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The westward view of downtown Marquette, as seen from its Lake Superior harbor.
Harbor Views
Historic Marquette embraces the U.P. lifestyle of adventure
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it this way: “Hidden by glacier-hewn bluffs with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, Marquette County is located off the beaten path in the U.P. Defined by its untouched surroundings and abundance of outdoor activities, paired with a growing culinary and brewery scene, we’re the U.P’s largest community and one of the best small towns to explore.” Estler calls her coastal city a worldclass destination. “Marquette is incredibly special and unique because of how nature’s assets are truly on display, no matter the time of year. As the landscape changes with the seasons, there are new and exciting adventures for visitors and residents to indulge in,” she says. “We’re a year-round destination and have gained national acclaim for our diverse terrain for hiking, biking, and exploring,” Estler adds. Why Visit: “We embrace a lifestyle of adventure in the U.P.,” Estler says. “Marquette offers a wide range of locations for
visitors of all capabilities and interests, and it provides the perfect balance of a vibrant downtown and a natural playground.” Lake Superior has shaped the Marquette maritime identity, providing an ideal place for everything from kayaking to fishing. When it comes to beaches, explore the 83 miles of waterfront along Lake Superior. “A little-known secret,” Estler says, “is you can surf, with caution, anywhere on Lake Superior where there are great waves and strong winds.” Best Bets: The following stories highlight some favorites from my Up North travels. These suggestions will help explain why visitors so often say how surprised they were to find so much adventure and history all in one fabulous Pure Michigan destination.
PLAN IT! Travel Marquette travelmarquette.com
PHOTO BY AARON PETERSON
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mall-town charms and a delightful outdoor playland surrounded by boundless water and wilderness. That’s what kept luring me back to Marquette starting many years ago, after visiting the city to participate in several Upper Peninsula business and tourism conferences. Lake Superior and a historic harborview downtown can do that to you. It surely was a trek — a good seven hours plus pit stops in the old Explorer — from southeast Michigan, but those initial memories are still calling me to visit again. Waterfalls everywhere. Kayaking the crystal-clear big lake and seeing lake trout 20 feet below. Biking and cross-country skiing along rugged trails with some pretty nice elevation changes. A college town with friendly folks and plenty of things to do in the sunshine and the snow. Susan Estler, the executive director of Travel Marquette, the county’s destination marketing organization, likes to describe
Stories by Ron Garbinski
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