Unearth your hiking boots and pack away those winter blues; spring has appeared in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After a long snow season, it’s time to take a deep breath, enjoy the return of warmer weather, and get outside.
Nowhere knows more about Midwest shoulder-season adventure than Michigan’s outdoor recreation capital, Marquette. As the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (affectionately known as “the U.P.”), Marquette brings the best of outdoor adventure to the conveniences of town.
Situated on the craggy banks and peaceful beaches of Lake Superior, surrounded by lush hardwood forests, and filled to the brim with eateries, museums, art hot spots, and local watering holes, Marquette has earned its reputation as the Midwest’s gateway to adventure.
We partnered with Travel Marquette to bring you our top choices for adventure, sightseeing, and a breath of fresh spring air.
Hit the Trails
Miles of trails by rocky shorelines and sweeping vistas of thick, wild forests? See them all on the multitude of hikes just a short jaunt away from the city streets. (We’re not kidding — the hike to Wright Street Falls is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Marquette.)
Whether you need trails for Fido or exquisitely accessible views, Marquette offers up a smorgasbord of options.
Here are a few favorite trails for springtime hikes:
- Mount Marquette doesn’t make you choose between city sights and wild landscapes. At 1,200 feet high, Marquette’s namesake mountain showcases both the city skyline and the Superior shoreline. You can conquer the summit entirely on foot, or drive most of the way up for a quicker adventure.
- The North Country Trail covers 4,800 miles across eight states. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the NCT brings hikers right to the shoreline of Lake Superior through public and private wilderness for incredible views. Find Travel Marquette’s guide to hiking the NCT here.
- Check out the Iron Ore Heritage Trail for the intersection of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. This 47-mile trail travels across the Marquette Iron Range, along Lake Superior’s shoreline, and through historic areas that showcase Michigan’s ironclad heritage.
No matter where you go, make sure you follow Marquette County’s code of neighborly conduct: Check out these tips for spring trail etiquette from Travel Marquette.
Run Wild in Marquette
Any of the hiking options above could serve as great trail runs, too, but there are a few other Marquette-based running loops and trails to put some pep in your steps:
- The Iron Ore Heritage Trail offers mixed surfaces to keep it interesting. No matter if you need a warm-up jog or a long-distance adventure, the IOHT’s pavement, dirt, and crushed limestone sections offer plenty of variety.
- NTN Trails can take you from a quick loop to an all-day woodland route. The NTN North Trails showcase the mellow BLP Loop along the Dead River (2.5 miles) for waterfalls, a footbridge, and riverside running. The NTN South Trails’ East and West Greywalls Loop (4.5 miles) promises a peaceful forest, babbling brooks, and rocky outcroppings.
- Travel Marquette describes even more in-town running options, along with longer loops to make the most out of the warming weather.
Stargazing and Northern Lights
Adventure doesn’t stop at sunset in Marquette. Whether you’re looking for starlit skies or the chance to see the Northern Lights dance, Marquette’s naturally dark skies offer accessible spots to see it all.
Marquette County alone hosts 83 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, so there’s no shortage of spots to tuck away for 180-degree views of galaxies over the water.
Want an easy place to bring the kids to see the sights? Try McCarty’s Cove: This popular beach within Marquette’s city limits offers designated parking, easy beach access, and views of the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse silhouetted by stars.
For a more adventurous view, take a short hike on the North Country Hiking Trail to the secluded cove at Wetmore Landing.
Make sure to check the aurora forecast and the full moon status before you go! Make sure to read over the Leave No Trace Guide to Chasing Northern Lights for responsible ways to see the U.P.’s incredible night sky.
A Toast to Spring — And Your Adventures
There’s plenty left to explore when you’re back in town.
With the weather turning warmer, check out these local eateries featuring outdoor patios, alongside mouth-watering menus. Snag a pick-me-up from one of Marquette’s coffee shops, or wind down with a handcrafted brew from the superior list of Marquette breweries and wine shops.
Marquette features a number of restaurants committed to sustainability. These businesses focus on keeping the food and beverage industry thriving for the long run, as well as serving up savory meals. Some source local Michigan ingredients, while others focus on composting or diverting and reducing food waste.
These restaurants not only serve exquisite cuisine, but they also serve as staples of their beloved community.
Springtime in Michigan holds no shortage of adventure, scenic views, and well-deserved rewards. If you’re feeling the itch to break free from winter and explore, look no further than the Midwest’s adventure hub: Marquette. There’s something for everyone, whether you feel the need to explore further on the trails or take it easy by the banks of Lake Superior.
To plan your adventure, visit Travel Marquette. We’ll see you there.
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