Experience
Summer
In Michigan ' s Upper Peninsula
Photos courtesy of Aaron Peterson
Named a " Top 25 Best Adventure Destination in the World ," Marquette County is found in the heart of Michigan ’ s Upper Peninsula . The rugged Huron Mountain range and Lake Superior shoreline define the landscape , making it the perfect place to linger and enjoy all types of outdoor activities .
With summer approaching , it ' s time to get back outside and embrace your natural identity . Fat tire biking is always in style in Marquette County . Test a ‘ fatty ’ out on miles of sandy shorelines with easy access . Bring or rent a bike to ride along 47 miles of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail , a paved route that stretches from Marquette to Republic . Trail hiking or running lets you experience amazing vistas from the peaks of Sugarloaf , Hogback and Top-of-the-World mountains . Park and go from well-marked trailheads . Waterfalls are at their best . Hike to our 12 most popular wilderness falls and feel the natural rush . Call 800-544-4321 to request your Marquette County Waterfall Map . On sunny days , find your beachfront retreat along 83 miles of pristine shoreline without the crowds . Try Wetmore Landing on the road to Big Bay with a view of Little Presque Isle .
A variety of events fill the calendar with fun activities , great food and treasured memories . Summer begins with the Iron Range Roll , a bike race between Ishpeming and
Marquette on June 4 , Great Lakes Rodeo June 18-19 , Art Week June 19-25 , the familyfriendly Marquette Trails Festival June 24-26 , along with the Downtown Farmer ' s Market each Saturday in Marquette .
The season heats up in July with the International Food Fest July 2-4 , Independence Day parades and celebrations July 4 , Red Earth Classic Mountain Bike Race July 16 , U . P . Shakespeare Festival July 17 through August 3 , Hiawatha Music Festival July 22- 24 , Blueberry Festival July 29 , Ishpeming Italian Fest and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse 150 th Birthday Celebration on July 30 , and Art on the Rocks July 30-31 .
The fun continues in August with Shriner ' s parades in downtown Marquette August 5 and downtown Ishpeming August 6 , Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic , racing from Negaunee to the lakeshore of Marquette on August 13 , Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon August 19-20 , North Country Trail Hike August 21 , and the music and excitement of Harborfest along with visiting Tall Ships in Marquette Harbor August 26-27 .
Adventures of the culinary kind are always easy to find in Marquette County . Choose fine dining as well as a variety of ethnic menus and locally sourced cuisine , including fresh whitefish . Restaurants located downtown and along Third Street in Marquette are locally owned and independently operated , spicing up the county ’ s food scene . Visit the popular dining establishments of Negaunee and Ishpeming . Be sure to try an authentic U . P . pasty during your visit !
Set aside time in your travels to visit sites dedicated to preserving the story of Marquette County . In the city , spend time at the Regional History Center . Visit the statue of Father Marquette , the Jesuit explorer from the 1600 ’ s and Marquette County ' s namesake . Linger at the Marquette Maritime Museum and Harbor Lighthouse . In Ishpeming , explore the fascinating Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum and take in the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame .
Travel anytime to Marquette County . Stay awhile where the deep blue of Lake Superior meets the shimmering Northern Lights . Where lodging accommodations exceed your expectations , all within minutes of city or woodland adventures . Where delectable cuisine is served with craft beer coaxed from the purest ingredients .
Embrace your natural identity in Marquette County , Michigan . Plan your adventure at TravelMarquetteMichigan . com .