The Best Things To Do In Marquette Michigan This Summer (2024)
Here’s exactly what to do in Marquette, MI when you’re craving summer adventure in the UP.
TLDR:
– Summers in Marquette are one of the best things to do in Michigan
– Marquette Summers = Mountain Biking, Lake Life, and all things outdoors.
– Book lodging early as summertime in Marquette = busy with festivals & other events.
Marquette Michigan Summer Travel Guide Overview
Best Outdoor Things to do in Marquette this Summer
Marquette is best enjoyed outdoors so add all of these amazing bucket list items to your itinerary today!
Cliff Jumping at Blackrocks
Easily the most popular outdoor activity in Marquette Michigan is Cliff Jumping at Blackrocks!
Don’t be afraid of the cold water or heights and just jump!
Explore Presque Isle
Presque Isle is where you will find the infamous cliff jumping at Blackrocks (above) but there’s plenty more to do than just that.
Read my full piece on what you have to do when visiting Presque Isle
Hike Marquette's Best Hikes
If you haven’t heard about Sugarloaf Mountain yet, now you know!
Drive down Big Bay Road (Highway 55) for about 10 minutes, and you will see the parking lot signs for Sugarloaf.
Peak this easy 15-minute hike to get some of best views of Lake Superior in the entire state of Michigan!
If you’re set on hiking on your trip, read my full Marquette Hiking Guide for Marquette’s Best Hiking Trails
Chase Marquette's Waterfalls
Waterfalls are abundant in the Upper Peninsula and are all around Marquette County. Want to know about the best ones?
Read my post about the Marquette County Waterfalls Guide
Bike Marquette's Best Trails
Mountain Biking is one of the main economic and social drivers in Marquette.
The city revolves around biking and is an IMBA-certified Bronze level rated city.
Take advantage of the diversity of trails this city offers.
From easy Lakeshore riding to technical & rugged terrain, Marquette has a trail for everyone.
If you’re a serious rider or curious to get the full scoop on the mtb scene, read the full 🚵🏻 Mountain Biking in Marquette guide
Kayak Marquette's Rugged Shoreline
Marquette is one of the best places to kayak in Michigan.
If you’re planning on kayaking or paddleboarding, bring your own because there are no rentals.
Purchasing a kayak or paddleboard is possible though at Down Wind Sports!
Get out there and make the most of Marquette’s rugged shoreline on the water!
Experience a Must Attend Summer Event in Marquette
Marquette hosts tons of summer festivals and most of them are extremely enjoyable.
Mark your calendars before you miss the best ones like the Blueberry Festival!
Other notable summer events include:
- Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival: July
- Art on the Mountain: July
- Marquette 4th of July Fireworks: July 4, 2023
Start Planning an Autumn trip to Marquette
Fall Colors in Marquette are unbeatable.
Make sure to visit in the Fall if you’re serious about experiencing Michigan’s Best Fall colors
Best Beaches in Marquette
Marquette has a number of beautiful beaches on it’s Lake Superior shores.
Here are the best beaches in Marquette county you need to experience this year
Wetmore Landing
Wetmore Landing is one of the best beaches in Marquette County for all types of visitors.
This area is ideal for anyone looking to disconnect from the crowds of downtown Marquette, or for those already exploring up Big Bay Rd (County Road 550).
To maximize your time when at Wetmore Landing, take the scenic Wetmore Landing Shoreline trail hike & visit the often forgotten “Hidden Beach”.
This secluded beach is one of Marquette’s hidden gems you shouldn’t forget about.
Little Presque Isle Beach Area
Little Presque Isle is an awesome place to do just about everything beach-related when in Marquette.
Because it’s a little way out of town, you’re more likely to have fewer crowds and unforgettable times
McCarty's Cove Beach
McCarty’s Cove makes for an awesome afternoon hangout to recharge on the shores of Lake Superior.
This is also the area I practice daily cold water swimming in Lake Superior.
The cove and beach shoreline here get VERY busy on nice days
South Beach Marquette
South Beach is also a popular place for those looking to stay closer to town or take a quick swim in Lake Superior from the adjacent bike path.
A Hopping Craft Beer Scene
If you’re a Beer fan, you’re in the right city.
Beer lovers can’t miss one of the UP’s and Marquette’s best, Blackrocks Brewery.
Enjoy a pint or two and revel in the beauty of the scenery that surrounds you.
Read my full guide on all the Marquette Breweries to visit in one day
Need something stronger?
Find your way to these Marquette Staples before your trip is up
The two most popular Marquette MI bars to know:
- The Wooden Nickel
- Remies Pub
More Amazing Things To Do in Marquette This Summer
You thought the fun was going to end there, eh?
Make sure you save some energy for some more unforgettable things to experience in Marquette this 2024!
Catch a Lake Superior Sunrise & Sunset
Every trip to Marquette needs at least one sunrise or sunset on the shores of Lake Superior.
Make your trip that much more memorable by experiencing both!
One of our favorite places for a Lake Superior Sunrise is on the summit of Mount Marquette.
As widely known as it is, it still is a definite hidden gem in Marquette!
Visit the Historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock
The Lower Harbor Ore Dock is one of the most photographed places in Marquette Michigan.
The history behind the Ore Dock is worth a read as well as the historic ore dock freeze that some still regard as one of their favorite winters in Marquette!
Tour Marquette's Maritime Museum
The red Lighthouse you see is one of the most recognized parts of the city.
Book a tour to learn all about the history at Marquette’s Maritime Museum
Explore the Marquette Farmers Market
When the cold melts away, you know the Farmers Market is back.
Saturdays + Wednesdays, mean fresh produce and local artists displaying their craft that can’t be missed!
Visit a Marquette Dispensary
Itching to visit Dr. Greenthumb?
Marquette county has more than 5 Marijuana Shops open to anyone over 18.
All high quality and very professional.
Get Your Plan Started for a Winter Trip!
Winter is arguably the best time to experience the serene beauty of Marquette and the rest of the Upper Peninsula.
Yes, the weather is harsh but the change of landscapes is remarkable. (Seriously).
Read all about Winter in Marquette – Almost as Good as Summer, Just Much, Much Colder
Marquette Hotels and Accomodations
Depending on your group size and trip plans, here are some lodging options in the Marquette area to consider:
- Book an Airbnb – If staying in a home is your cup of tea, there are plenty of hosts to provide a lovely experience
- Hotels – Here is my full guide to where to stay in Marquette
- Camp in Marquette County – Camping in Marquette is not only popular but advantageous for the right visitors. Some of the best bike trailheads and hikes are adjacent to campsites in the area.
More Important Things to Know About Marquette
- Fresh Coast Film Festival happens every October! Make sure to come back and experience one of the states best movie festivals!
- Summertime in Marquette gets very busy. Book early to save money and peace of mind
- If you are here in Winter – Spring, keep your eyes to the sky. Read all about experiencing the Northern Lights in Michigan
- Food Trucks are abundant! Find the best restaurants to eat at in Marquette
- Marquette Festivals are awesome and plentiful. Check your calendars to see if there’s one when you visit
- Looking to save some money? Have a picnic or just grab some food at The Marquette Co-op and head out to a lakeshore location or park. The deli serves up some great sandwiches as well.
- Pasties are a staple of the UP. Get one at Jean Kays at some point during your stay
- Marquette is not a Hidden gem in Michigan but it surely is a gem!
- Out of all Michigan Vacation Spots, Marquette might be one of the best and MOST VISITED!
Best Things to do Near Marquette
Kitchitikipi Day Trip
About 1.5 hours south of Marquette, you fill find the “Big Spring” aka Kitchitikipi.
This is an easy day trip and you will see why people love visiting Kitchitikipi!
Pictured Rocks Really Rocks
Rent a Pontoon and explore the shores of this Upper Peninsula of Lakeshore.
If you don’t rent a boat, go hike all around one of Michigan’s best Parks
Getting to Marquette is Easier than you think
Marquette is a lot easier to get too than people think.
Just because the Upper Peninsula’s largest city is very remote, doesn’t mean it’s impossible to visit.
Here is how you get to Marquette:
Fly into Sawyer International Airport – Daily Flights from Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis make this trip a breeze
Downstate over the Mackinac Bridge – Head over the Mighty Mac and head West on the southern Highway 2 route or 28 west along the northern highway.
Planning your Upper Peninsula Vacation
If you need anything else when visiting Marquette, please reach out to me.
For some of you on your Michigan Road trip, or your Upper Peninsula Road trip, you only have a small amount of time here.
I would love for you to enjoy this city as much as possible.
If you need any more advice, please get in touch with me today!