Fat Tire Biking in Marquette, MI. A Bucket List Adventure.

Bring your fat tire bike to Marquette for some of the country’s best winter biking!

Marquette is said to be the winter biking capital of the world!

While that may be debatable as I hear Valdivia, Chile, boasts a similar name and rep, Marquette does offer amazing bike trails in the winter months.

Let’s dive into what you can expect when Fat Tire Biking in Marquette MI

Fat Bike Trails to Explore in Marquette

Now you’re probably wondering, where are the best winter bike trails in Marquette?

Marquette County has over 60 miles of single-track snow bike trails and continues to develop yearly.

The most recognized trail system in town is the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) aka “North Trails”.

This stretch of trails is regularly groomed and consists of flowy berms, riverside riding, and frozen waterfalls.

Make the most of it

Local Tip 1) Check the Noque Trails Grooming Report to know exactly how conditions of the day are. The Noque Trails Grooming Report is updated frequently and very reliable.

Local Tip 2) If you are going to choose one trail in Marquette, make sure you ride past and through the frozen wright street falls!

More Bike Trails to Ride around Marquette

There are a number of other places to ride in the winter but all of them aren’t maintained like the NTN.

So depending on the weather and your skill level, consult with your eyes or someone you know.

Presque Isle – Presque is an amazing winter destination and a simple loop if it hasn’t snowed a ton. Check some of the best scenery in marquette of your list with a memorable 1.2 mile loop.

Lakeshore Boulevard – This lovely ride hugs the shoreline of Lake Superior and connects directly to Presque Isle (above). For those who want a longer ride, stretch this all the way to Chocolay, where the pavement eventually transitions to dirt service roads.

RAMBA Trails – Head about 20 minutes over the hill to Ishpeming and you will be welcomed with more beautiful terrain to explore in the winter. This area isn’t as active as Marquette but another top-notch riding experience in the UP

Munising Winter Biking – Does Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ring a bell to anyone? 45 Minutes east of Marquette, is this Upper Peninsula tourist attraction along with more winter biking options. Explore Bruno’s Run & Munising Mountain Bike Park

Amazing Experiences 🧗‍♀️ Ice Climbing in the Upper Peninsula

Where to rent a Fat Tire Bike in Marquette

Here are the options for a Fat Bike Tire rental in Marquette in 2023:

Sports Rack – Marquette’s Sport Rack Bike Shop is offering Fat Bike Rentals this winter 2023. Get in there to check out their supply of Salsa Bikes today!
The NTN Chalet – $40/day with limited availability
NMU students can rent bikes for free from Northern Michigan Universities Wildcat Fit Zone or at the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) in the PEIF
West End Ski & Bike Shop – Ishpeming’s Carbon Fat Bike Rentals are $80 for a full day & $50 for a half-day
Facebook Marketplace – There is a local vendor on FB who rents his fleet of Fat Bikes for $50/day. Good luck, I don’t know him… yet.

Amazing Experiences 🌌 See the Northern Lights in the Upper Peninsula This Winter

Winter Bike Races in Marquette

Winter bike racing in Marquette is serious business.

When the weather gets nasty, the competition heats up.

Here are some of Marquette’s Fat Bike races to put on your calendar:

Polar Roll
Fat Ish
Eh Winter Experience

If you love bike images or serious wipeouts from these events, make sure to check out my gallery page of these events and more

Other Winter Biking Information You Should Know

To ensure you have the best time fat tire biking in Marquette, here are a few more things to remember.

The NTN grooming system has developed an intricate art to maintaining immaculate trails.
Riding in groups is the best way to ride. West End Bike & Ski Ship hosts a weekly Wednesday night ride.
Keep your hands warm with gloves & or Pogies (bar mits)
Say hi & inform passing bikers of your group size
Monitor your tire pressure so you don’t sink in and ruin trail conditions for other riders

What is a Fat Tire Bike anyway?

Fat Tire bikes are bikes built with oversized wheels regularly larger than 3.8″ in width & capable of handling diverse terrain.

They are especially good in winter because of the higher contact surface the wheels provide to riders.

Enjoy Marquette in the Winter like a Local

Marquette has plenty of things to do in the winter besides Biking, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Here are some of my most popular Marquette resources to ensure your trip is a success!

🍻 Explore Marquette’s Hopping Breweries

🍔 Best Places to eat in Marquette

🏨 Marquette’s Best Accommodations

If you enjoyed Fat Tire biking in Marquette in the winter, you’ll most definitely like mountain biking in MQT in the warmer months. 🚴🏻‍♂️

Plan accordingly, the city gets much busier when the snow is gone!