Marquette is a city and county seat of Marquette County in Michigan, United States.
It is the most populous city in the Upper Peninsula, with a population of 20,629 as of the 2020 census.
The city was founded in 1851 under the name of Worcester before it was renamed Marquette after Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit explorer.
Marquette city is well known as an active iron ore and lumber port. However, it has now evolved into a diverse town with different opportunities.
In addition to the industries and historic sites from the 1880s, there are pubs, waterfalls, nature preserves, bars, and more.
There are numerous places to visit in Marquette, such as Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, Lake Superior Theatre, Picnic Rocks Park, Marquette Maritime Museum, Jean Kay’s Pasties and Subs, Sugarloaf Mountain, and more.
Are you planning on making Marquette your next vacation destination? Here are the top things to do in Marquette, MI.
Things to Do in Marquette, MI
1. Dead River Falls
Dead River Falls
Dead River Falls is a stunning waterfall in Marquette that stretches for half a mile. It is a perfect place to spend quality time.
A rough trail leads hikers to the top of the cliff, where they enjoy the magnificent views of the waters rolling over the edge into the glistening pool.
After the first hike, keep going and don’t stop until you get to different points where you enjoy wonderful views of the falls from the trail.
Dead River Falls allows hikers to get through the rough edges to the bottom of the waterfall, where the comforting and peaceful waters will welcome them.
The trail is lined with tall green trees and rocks with stunning flowers, which you will enjoy climbing.
Exploring this attraction is one of the top things to do in Marquette, MI.
Address: Marquette County, 2 miles west of Marquette, MI 49855, United States
2. Marquette Mountain
Are you ready to truly explore the city of Marquette? If yes, Marquette Mountain is one of the best places to visit in Marquette, MI.
Marquette Mountain has been a favorite place for snowboarders and skiers since 1957 when its Ski area officially opened.
The Mountain features several trails for biking with different levels of challenges during the summer and spring seasons.
Exciting ski lessons are available at Marquette Mountain for children from three years and above, including private lessons for large groups and individuals.
Marquette Mountain hosts many alpine racing competitions for many area ski clubs. This 120-inch Mountain offers a long period of snowboarding and skiing entertainment due to the average yearly snowfall.
This attraction is also an excellent location for several special events, including weddings and other outdoor activities.
Address: 4501 M-553 Marquette, MI 49855, United States
3. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum
Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling with your kids, visiting Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Marquette, MI.
The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum is an educational Museum established with the main aim of facilitating families’ interests in various health, arts, global issues, and science programs.
The primary purpose of this Museum is to offer the public an opportunity to participate in several interactive exhibits and programs in arts and science.
Kids were involved in planning the Museum design through the Design-O-Saurus program.
The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum later included two additional halls for exhibitions and the World of Science and Nature.
The Museum showcases an extensive collection of technology, science, and culture exhibits, including play areas for children.
Address: 123 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
4. Iron Ore Heritage Trail
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail, a multi-use trail, takes visitors to the ancient passageways of a railroad used during the days of the iron ore, haul firewood, and the Lake Superior Harbor.
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail stretches for forty-seven miles. It is open throughout the year for horseback riding, walking, snowmobiling, and sightseeing.
This expansive trail links and goes through numerous Marquette County’s inhabited regions, featuring essential amenities for travelers.
Iron Ore Heritage Trail enlightens the users about the history of the iron ore industry and how it helped in the region’s evolution.
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail features accessible restaurants, stores, and pubs housed in refurbished ancient buildings.
Address: Marquette, MI 49855, United States
5. Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery
Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery
Exploring Bay Restaurant and Drinkery, located in a refurbished Iron Bay Foundry building erected in 1872, should be on your list of the best things to do in Marquette, MI.
Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery boast about offering the people the best customer service creating a welcoming and lively ambiance.
They offer an outstanding food menu featuring various dining options prepared daily onsite using fresh ingredients.
The restaurant offers meals like Superior Whitefish Tacos, Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, Cherry Chicken Panini, Chicken Wings, Beer Battered Whitefish, Nachos, Watermelon Margarita, Salmon Burger, and more.
Iron Bay Restaurant and Drinkery offers an extensive drink menu featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade, Americano, hot chocolate, black hard cider, red jacket amber, and more.
Address: 105 E. Washington Street Marquette, Michigan, MI 49855, United States
6. Superior Dome
Superior Dome
Aside from your TV screens, have you ever had the chance to watch a live match of a professional football team?
Now is your chance; visit Superior Dome in Marquette, MI. The facility was constructed in early 1991 by Michigan State, while its phase II was completed in 1995.
It is situated on the Campus of Northern Michigan University and serves as the home stadium of Wildcat’s football team.
Superior Dome is also a venue for numerous sports activities, such as volleyball and basketball, played on the artificial surface covered under the turf field, which is retractable.
The attraction is known as the largest wooden dome in the world, which hosts several community events such as Special Olympics, conventions, and tradeshows.
During the period when there is no planned event in the dome, visitors are offered the opportunity to explore the entire facility and do some exercise.
Address: 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
7. Barrel & Beam
Barrel & Beam is the only farmhouse brewery in the region. If you want a taste of excellent craft wines, don’t hesitate to visit Barrel & Beam in Marquette, MI.
Barrel & Beam offers a variety of unique flavors made using locally sourced ingredients such as peaches, blueberries, and apples.
These fruits are used in producing exclusive edition ales and seasonal brews. Barrel & Beam is built with vibrant white walls and colorful wood beams.
The farmhouse was erected in 1934 as a supper club before it was fully renovated in 2016 into the Barrel & Beam.
The top of the bar offers a relaxed and warm atmosphere for guests to feel comfortable and have a great time.
Barrel & Beam staff is friendly and cheerful while attending to guests making sure they get their orders without delays.
Address: 260 Northwoods Road, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
8. Donckers
Donckers
Donckers was founded in 1896 by one man who wanted to fend for his family after experiencing a tragic accident.
The restaurant began from a humble beginning with just an outdoor stand offering tobacco, candies, fruit, and popcorn.
Later in 1914, he erected a cornerstone for his restaurant, which is currently where the restaurant is located up to date.
Donckers has grown to become a popular place for the members of the public. However, it has been passed down to other generations.
They offer a breakfast menu featuring sandwiches, organic eggs, omelets, corned beef hash & toast, salads, and more.
As you enjoy your meal, you will be entertained by some cool jazz tunes performed by young local musicians.
Address: 137 W Washington St. Marquette, MI 49855, United States
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9. Marquette Maritime Museum
Marquette Maritime Museum
The Marquette Maritime Museum is one of the most popular attractions, which draws almost twelve thousand people annually.
The Museum was founded as a fraction of the functioning lighthouse, housed in an old waterworks building in the city; offering guided tours of the Museum and Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.
You can visit the Museum if you want to learn about the region’s maritime history and also pay your respect to the submarine vets who secured the waters.
The Marquette Maritime Museum showcases exhibits that educate the visitors about the significant role played by the lighthouse.
You also learn about the horrible stories of the two popular shipwrecks in Lake Superior’s waters, the 1913 Henry B. Smith and the 1975 Edmund Fitzgerald.
The Museum is meant for a particular audience, and not everybody will fancy it since it only offers ships and boats on display and everything related to marine life.
Address: 300 North Lakeshore Boulevard, Marquette, Michigan 49855, United States
10. Lake Superior Theatre
Lake Superior Theatre, nestled at the Yacht Yard of Lake Superior, is an attraction open during the summer months. Visiting this Theater is one of the fun things to do in Marquette, MI.
The Theatre was founded to offer visitors an amazing experience using performing arts and innovation.
This non-profit organization, for more than twenty-one years, has managed to transform an active boathouse into a haven for a playwright, enclosed by a stunning forest and lake.
Lake Superior Theatre has presented Shakesperian classics such as Hamlet and iconic musical favorites such as Guys & dolls.
The Theatre offers 3 to 18 years children opportunities to sink into the magic of live art shows through the addition of the Superior Arts Youth Theatre program.
Address: 270 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
11. Clark Lambros Beach Park
Clark Lambros Beach Park
Clark Lambros Beach Park is located along Lake Superior and is a top-rated park amongst visitors and locals.
The Park brings you close to nature, offering you a chance to appreciate mother nature’s divine beauty fully.
There are picnic areas comprising picnic tables and barbecue grills where you can have a lovely picnic with your loved ones.
Clark Lambros Beach Park features a kayak launch, bathroom facilities, a free parking lot, mats, and more.
You can take a peaceful and quiet walk around the area while also enjoying the cool breeze, calmness, and beauty of the Park.
Address: N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
12. Presque Isle Park
Presque Isle Park
One of the fun things to do in Marquette, MI, is to visit Presque Isle Park with your family and friends for an amazing experience.
Presque Isle Park is home to incredible natural landscapes, making it one of the most visited attractions in the city.
The Park encompasses over three hundred acres of thickly forested land, which extends into Lake Superior’s waters.
There are numerous hiking trails and a beautiful biking trail that stretches for two miles, where you will find several animals and plants.
The sunset point offers picturesque views of the sunset behind Huron Mountain and other small islands nearby.
Address: Peter White Drive, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
13. Shiras Planetarium
Shiras Planetarium
Shiras Planetarium is one of the best places to visit in Marquette, MI, if you’re curious about the planet earth and every other thing relating to it.
The Shiras Planetarium was established in 1975 due to the efforts of the Shiras Foundation and the National Defense Act.
The Planetarium was constructed as an extension of the high school, which was recently built. This Planetarium has been an educational exhibition for youngsters and adults for several decades.
Although it has existed for a long time, the Planetarium is steadily upgraded as technology advances to offer more intriguing programs on the night sky.
The Shiras Planetarium is a venue for laser light shows every Saturday night, along with music performances by music and rock legends.
Don’t miss out on watching the impressive dome through which stars are launched, offering visitors the real-life feeling of a night sky surrounding them.
Address: 1203 W Fair Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
14. Downtown Marquette
Downtown Marquette
Take a quiet walk down the beautiful Downtown Marquette, an area known as the soul and heartbeat of the city.
The Downtown Marquette is packed with lovely stores, including restaurants, antiques, cafes, and boutiques.
You will also find the Downtown Marquette Farmers’ market, where you can buy fresh farm produce, including crafts.
There are many bars and entertainment centers where you can unwind and enjoy a drink or party the night away.
Address: Marquette, MI 49855, United States
15. Lakenenland Sculpture Park
Lakenenland Sculpture Park
The Park is open to both locals and tourists, extending for thirty-seven acres which consists of the Sculpture trail.
The Sculpture trail passes through the densely wooded area featuring sculptures constructed by Tom Lakenen, the park owner.
Lakenenland Sculpture Park features over one hundred sculptures built by Lakenen for over twenty-five years using scrap iron.
Lakenen wanted to showcase his incredible work for numerous families to come in and browse through without any cost.
The Park features a picnic area with a pavilion where friends and family can gather and enjoy an intimate moment together.
Lakenenland Sculpture Park has a playground for little children, fishing ponds, a bog walk, and entertainment venues.
Address: 2800 M-28 East, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
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16. CR-510 Bridge
CR-510 Bridge
The CR-510 Bridge is a true gem in Marquette, built out of the mastery of engineers as a truss bridge.
This Bridge is made of enormous steel consisting of riveted trusses transferred from its original location in Pennsylvania, right across the Allegheny River, to its current home in the Dead River in 1939.
Truss bridges in Pennsylvania are uniquely constructed to travel long distances. The CR-510 Bridge is simply an ancient memorial of the wonderful craftsmanship and engineering marvels built by the most renowned builders in America.
The CR-510 Bridge is open for sightseeing, explorers, and pedestrians, except for automobiles.
Address: County Road 510, Marquette, MI, 49855 United States
17. DeVos Art Museum
DeVos Art Museum
DeVos Art Museum was born out of the Northern Michigan University’s Lee Hall Gallery, founded in 1975 to showcase works created by faculty and students.
The gallery has been able to create permanent exhibits for several years; offering guided tours with the provision of a space for regional and local artists.
The Museum officially opened its doors in 2005 and is housed in a newly erected building that also functions as part of the University’s School of Art and Design.
DeVos Art Museum was founded to incorporate notions and art into the community by immersing teamwork and diverse exhibitions.
The Museum is said to carry an undying charm that no historic sites in the region hold, and the exhibits showcased come in different forms, from classic art to contemporary art forms, and so on.
The aesthetics here are highly stunning and captivating. Make sure you come with a camera to take gorgeous pictures of all the exhibits.
Address: 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
18. Jean Kay’s Pasties and Subs
How about taking your loved ones on a fantastic treat? Visit the outstanding Jean Kay’s Pasties and Subs in Marquette, MI.
Jean Kay’s Pasties and Subs started as a small bakery established from the quest of parents who wanted to give their sons a great future.
When they finally opened the shop, the endorsement of the unique family recipe was the starting point of Jean Kay’s Pasties and Subs.
Brian decided to take over his family inheritance after retirement, adopting his distinct grandmother’s recipes and contemporary methods to reproduce the delicious treat.
Jean Kay’s Pasties and Subs offers an extensive food menu featuring a wide range of wraps, sandwiches, and subs exclusively made using fresh ingredients.
Address: 1635 Presque Isle, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
19. The Vierling Restaurant
Vierling Restaurant
The Vierling Restaurant has been in business since the 1980s and has become part of the city’s history.
Martin Vierling, a retail businessman, established the restaurant. He specialized in offering the finest liquors to the workers in the iron and mining industry.
After moving the restaurants to several locations, the restaurant now stands in its permanent place within Front and Main.
The Vierling Restaurant is beautifully designed with beautiful oil paintings and authentic stained glass windows from Martin’s collection.
They serve meals made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients prepared the meals to ensure the meals are served healthy and delicious.
The restaurant offers an extensive wine list and beers featuring drinks like Blueberry Wheat, Honey Wheat, Blonde Ale, English Brown Ale, Yooper Red Ale, Chum’s Double Pale Ale, and so on.
The Vierling Restaurant also offers meals such as Cajun Chicken Pita, Russian Turkey, Black Bean Burger, Turkey Bacon Swiss, Grilled Muenster And Roasted Tomato, Chicken Caesar, and more.
Address: 119 South Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
20. Escape Marquette
Are you looking for what to do in Marquette, MI, visit Escape Marquette, which is one of the most thrilling centers in the city.
Escape Marquette, a place that helps strengthen family bonds, is a great place to spend time with friends.
This Center offers you and your teammates a task you all have to complete before the 60 minutes allocated throughout the game expires.
During the game, you should search for ideas or clues and solve puzzles or riddles to help you escape the room.
Escape Marquette involves intensive logical thinking and curious minds with a significant amount of teamwork to win.
The Center offers three separate escape rooms with unique themes and challenges that are exhilarating.
Address: 130 West Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
21. Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is an excellent location for sightseeing since it offers remarkable views of its surrounding regions.
You can take an adventurous hike through the trail through the forested woodlands filled with stunning ancient trees.
Numerous trail paths lead to the top of the Mountain, offering hikers different hiking options from easy to challenging.
Sugarloaf Mountain features a trail of half a mile which takes at least thirty minutes to reach its peak, extending for 470 feet above the waters of Lake Superior.
The moment you reach the top of the Mountain, you will be served with massive views of the region, including Lake Superior.
During the winter season, when the area will be covered with snow, several fun games will be available for adults and children.
Address: Marquette, MI 49855 United States
22. Superior Entertainment Center
Superior Entertainment Center is a massive fun Center that offers families an amazing fun experience through numerous exciting activities.
The Center features an updated bowling segment with many bowling lanes perfect for kids and adults.
There is a vibrant arcade room with over twenty-five rescue games, which would make gamers pleased and excited.
Superior Entertainment Center offers you a chance to win over one hundred prizes available when you conquer various games in the arcade area.
This Entertainment Center offers a variety of delicious meals on their well-crafted food menu, including flavorful drinks.
Superior Entertainment Center consists of a taproom featuring many locally sourced liquors from distilleries in Michigan.
Address: 3060 Highway U.S. 41 West, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
23. Picnic Rocks Park
Picnic Rocks Park
Picnic Rocks Park is a beautiful Park with extraordinary views.
Picnic Rocks Park features small play areas for children to run around and have fun with available play equipment.
Are you planning an intimate family picnic? Picnic Rocks Park is an excellent place for picnicking with your loved ones, featuring many picnic tables.
The Park features several trails perfect for hiking while offering picturesque views of the environment.
Address: Marquette, MI 49855, United States
24. Black Rocks Brewery
Black rocks Brewery is a craft brewery that was opened in 2010 as a nano brewery.
David Manson and Andy Langlois opened this brewery inside a 2,100-square-foot former Victorian-style home.
In 2020, Blackrocks Brewery was the tenth largest in the state, with sales across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsula and into Wisconsin.
The first floor of the brewery serves as an area for guests, while the basement hosts a mini one-barrel brewing system.
Blackrocks Brewery offers a casual fun environment with fire pits, games, music bar.
The brewery also has an outside bar with shaded areas to promote distancing, but it also has a friendly vibe.
At this brewery, you will come across different visitors ranging from business folks to country bikers and couples.
Address: 424 N 3rd St, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
25. Jilbert Dairy
Nothing screams summer like the melting feeling of delicious ice cream on the tongue.
Whether you like simple soft-serve or prefer to order a sundae filled with toppings, it’s different to beat the joy of a creamy creation.
Michigan is home to several ice cream shops, but Jilbert Dairy is one treasure in the Upper Peninsula that will have you coming back over and over.
Jilbert Dairy has been operating since 1937. Today the farm provides cream, juice, milk, and lots more to retailers and individuals all over Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
When you drop by the dairy’s Marquette shop, you will be surrounded by mouthwatering fresh products.
This family-friendly shop features lovely cow-themed decorations throughout and a red exterior.
Stack up toppings at the on-site sundae bar and pick from an impressive array of ice cream flavors or enjoy a delicious milkshake.
Make sure you take a picture with Jilbert’s famous cow, Jilly, before leaving the store.
Whether you are a frequent patron or a first-time visitor looking for yummy treats, stopping at Jilbert Diary will be an amazing adventure for you and your taste buds.
Address:200 Meeske Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, United States
26. Hogback Mountain
Hogback Mountain is well-loved among mountain bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts searching for a thrilling and rewarding experience.
The peak of the mountain is over 1,000 feet tall and offers scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Hogback Mountain is also home to many ski trails, making it a famous destination during winter.
The ski trails are maintained and groomed carefully, making it a fantastic spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The ski trails are suitable for skiers of all skill levels.
The rock formations at the mountain’s peak are gorgeous, and visitors frequently take a break to admire the views and take pictures.
Hogback Mountain Is also home to many unique species of flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
The forested area is home to different birds, insects, and small mammals.
The mountain also has a wide variety of wildflowers, including lady’s slippers, trillium, and baneberry, which blossoms in the summer and spring months.
Hogback Mountain is a fantastic spot for a day trip or an overnight adventure. There are many campgrounds close by that offer camping and RV sites.
The mountain is also a famous spot for rock climbing, with several routes for novice and advanced climbers.
Additionally, the mountain’s peak is a fantastic place for stargazing and night sky observation of the gorgeous starry night sky.
Address: Michigan, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Marquette
A city as beautiful as Marquette, with all the fantastic infrastructures and natural resources, will leave you speechless.
Finding the exact words to describe Marquette is impossible, which is more reason why you need to visit.
Marquette is filled with an eclectic mix of residents, visitors, cultures, lifestyles, beliefs, history, fun, entertainment, and more.
Whatever you might be seeking, Marquette city will offer more.