A Weekend in Marquette: Can't Miss Spots
Marquette is an ideal destination if you want to immerse yourself in the UP’s wild beauty while enjoying the amenities of a city. Perched on a hilly, rocky bend along Lake Superior’s south shore—Marquette delivers stunning views, mountain biking, waterfalls (12 within an hour), skiing, and a delicious food scene. If you’re planning a trip to Marquette, these are my favorite places to adventure, fuel up, and imbibe.
WHERE TO ADVENTURE
Take a Leisurely Hike at Sugarloaf Mountain
The view from Sugarloaf during an August visit.
When you visit Sugarloaf, a 1.2-mile round-trip loop stands between you and an epic view of Lake Superior and surrounding woodlands. The trail is close-to-town and offers an easier and a more difficult path. The less difficult route offers stairs and makes a more gradual climb— but it may still be tricky with small children or less able-bodied people. The more difficult path is steep, a bit rooty and rocky, and does not have stairs during the initial climb. Either way, it’s wooded, lovely, and definitely worth adding to your plans.
Jump off the Black Rocks in Presque Isle Park.
Looking south from the Black Rocks into a cove on Lake Superior.
This peninsula park is loaded with treasures. You can drive, bike, or walk a paved, tree-lined 2-mile road that wraps around the perimeter of the peninsula, stopping at overlooks and various points of interest along the way. The park is lined by sandstone cliffs, rock outcroppings, and—of course—epic views of Lake Superior. Presque Isle is most famous for the charcoal-colored rock formation. In the warmer months, you MUST jump off the black rocks (a 10-15 ft. cliff). Here’s where you can find it. Fair warning: prepare to lose your breath. Lake Superior’s average high water temperature in August is around 60 degrees.
Taking the plunge from Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park near Marquette, Michigan.
Fall colors at the Black Rocks. I later learned this beautiful arrangement was created by an art class during a lesson on art in unexpected places. It was magical to happen upon.
Explore the Falls and Rapids at Dead River Falls
Gleefully jumping off a cliff within Dead River Falls
If you’re interested in continuing your waterfall jumping, the Dead River Falls hike has a few safe places to jump. I suggest finding someone familiar with the area before taking any leaps! This resource has some great info about navigating Dead River Falls.
For a more casual waterfall experience, I recommend Wagner Falls which are equally impressive, easier to navigate and are located just south of Marquette.
Mountain Bike (or run, snowshow, or XC ski) within the Noquemanon Trail System
Mountain biking in Marquette. My favorite trail is Carp Eh Diem.
Marquette is a mountain biking mecca of Michigan. The Naquamenon trail system is simply wonderful. It’s well maintained and offers a variety of activity options and levels of difficulty. I have enjoyed both mountain biking and cross-country skiing within the system. The Carp Eh Diem trail is my favorite trail to bike because it is equal parts challenging and flowy (i.e. there are lots stretches of rolling hills where you don’t have to pedal).
WHERE TO FUEL UP
Since my outdoor adventures are almost-always followed by some sort of delicious outing, of course I have a round up of my favorite places to eat in town. These are the spots that always leave me one happily-full camper.
Steinhaus – For a hearty brunch or a cozy dinner (think German food, European beers)
My most memorable experience here is riding out a fridgid snowstorm over brunch with a mimosa and a heartwarming roasted root vegetable hash. This spot is nestled in a narrow storefront in the heart of downtown Marquette. It’s a small (and well-loved!) place, so if this makes your itinerary, make a reservation.
The glorious whitefish burrito from Border Grill and their mouth-watering “orange stuff” sauce.
Border Grill – For a fast-casual lunch (think burritos, fresh ingredients, Qdoba-esque)
They had me at burrittos, but then they added whitefish to their burritos and served it with fresh house-made salsas and my tastebuds were in heaven. Come hungry, leave with a belly full of delicous mexican-food delight.
Stucko’s Pub Grill – For a Casual Dinner (think whitefish, burgers, and beer)
Stucko’s is a classic Marquette stop. It’s a laid-back sports bar with pub food. In the summer, enjoy their patio. In the winter, enjoy a warm basket of nachos, fried whitefish, or burgers inside. If you’re brave, order your meal with a “Shoop,” which is essentially a giant boot full of beer.
Delft Bistro – For a nice dinner (think farm-to-table, creative twists on classics, and craft cocktails)
I LOVE Delft Bistro because it has some of my favorite attributes of a restaurant: a constantly evolving creative menu inspired by seasonal food and vegetable-forward options. It is located smack dab in the middle of downtown Marquette, and it is hard to miss because it still boasts the old Delft Theatre marquee. The restaurant nods to the building’s original role as a theatre by projecting a movie (sans sound) on the wall of the two-story restaurant. Their menu changes often, but my recent favorite menu items are thier Ginger Old Fashioned, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms (this was a seasonal special), and the Loaded Brussel Sprouts appetizer (yum!)
The marquee at the theatre-turned-restaurant Delft Bistro during the Fresh Coast Film Festival in October.
Those are my top favorites but I know locals (and visitors!) love Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery for a festive atmosphere and cajun cooking and Rice Paddy for hole-in-the-wall yet amazing thai takeout. I also enjoy the Marquette Food Co-op for a healthy grab-and-go food.
WHERE TO IMBIBE
Enjoying a post-mountain biking pint at Blackrocks Brewery. My favorite brew is the MyKiss IPA.
Blackrock’s Brewery is located in a renovated yellow house and it embodies the living room- or -backyard hangout feel. Their wrap around patio area is lined by a fence made of vintage skis and all of their decor and swag is inspired by Marquette’s active-outdoor lifestyle. My favorite beer of theirs is the MyKiss IPA.
This brewery is new to the scene and off the beaten path, both geographically and in regard to the beer they brew. They focus on farmhouse ales and barrel-aged ales, so come ready to enjoy unqiue flavors and a modern-up-north-lodge vibe.
When I visited in August I treated myself to a night at the Landmark Inn, a boutique hotel with historic charm in downtown Marquette. My favorite part of the hotel was the top-floor restaurant/bar that overlooks the city and the bay.
BOTTOM LINE
Go visit Marquette, Michigan! I’ve enjoyed during the fury of a blizzard, the glory of fall colors, and the epic beauty of mid-summer and it is sincerly wonderful in every iteration. In terms of overnight accomodations I suggest the Ramada (a good casual, dog-friendly hotel option near town) or Rippling River Resort for a cabin or tent camping near the mountain biking trails.
You Might Also Like…
