Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park
Located just outside of downtown Marquette is a large park with a grassy area, an old-school wooden playground, a walkway along the water, and a boat launch. The park is called Ellwood A. Mattson Harbor Park, named after a longtime Trustee of Northern Michigan University and the chairman emeritus of the Michigan Financial Corporation and the MFC First National Bank of Marquette, who passed away in 2002.
The kids loved the playground, and I have to admit I love seeing the old wooden playgrounds that still exist from my childhood as well. I never played at this particular playground, but it was very similar to one I did play at as a child, and they really are a great time.
Strolling down by the water is lovely, and the view of the Ore Dock and Savings Bank Building is spectacular, especially around sunset. There are many open grassy areas to sprawl out and enjoy those views, have a picnic, or play lawn games. The park was far from the most memorable thing we did in Marquette, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are strolling around town with some time to kill!
