Best Things to do in Marquette Michigan in the Winter
Here is your Ultimate guide to Winter in Marquette, Michigan going into 2024!
Simply put, Marquette Michigan Winters can be brutally tough.
However, for those who have an open mindset and are good at layering are bound to make some amazing Michigan experiences.
Without any more rambling, here are the Best Things to do in Marquette Michigan this Winter!
Winter in Marquette Guide Overview
Best Winter Activities in Marquette
Winter Events in Marquette
Upper Peninsula of Michigan Winter Things to do
Marquette Winter Packing Guide & Tips
Best Things to do in Marquette this Winter
Fat Bike Marquette's Winter Trails
If you fancy winter biking, fat tire biking in Marquette is one of the best things to do in the winter.
Pump your tires up and start riding today!
Check out the Noquemanon Trails Report to ensure you know the type of conditions out there!
Winter Surfing in Marquette
When winter makes it way to Marquette, the local surf scene is all ready.
Depending on the harshness of the winter, surfing is a very popular winter thing to do in Marquette.
Find all you need to know in my guide about Surfing in Marquette
Explore Presque Isle in the Winter
Presque Isle is easily one of the best things to experience in Marquette, even in the winter!
Although Presque is amazing in all seasons, winter has a special energy you need to see to believe.
Don’t miss the Ice formations along Lake Superiors Shoreline and the stunning distant views of the city & Marquette county.
If you’re lucky enough, you might see someone cold water swimming in Lake Superior
Explore Frozen Waterfalls in the UP
Waterfalls are abundant in the UP and is a must-experience event when visiting in the winter!
Here are all of Marquette’s winter waterfalls to explore this year!
Winter Hiking in Marquette
The hikes don’t stop when the snow starts falling here!
One of the most popular trails is the Wright Street Falls that is apart of the north trails network that freezes to create a wild display of icicles.
(See photo above)
Trust us, although it’s cold, the scenery is unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Make sure to save some time to hike the Wetmore Landing shoreline trail!
Visit the Ski Hall of Fame in Ishpeming
Did you know that Ishpeming is home to the National Ski Hall of fame?
15 minutes away from Marquette make this a must-visit place for any ski buffs list.
If this field trip excites you to hit the slopes make sure to check out my Best Ski Resorts in Michigan piece.
Explore the Eben Ice Caves
The Upper Peninsula gets unbearably cold in the winter creating a dramatic landscape change.
With these changes, the Eben Ice Caves become one of the most visited spots for visitors to the UP.
The place is spectacular and only 30 minutes from Marquette.
Stop thinking about it and just go!
Ice Fishing Around Lake Superior
Set your bait and go drill a hole in Teal Lake or your favorite inland lake for some Superior Ice Fishing.
Marquette & the Upper Peninsula are some of the best places to ice fish in the entire country!
Marquette Skiing & Snowboarding
Michigan has the most ski resorts in the USA behind New York for all of those powder hounds out there.
Luckily for Marquette locals, Marquette Mountain is only a few miles out of town for those who want to ski or snowboard!
Hockeyville USA aka Marquette
Northern Michigan University has a top-rated program in the country for all of you hockey fans to enjoy the entertainment of high-paced hockey in Marquette.
If you’re in town, catch a wildcats game or head to any local bar that usually broadcasts the action!
Snowshoe Marquette's Scenic Trails
Snowshoeing in Marquette is a very popular winter activity! Find your way around Presque Isle, North Trails or venture out to the backcountry of Marquette County.
The adventures via foot continue as the snow continually grows.
Cross Country Skiing is Serious Business
Stay warm and get moving on some cross-country skis.
Marquette’s cross country skiing is one of the best things you can do in the winter here.
Not sure where to go?
Here are the best place to cross country ski in Marquette this winter:
Noquemanon Trail Network – The most well-known spot for cross country skiing in Marquette is the NTN. With more than 35 miles of groomed single-track trails, gear rentals, and more, the NTN is the best spot in Marquette to start your cross-country journey.
Blueberry Ridge – With close to 14 miles miles of cross country skiing, Blueberry Ridge is a spot for anyone who enjoys cross country skiing to keep on their list.
Marquette Fit Strip
Just outside of town in Skandia you can also find, Maple Lane Archery and Ski Center. – $15 rentals
Marquette Ice Climbing
The Upper Peninsula gets freezing cold.
This means dramatic frozen ice structures for climbers to latch onto. Ice climbing only gets better as the days get chillier.
There are a few spots to ice climb in Marquette or you can drive 45 minutes east to Munising, & ice climb in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Visit the Historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock
Marquette’s Lower Harbor Ore Dock is one of the main staples of a visit to the city!
Read all about the Historic Ore Dock freeze of 2021
Mark these Marquette Winter Events on your Calendar
Before you start planning all of your Marquette Winter activities, make sure to include some of these can’t-miss winter events in Marquette county too!
Fat-Ish Fat Tire Bike Race
Fat Tire biking is huge in this corner of the world.
The race ordinarily falls on January 4-5th in Ishpeming but will not be hosting this year!
More info and history of the event can be found HERE
Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Save the date for the annual, Noquemanon Ski Marathon, which will celebrate another year of being one of the most prestigious cross-country ski race events in the states!
Come support and witness ski history
Honey Bear Classic
The Honey Bear Classic is held in Big Bay, which is roughly 25 miles north of Marquette.
Participants will endure the 12K or 24 K challenge!
Polar Roll
On February 15th and 16th, Marquette hosts Michigan’s Largest Fat Tire Bike Event, the Polar Roll.
The 2-day event will feature a 15 mile and 30-mile course that you can Fat Bike or snowshoe.
More info can be found on their website here
UP 200 Sled Dog Race
If you’ve missed this event in years past, don’t miss out on this years UP 200 Sled Dog Race.
This is the 30th year that this will be held and is always a Marquette winter treat.
The 2023 UP 200 is scheduled for February 16th-20th
More info on the 3 races that will take place this year can be found on the event’s website HERE
Trenary Outhouse Classic Race
The Trenary Outhouse race is one of the most entertaining events you will ever attend.
Picture this; converted Port a potties racing down the main drag of Trenary, MI.
To understand the camaraderie of this event, head over to my guide on the Trenary Outhouse race!
Upper Peninsula of Michigan Things to do in the Winter
Don’t just stop the fun in Marquette in the winter!
There are loads of highly enjoyable things to do in the winter in the UP close to Marquette.
- A must-do trip in Winter is Skiing Mount Bohemia. Make sure you don’t miss out on your $99 pass for access to some of the nation’s best tree and extreme skiing.
- Look for the Northern Lights in Marquette on a clear crisp night!
FAQ's about Winters in the Upper Peninsula of MI
How much snow does Marquette get in the Winter?
Marquette receives about 150 inches of snow per year.
Bring your shovel or snowblower because we get ALOT!
How cold does Marquette get in the Winter?
Marquette’s daily average temperature in winter is 33 degrees fahrenheit.
The coldest month of the year is typically January.
Temperatures also regularly dip into the single digits
Quick Tips for Upper Peninsula Winters
Weather changes quickly
Weather changes quickly and can be unexpected.
Just because it’s sunny and 30 doesn’t mean it will stay that way all day.
Because of these changing environments, Lake Superior, bring extra gear and layers.
Layers, layers, layers.
Always check the forecast
Always check the forecast, especially before coming.
Do you want to spend the weekend with snow storms or would you rather wait a week and come up when its not scheduled to be dumping snow?
Also, check if you’re already in town before heading out on whatever adventure you’re embarking on.
Bring Gloves
Bring Gloves!
Once your hands are gone, everything else follows.
If you have no dexterity with your hands, it’s hard to be productive doing anything else.
Here are some of my favorite gloves when out shooting.
Here are some of my favorite gloves for day to day cruising.
Lake Effect Snow is Real Up Here
Don’t sleep on the well-discussed Lake Effect snow!
If you aren’t sure of what Lake Effect means you can start here.
Lake Effect is when cold air moves across warmer lake water and that air gets heated up by the lake water rises and deposits snowfall onto the given region.
This Great Lakes region can be labeled as a “Snowbelt”
More Upper Peninsula of MI Things to Do
Looking for more Marquette Michigan winter events or things to do?
You can book a Marquette Photography Tour or go explore some excellent Marquette Cafes.
Want to go for a hike? Here you can find the Best Hikes in Marquette
Making your way to Munising? Make sure to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions about Marquette or any of these events, please reach out!
Stay tuned for more and stay warm when out and about in Michigan this winter.