Marquette County - 33 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Marquette County

Marquette County, Michigan is a stunning place to visit. Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, visitors can experience natural beauty in the form of lush landscapes and eerie rocky outcroppings. The county also boasts numerous outdoor recreational activities, ranging from hiking and biking in charming spots like Presque Isle Park to skiing and snowmobiling on slopes like Mount Bohemia. Historic sites are abundant throughout Marquette County, with notable religious buildings such as the Shr

Types of Attractions in Marquette County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Marquette County

Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

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.

Marquette Maritime Museum

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.

Marquette Mountain Resort

Marquette Mountain Resort

Skiing Spots

Mountain Peaks

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.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum

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.

Presque Isle

Presque Isle

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Islands

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 Harbor Breakwater Light

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.

Presque Isle Park

Presque Isle Park

Outdoors- Other

Parks

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.

Saint Peter Cathedral

Saint Peter Cathedral

Churches

Notable Architectures

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.

Stannard Rock Lighthouse

Stannard Rock Lighthouse built in 1867, the masonry tower stands an impressive 42 feet tall and 120 feet above lake level. The only way to get there is via a boat that carries supplies to the lighthouse every two weeks in summertime. To make matters more difficult, this part of Lake Superior also experiences some of the worst storms on record. Despite persistent danger, Stannard Rock was successfully manned by brave keepers for 130 years.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

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.

Teal Lake

Teal Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

US National Ski Hall of Fame

US National Ski Hall of Fame

Iconic Buildings

Old Ruins

The U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame is a remarkable tribute to pioneers and innovators of the sport of skiing across the country. First established in 1954, many amazing athletes and snow sport enthusiasts have become part of this distinguished hall since its inception. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh even took skis with him as he flew his inaugural trip from New York City to Paris- thus cementing the importance of ski culture in American history.

Yellow Dog River Falls

Yellow Dog River Falls

Waterfalls

Lake/ River/ Ponds

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.

Map of attractions in Marquette County

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For more information about Marquette County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquette_County,_Michigan