Things To Do
in Marquette
Marquette is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and dense forests. The city is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
Marquette also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing local talent.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike at Presque Isle Park, enjoying stunning views of Lake Superior. Breathe in the fresh air as you explore the scenic trails.
Visit the Marquette Maritime Museum to learn about the area's rich maritime history. Grab lunch at a local café and soak in the local atmosphere.
Wind down with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with lake views and indulge in local delicacies.
Head to McCarty's Cove for some sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy on the beach.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline from the water. Afterward, have lunch at a beachfront eatery.
Catch the sunset at the beach while sipping on a refreshing beverage. Conclude your day with a cozy bonfire if permitted.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including access to Lake Superior and numerous outdoor recreational activities like hiking and skiing.
- A vibrant local community with a strong sense of identity and pride.
- Access to quality educational institutions, including Northern Michigan University.
- A variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing local art, music, and food.
- Lower cost of living compared to urban areas.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- Limited job opportunities in certain fields, especially outside of education and healthcare.
- Distance from major metropolitan areas, which can make accessing some amenities and services more challenging.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Seasonal tourism can lead to fluctuations in the local economy.
Best Activities in Marquette
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Marquette offers a variety of scenic hiking trails, including options for all skill levels. Popular trails include Sugarloaf Mountain, Hogback Mountain, and the Noquemanon Trail Network.
With its rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes, Marquette is a popular destination for mountain biking. The Noquemanon Trail Network is a prime location with diverse trails for all levels of experience.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches along Lake Superior for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The popular Presque Isle Park also offers scenic walking paths and picnic areas.
Lake Superior and nearby inland lakes offer fantastic opportunities for fishing. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, and walleye.
Places to Visit in Marquette
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area, popular spot for photography.
Scenic park with cliffs, picnic areas, and walking trails, provides beautiful views of Lake Superior and the city.
Cliff jumping spot with stunning views of Lake Superior and the shoreline, great for adventurous photography.
Hiking trail that leads to an overlook with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Superior.
Food in Marquette
Marquette Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic local dish, pasties are savory hand pies filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Donckers and Lawry's Pasty Shop are recommended spots to try this delicacy.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught from the nearby Lake Superior, the whitefish is often prepared in a variety of ways, such as smoked, grilled, or pan-seared. The Vierling Restaurant and Brewery offers an excellent whitefish dish.
Marquette's proximity to Michigan's cherry orchards has led to the creation of cherry-infused BBQ sauce, a local favorite for ribs. The Portside Inn is known for its delicious cherry BBQ ribs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open from May to December, this market features a wide array of fresh produce, homemade preserves, artisanal cheeses, and handcrafted items. It's a great place to sample local snacks and interact with the community.
Throughout the summer, food trucks gather in downtown Marquette offering diverse cuisines such as Mexican, BBQ, and vegetarian options. It's a fantastic way to experience the vibrant street food scene in the area.
This local favorite offers freshly baked bagels with a variety of spreads and toppings. It's the perfect spot to grab a quick and delicious bite while exploring the city.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Marquette, it is important to respect personal space, especially when in public spaces. People generally appreciate a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
Being punctual is valued in Marquette. It is polite to show up on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Marquette has its own unique customs and traditions, and it is respectful to familiarize yourself with them and show appreciation for the local culture.
Safety
Tipping in Marquette
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Marquette, United States, especially in the service industry. It is customary to leave a gratuity of 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for various services such as taxis and hotel staff.
Payment in Marquette, United States, is predominantly done using credit and debit cards. Cash is also widely accepted. Online and contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many businesses encouraging cashless transactions for safety and convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Marquette is in the summer, from June to August, when the weather is warm and pleasant. Expect outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and enjoying the beaches on Lake Superior.
Fall is also a great time to visit Marquette, typically from September to November, when the foliage turns vibrant colors making it perfect for leaf-peeping and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Winter in Marquette, from December to February, offers opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The city is known for its snowy landscapes and outdoor winter festivals.
Spring, from March to May, marks the beginning of the thaw and is ideal for exploring the waterfalls and parks as nature comes back to life with blooming flowers and budding trees.
Marquette at Night
Hiking in Marquette
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. The trail is moderately challenging and suitable for most hikers.
An urban park with several trails that wind through beautiful landscapes and along the shores of Lake Superior. It is great for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
Features a rocky ascent and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views at the summit. The trail is steep and may be challenging for some.
A collection of trails that cater to various skill levels, offering options for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing through scenic forested areas.
A picturesque trail that runs along the shoreline of Lake Superior, providing a beautiful walking experience with access to sandy beaches.
Aiports
How to reach Marquette by plane.
Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, approximately 90 miles south of Marquette, this airport serves as a major hub for flights across the country and internationally.
Also known as Houghton County Memorial Airport, located in Hancock, Michigan, about 60 miles southwest of Marquette. It offers limited commercial flights primarily to regional destinations.
Located in Escanaba, Michigan, approximately 75 miles south of Marquette, this airport provides regional services with flights mainly to Detroit.
Located about 15 miles west of Marquette, this airport offers regional flights and serves as the primary commercial airport for the area.
Located in Traverse City, Michigan, approximately 130 miles southeast of Marquette, this airport services both commercial and private flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Marquette, comprising a majority of the population.
A smaller yet significant demographic group contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
An emerging demographic group that adds to the cultural fabric of Marquette.
A smaller demographic group in Marquette, representing various Asian cultures.
Includes individuals from Indigenous tribes, reflecting the area's historical roots.
This group comprises individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played in schools and community leagues, particularly during winter months.
Widely enjoyed in Marquette, with local teams and a strong support culture, often played at the community ice rink.
High school football games attract large crowds, emphasizing local school spirit and community engagement.
Given Marquette's snowy winters, cross-country skiing is a favorite recreational activity, with many trails available.
Marquette hosts various running events and has numerous trails and parks that support running as a popular outdoor activity.
An increasingly popular sport among youth, with several leagues and recreational opportunities available.
With access to the Great Lakes and numerous inland lakes, fishing is both a popular sport and pastime in the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Marquette.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Marquette offer dedicated menus for vegetarians and vegans, with creative dishes that showcase the region's produce. The Rice Paddy and Border Grill are known for their extensive vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at several eateries, including Sweet Water Café, which provides a range of gluten-free pastries and dishes.