What to do in the Marquette Area
Marquette is the Upper Peninsula’s largest city and the heart of the region, clad with numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, creeks for fishing, campgrounds, restaurants, and watering holes. That said, it can still be challenging to know where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got you covered!
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A brief history of the Marquette Area
Modern-day Marquette’s history started in the 1840s when iron deposits were discovered near what we now know as Negaunee. Marquette soon became the primary shipping city in the Upper Peninsula, and the town grew. Northern Michigan University was founded here in 1899, and the area became a vibrant tourist destination by the early 1900s. Today, it’s a modern city that boasts numerous nearby waterfalls, great options for hiking, and countless outdoor adventures.
Where to stay in the Marquette Area
Being one of the largest cities on Lake Superior, Marquette has various options for lodging. Whether you’re looking for a fancy hotel or rugged camping, we’ve got you covered.
The Landmark Inn opened as the Northland Hotel opened in 1930 after a decade of construction and delays. It was the finest place to stay in town for decades; however, it eventually became outdated and was closed. In 1995, the property was renovated and reopened under the Landmark name, offering quality accommodations and rooms with a view of Marquette, the downtown Ore Dock, and Lake Superior.
Perkins Park & Campground is roughly 30 minutes north of Marquette in Big Bay. The town is quaint, and the campground is well-maintained. There are all kinds of sites available, from rustic sites for tents to those for larger campers. The campground is on a small, dammed lake within walking distance of Lake Superior. Numerous waterfalls and hikes between Marquette and Big Bay make this a solid jumping-off point for those seeking an adventurous stay.
Rippling River Resort is only a few miles outside of downtown Marquette, but it feels like you’re a world away. With everything from rustic sites for tent camping to luxury cabins with flatscreen TVs. You can pop down into Marquette for dinner or escape into Mt. Marquette for fishing, hiking, and skiing.
Outdoor activities in the Marquette Area
Despite being the largest city in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette is packed to the brim with waterfalls, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Here are a few of our favorites:
Hogback Mountain is one of our favorite hikes in Michigan and is one of the most unique we’ve been on. The trail has humble beginnings, with a primarily flat trek through the woods and over a marsh. However, the journey to the summit becomes steep, rocky, and moderately challenging. Scrambling is sometimes required; however, the view of Marquette, Lake Superior, and the immaculate scenery of the Upper Peninsula is well worth it. Bring a snack, enjoy the view, and go hiking.
Yellow Dog River Falls is a short out-and-back hike; however, the falls are very pretty. In the warmer months, you can wade in the water below the falls, which is refreshing. There are plenty of spots around the falls to sit on a rock and enjoy a picnic, too. The falls are a bit off the beaten track; however, they’re not far from Big Bay and Adler Falls.
Sugarloaf Mountain is easily accessible and offers panoramic views of Lake Superior, Marquette, and the Upper Peninsula. It’s mostly stairs and an easy hike, but the view makes this a worthy addition to your trip, even if you aren’t a fan of overdeveloped hiking. The view in the morning when the sun is rising is superb, and watching the sunset over the dense forest is magical.
Where to eat and drink in the Marquette Area
Marquette has some of the best food in the Upper Peninsula, from tacos to bagels. This list is far from exhaustive, but these joints are worth checking out!
Third Street Bagel is one of the few places in Marquette that we must stop at every time we visit. There are too many spectacular things on the menu to leave this off of any list, whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory treats. Our two personal favorites are the Cinnamon Sugar and Jalapeno Cheddar bagels, but there isn’t a thing on the menu that we’ve tried that we didn’t like. The Chai Teas are tasty, too!
The Lumberjack Tavern is world-famous for a murder that took place here in 1952. As the sign says, the joint has been murder-free since then, so all you’ll have to worry about is what beer to order at the bar and how many appetizers to order. Located right in Big Bay, you can walk here from anywhere in town or Perkins Park Campground.
The Huron Mountain Bakery has been a staple of the Marquette area for over a quarter century, with locations in Marquette and Ishpeming. Whether you’re looking for a bagel to take on the road, a sweet treat to wake you up after a long drive or hike, or some bread to make sandwiches with while visiting Marquette, the Huron Mountain Bakery has you covered. The prices are fair, the workers are friendly, and you’ll never wait long here, even if the line is out the door. The jalapeno cheddar bread is perfection and freezes well, so you might as well get two!
Stores to visit in the Marquette Area
One thing that we like most about Marquette is how non-commercial it is. There’s a lot of shopping, but there are little-to-no chains downtown, which is unique. You can head out of town to go to the big box stores if you want, but you won’t find any of those places on this list!
Yoopertone Music is a full-service music store offering lessons, musical instrument sales and service, and CD and vinyl sales. While in town, we always make it a point to stop here to look at the vinyl. This is a great way to support a local record shop run by good people and get a souvenir we’ll never forget. After all, who doesn’t want to remember a fun trip to Marquette every time they spin Van Morrison’s 1968 album Astral Weeks?
Superior Outfitters is the kind of place where you can find flies and lures that will actually catch fish (especially trout), learn more about fishing in the area, and ask questions. Carrying everything from the waders to the rod and reel, this can be your one-stop shop for fishing in the Marquette area or a humble pit stop to grab a few more spinners to hit the creek by your campground.
Getz’s has been in Marquette since 1900—actually, they’ve been in the same building that whole time, which is worth commending. Whether you need another shirt to go hiking in, chop wood, or go out for a fancy dinner in downtown Marquette, Getz’s probably has what you’re looking for. If you’re there at the right time of year, you might be able to get a good deal on winter boots, which we’ve done on two occasions.
