20 Attractions to Explore Near Granite Island

Little Presque Isle is a small jewel of nature surrounded by Lake Superior. With its beautiful and unique sandy beaches, clear blue waters, lighthouses and breathtaking views of the rocky shoreline and wooded islands, it's easy to see why this small park has become a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its size - just 32 acres - Little Presque Isle offers plenty to do, from hiking trails and bird watching opportunities to swimming in the inviting waters of Lake Superior.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a natural wonder that draws tourists and locals alike to its enchanting hiking trails. From the top of the mountain, visitors are treated with stunning views of Lake Superior and extraordinary wildflakes on the ground. The park has over seven miles of trails for biking and hiking adventures, along with a whopping 700 acres of outdoor recreation waiting to be explored. There are unique geological features like sinkholes, outcroppings, rock wall formations.

Echo Lake is a beautiful spot offering stunning views of natural scenery. Located on the Huron Mountains, it offers visitors a quiet and tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature. Enjoy peaceful walks around the lake, explore nearby trails, or take refuge in one of the shaded picnic tables found along the edge of the lake. The perfect place to relax and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Echo Lake has plenty to offer in terms of recreational activities.

Hogback Mountain, is a scenic wonder. Its rugged cliffs and bluffs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is home to many species of flora and fauna including a rare fern and orchid. Hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty lead along the ridgelines of the mountain to its highest point - a lookout tower at 839 feet. During winter months, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities on Hogback Mountain.

Presque Isle is a picturesque peninsula surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior. This area is filled with many activities to do such as exploring its forests and sandstone cliffs or partaking in water sports like canoeing, kayaking and fishing. A lighthouse on the tip of the lake creates a stunning backdrop to explore nature's beauty while the nearby Presque Isle River provides the perfect opportunity to take a leisurely float.

Presque Isle Park, serves as a popular tourist spot for outdoor recreation. The coastal park is home to stunning white sand beaches and rugged trails for mountain biking and hiking. Visitors can explore the geologic past of Presque Isle Park at the Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center, which showcases shoreline rocks and explains their formation processes. Adventurous souls can canoe or kayak along the coast or trolling for salmon along its rocky jetties.

The Presque Isle Harbor Breakwater Light provides a unique glimpse into maritime history. Commissioned to be built in the late 18th century, the light stands as an impressive reminder of the need for lighthouse technology to guide sailors safely around the Great Lakes. Featuring red brick construction and a unique skeletal design, it offers a look at one of the most unusual lighthouses ever constructed. At night, its bright beacon guides ships through treacherous straits.

Dead River is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the Midwest. A popular spot for boating and fishing, Dead River is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. It even has an accessible boat launch and dock making way for easy access - perfect for fishermen or paddlers looking to explore the river. With crystal clear waters and wide sandbanks, it's easy to appreciate why the river was given its name with its calm yet "dead" like atmosphere.

The Marquette Harbor Lighthouse located at the mouth of Lake Superior, it has helped to guide vessels for over 160 years. This lighthouse stands 64 feet tall and currently acts as a tourist attraction for those looking for a unique experience on the coast. Connected to its base is the original 50-foot lighthouse tower from 1867 that is still used today. Visitors may take guided tours of the facility and learn about the history of Marquette Harbor while also enjoying picturesque views of Lake.

The Marquette Maritime Museum, celebrates the area's deep maritime history and highlights its ongoing relationship with the Great Lakes. Visitors are able to explore a variety of exhibits highlighting early Native American life, lumber schooners and freighters that have navigated the Great Lakes for over 100 years, and learn about the Lightkeepers who took on the great responsibility of maintaining lighthouses throughout Michigan.

Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. Situated on the serene shores of Lake Superior, the park offers something for everyone! Spend a morning exploring miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking. Afterwards, relax with a picnic lunch along the beach. After dark, find a spot near the lake shore to watch the beautiful Northern Lights or hunt for agates washed ashore from centuries-old Lake Superior shipwrecks.

Saint Peter Cathedral is an inspiring example of 19th century church architecture. This extraordinary building was constructed from 1854 to 1863 out of sandstone quarried from nearby Negaunee. The impressive three-story structure is highly visible on the Marquette town skyline and features stunning interior architecture that includes several stained glass windows, a wooden balcony, and ornate stone carvings.

The Lower Harbor Ore Dock is an engineering marvel. Built by the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad in 1895 at a cost of $500,000, the Lower Harbor Ore Dock is a 2,400 foot long ore dock with a depth of 44 feet that was used to transfer iron ore from train cars to ships for transport. With 24 chutes leading from the shoreline and sides, each with a capacity of 110 tons per minute, it was one of the most efficient docks of its time with minimal spillage.

The 510 Bridge is a unique engineering marvel that stretches across the beautiful Powder Mill Creek. Constructed in 1920, this bridge features an Adamesque-style arch design with masonry voussoirs, brick arch rings and concrete abutments. Its impressive construction ensured it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Spanning 33 feet and standing at 16 feet tall, It is a majestic sight to behold and enjoys popularity amongst walkers and photographers alike.

This beautiful waterfall has an impressive 40-foot drop, making it a popular destination for photographers and sightseers alike. Starting at its headwaters just south of Marquette, the water rushes over sharp rocks in an exciting series of rapids before cascading into an impressive plunge pool below. It's especially awe-inspiring after a period of heavy rain - the turbulent river makes for an incredible display.

Marquette Mountain Resort is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort boasts 53 ski slopes of various difficulty levels and 10 lift systems, allowing visitors to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing down the terrain tailored to their individual skill level. There are also fun activities such as night skiing and grooming sessions available at the resort that allow guests to make the most out of their mountain experience.

Alder Falls is a gorgeous natural feature. Nestled in between the rolling hills and forests of the region, Alder Falls stands tall as a spectacular waterfall cascading down into a pool of blue-green waters surrounded by lush green foliage. Its length makes it truly picturesque, and its easy accessibility has made it one of the most visited sites in the area. Visiting Alder Falls is an experience that should not be missed.

Lake Independence is a haven for nature-lovers and outdoorsmen alike. Home to thriving fish populations and ancient woods, the lake offers an abundance of opportunities for boating, fishing and enjoying nature in its rawest form. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the lake's shoreline is littered with sandy beaches perfect for relaxing or playing in the summer sun. Lake Independence truly has something to offer everyone who visits.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is a sight to behold. From its iconic red brick building on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the history of iron ore mining that shaped and formed this region. From informative exhibits which detail the entire journey of iron ore from discovery to production and delivery, visitors can explore a fascinating snapshot of America's past.

Teal Lake is a small, beautiful lake which offers vast opportunities for outdoor recreation. Located just six miles from the city of Marquette, it is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, swimming, camping and more. The crystal clear waters of the lake provide a scenic backdrop for relaxation, adventure and fun. The area surrounding the lake also offers plenty to do; including walking trails and picnic areas perfect for leisurely activities or bonding with family.