located near downtown Marquette is Superior Stay Boutique Hotel. This hotel has wonderful amenities, continental breakfast & if you are looking for things to do in Marquette, MI – Superior Stay is located near many great restaurants, coffee shops, stores, & not far from the water!
Waterfalls In Marquette MI
Looking to explore more waterfalls in Marquette MI than the ones listed above? Check out 11 Must See Waterfalls In Marquette MI.
Overview: 25+ Best Things To Do In Marquette MI
Marquette is a beautiful city that has plenty to offer. Whether you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, or just want to explore some new cultural experiences, there are many things to do in Marquette MI.
Have you been to Marquette before? If there are any places you’d suggest, let me know!