Overview
Marquette is a city in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of the state of Michigan.
6 sights · 12 things to do · 15 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Marquette
DeVos Art Museum
Marquette Maritime Museum
Tour the lighthouse while you're here. You must make an appointment beforehand.
Arch and Ridge Streets Historic District
Marquette Mountain
It offers several runs for alpine skiing, just south of Marquette's city limits.
Presque Isle Park
A city-owned area with boat slips, picnic areas, trails, a sheltered pavilion, and a refreshment shop. Presque Isle Park is flanked by the Upper Harbor to the south, and by Lake Superior to the east and north, and northw…
Beaumier Heritage Center
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MQT Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, Gwinn — 13 mi away. Directions
- ESC Delta County Airport, Escanaba — 59 mi away. Directions
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 250 mi away (major hub). Directions
It is possible to take the Greyhound into Marquette.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Presque Isle Park, Beaumier Heritage Center, Marquette Regional History Center
- Lunch Upper Peninsula Supply Co.
- Afternoon The UP 200, The Noquemanon Trail
- Dinner Lawry's Pasty Shop
- Evening DIGS Gastropub
Day 2
- Morning Upper Peninsula Luge Club, DeVos Art Museum, Lake Superior
- Lunch Jean Kay's Pasties
- Afternoon Paddling Michigan, Ore to Shore
- Dinner Babycakes Muffin Factory
- Evening Remi's Bar
Day 3
- Morning Arch and Ridge Streets Historic District, Marquette Mountain, Marquette Maritime Museum
- Lunch Huron Mountain Bakery
- Afternoon Sugarloaf Mountain, Uncle Ducky's Charter Fishing
- Dinner The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery
- Evening The Landmark Inn
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
A local specialty is Cudighi Sausage. It is a hard to find (in the U.S.) northern Italian sausage. Many restaurants in Michigan's Upper Peninsula serve this sausage and it's definitely worth trying.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University, and as a college town, shares some sensibilities with other such towns around the country. This city of 20,000 residents has a student population of over 7,000, which means that many—though by no means all—of the young adults are university students.
Whenever talking to a Marquette resident, you'll eventually hear reference to "the Lake". This nearly always means Lake Superior. Other, smaller lakes nearby and elsewhere in the U.P. are referred to by their names, e.g., Silver Lake, Teal Lake.
Get in
By plane
By bus
It is possible to take the Greyhound into Marquette.
By car
If you drive up from the Lower Peninsula, take US-2 along the southern shore of the U.P. for a scenic drive. With a few local exceptions, all highways in the U.P. are 2-lane. Passing lanes have been added along US-2 and M-28 to help traffic flow.
Driving in the Upper Peninsula during winter can be treacherous, but the county crews do a good job of clearing, salting, and sanding the major roadways, as do the crews in Marquette. Side streets can be very slippery if snow-covered.
Get around
By car
For the most part, you would want to take a car, especially in winter when snow or ice covers everything.
By bicycle
In the summer you can rent bicycles from some of the local bike shops. Marquette has several bike paths, one of which runs alongside the lake from Presque Isle Park to the intersection of M-28 and US-41. Biking on M-28. Additionally, the back roads around town are rather pleasant and the traffic isn't too harsh.
By bus
There is also county-wide bus service, which runs a few fixed routes and also offers door to door service.
See
- Iron ore boats in the Upper Harbor are a sight to behold; you can see them docked at the Upper Harbor ore dock, next to Presque Isle Park during the upper Great Lakes shipping season.
- Fall colors: In September and October, the forests are filled with a variety of reds, yellows and oranges as the maple, birch, aspen, and other leafed trees get ready for winter.
See Arch and Ridge Streets Historic District
Do
Outdoors
Winter sports
Do Upper Peninsula Luge Club
Located in nearby Negaunee, this is the only competition track for natural luge in the United States. Much less intimidating than the Kunstbahn (Artificial track) sliding seen in the Olympics, natural track luge resembles sledding down an icy forest road. Friendly coaches will introduce you to the sport and help you gradually work your way up to higher starting points along the course. Equipment provided but reservations appreciated.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with many hikes heading up the big hills in the area that overlook the lake. One can hike up Sugarloaf Mountain or Hogback Mountain and then hike back down to the Lake for a relaxing lounge on the beach. For additional trails, not yet listed here, see City of Marquette's list public trails on its website.
Do Sugarloaf Mountain
This is a good, short hike north of town. Two routes are maintained: one route is a steeper climb, and the other ascends more gradually. Both routes include staircases over rock outcroppings, especially near the summit. The view from the top is spectacular - a great photo spot. Also one of the best places for autumn foliage viewing.
Do Presque Isle Park
A city-owned area with boat slips, picnic areas, trails, a sheltered pavilion, and a refreshment shop. Presque Isle Park is flanked by the Upper Harbor to the south, and by Lake Superior to the east and north, and northwest. It's a city park but feels much bigger. The trail around the perimeter of the island meanders through the woods, occasionally popping out for breathtaking views of cliffs and the lake. Presque Isle Park is found by following Lake Shore Drive northward, just past the north harbor ore dock. The refreshment shop is closed in the winter, as is the one-lane, one-way road around the "Island," as the park is known locally, but remains open to snow-showing, cross-country skiing, and hiking in the winter months.
- Little Presque Isle The Little Presque Isle tract is often called the crown jewel of Lake Superior, with its beautiful sand beaches, rugged shoreline cliffs, heavily timbered forests, and unmatched public views. The proposed natural area occurs north and south of Little Presque Point, around the mouth of Harlow Creek. The area is a combination of a wooded dune and swale community and bedrock lakeshore and cliff. The wooded dunes and swales formed as post-glacial lake levels receded, depositing a series of low sandy beach ridges. Since then, the ridges have become forested with hemlock, red pine, white pine, cedar, and balsam fir, while the wet swales that developed between them are now either forested or open wetlands.
Biking
Marquette has challenging trails for freeride mountain biking.
- Follow the bike path from Presque Isle Park, all the way to south Marquette. This path was added within the last 10 years or so, and has become very popular. Just be prepared to share it with pedestrians and the occasional rollerblader.
For good riding advice, stop by Lakeshore Bikes or the Quick Stop Bike Shop. Guys at both shops are avid riders and will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Fishing
You can fish Lake Superior, the inland lakes, and many creeks and streams. Licensing, minimum length of caught fish, and fish limits are regulated by the Michigan DNR, which publishes a fishing guide .
Festivals
- Annual Fourth of July fest at Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park, just steps from downtown. Also the site for fireworks.
Indoors
Bad weather? Had enough of the outdoors? Check out these alternatives.
Do Northern Michigan University sporting events
Northern Michigan University (aka, 'Northern' or 'NMU') has a good hockey team and it's worth going to the games. NMU is also home to the Superior Dome, one of the largest wooden domes in the world and host to NMU football and indoor track
Buy
Marquette's downtown offers plenty of shopping, with many one of a kind shops and local offerings. Regional and national chain stores can be found at the Westwood Mall, along US-41 west.
Eat Upper Peninsula Supply Co. (UP Supply Co.)
Eat
A local specialty is Cudighi Sausage. It is a hard to find (in the U.S.) northern Italian sausage. Many restaurants in Michigan's Upper Peninsula serve this sausage and it's definitely worth trying.
Eat Huron Mountain Bakery
A diverse selection of sandwiches, large variety of bread, and sweets.
Budget
Mid-range
Eat The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery
Eat Thai House
This restaurant serves over 150 traditional Thai dishes and has a nice atmosphere.
Eat The Rice Paddy
Traditional Thai restaurant. Take out only. Due to its popularity, call and order well ahead of whenever you'd like to pick it up.
Eat Donker's
Marquette's candy store for decades, but you can have lunch and dinner, too. Leave room for a soda or sundae at the fountain.
Eat Vango's
Serves pizza, Greek salads, and more
Eat Togo's Submarine Sandwich Shop
Splurge
Drink
Drink The Landmark Inn
has a bar downstairs. Also check out the North Star lounge upstairs - It's got the highest of view of Lake Superior and downtown Marquette.
- Ore Dock Brewing Company is a craft brewery that opened in May 2012. Great beers and often concerts, 114 W Spring St.
Drink Blackrocks Brewery
A cozy pub serving their own brews.
Sleep
Stay Country Inn & Suite
Featuring 84 rooms including Whirlpool Suites, Studio Suites, Family Suites, and an Extended Stay Suite. Complimentary continental breakfast. Indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room. Free wired and wireless internet access. Twenty-four hour business center with printer.
Stay The Landmark Inn
The historic Landmark Inn has been fully restored to its original beauty. The decor is inspired by European elegance, as reflected in 62 individually designed guest rooms (many with Jacuzzis, fireplaces and views of Lake Superior and of Marquette). The hotel is 100% smoke-free.
Go next
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