Presque Isle - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.