Basecamp Marquette: A Four Season Thrill Ride On The Shores of Lake Superior
- Marco Garcia
- Sep 25, 2024
- 5 min read
Basecamp: Marquette, Michigan
From Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline to dense pine forests and rocky ridgelines, Marquette, Michigan is a premier basecamp for adventure. Discover epic hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and more in Michigan’s outdoor capital.
Welcome to Marquette — the beating heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Perched along the raw, freshwater coastline of Lake Superior, this vibrant town blends an adventurous spirit with small-city charm. With dense forests, wild rivers, sandstone cliffs, and granite outcrops just minutes from downtown, it’s no surprise Marquette is the go-to basecamp for some of the Midwest’s best outdoor pursuits.
Come for the epic trails, stay for the local beer, and leave already planning your return.
Quick Overview
Population: ~20,000
Region: Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Vibe: Laid-back college town meets hardcore outdoor hub
Best Time to Visit: June–October for warm-weather adventures; January–March for winter sports
Known For: Hiking, mountain biking, wild swimming, waterfalls, beer
Where to Stay
While you could rough it in the woods (and we’ll get to that), Marquette has a variety of in-town options that keep you close to the trails and the breweries.
The Landmark Inn – Historic, walkable, and cozy. Perfect for first-timers.
The Nestledown B&B – Scandinavian-style lodge that feels like a retreat.
Rippling River Resort – Riverside cabins and campgrounds just minutes from downtown.
Hotels on US-41 – Easy access, great for budget travelers.
For those looking to pitch a tent or park a van, the Marquette Tourist Park Campground offers sites near the Dead River with quick access to trails and Lake Superior beaches.
Bonus Option: Looking for a more remote feel? Drive 30 minutes north to the Big Bay area for rustic cabins and quiet shoreline camping at McLain State Park or Craig Lake State Park.
Top Hikes Around Marquette
Marquette is home to some of the best hiking in the Midwest — with granite ridges, waterfalls, and dramatic lake views all within a few miles of downtown.
Mount Marquette
A short but steep trail that rewards with sweeping views of the town and Superior. Ideal for a sunrise or sunset mission.
Trailhead: BLP Trailhead or County Road 553 pull-off
Length: ~2 miles round-trip
Sugarloaf Mountain
A local favorite with a well-built staircase leading to panoramic views of the lake, Presque Isle, and the Huron Mountains.
Trailhead: Sugarloaf Mountain Parking Area
Length: 1 mile round-trip
Pro Tip: Take the longer “difficult” route up for a quieter and more scenic experience.
Hogback Mountain
The crown jewel of Marquette’s rugged hikes. Expect boulder scrambles, steep elevation, and some of the best views in the UP.
Trailhead: Wetmore Landing or Harlow Lake
Length: 3.5–4 miles round-trip
Expect: Wild blueberries in season, near-total solitude on weekdays, and 360-degree summit panoramas.
Dead River Falls
Not just one waterfall — but a chain of cascades and drops along the Dead River. A bit off-the-beaten-path but worth every muddy step.
Trailhead: Forestville Road
Length: ~2 miles round-trip
Be Aware: Slippery rocks and unmarked routes — hike with care and grippy footwear.
Little Presque Isle Loop
Not to be confused with the Presque Isle Park, this secluded spot offers long beach walks, cliffside lookouts, and access to the island itself when the water is low.
Length: 2–4 miles depending on route
Great For: Trail running, beach photography, dog walks.
Mountain Biking Mecca
If you're not aware, Marquette is a world-class mountain biking destination. With over 100 miles of singletrack and three distinct trail networks, there’s something here for every rider.
South Trails
Home to The Whole Enchilada, Eh Line, and flowy berms that’ll keep your stoke high for days. Great for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Highlights:
“Eh Line” jump trail
Down Dogger for spicy descending
Beautiful forest loops
North Trails
Rockier and more technical. Tight singletrack winds through mature forest and along the Dead River.
Highlights:
Blue Heron overlook
Collinsville Cut
Connects directly to Tourist Park Campground
Harlow Lake Trails
If you’re into gnarly, old-school rock gardens and backcountry vibes, this is your spot.
Highlights:
The “Bareback” trail
Killer views of Lake Superior
Remote, rugged terrain
Bonus: The area also hosts MTB events like the Marquette Trails Fest and Ore to Shore, attracting riders from all over the Midwest.
Rent bikes or tune up your gear at Sports Rack, Quick Stop Bike Shop, or Down Wind Sports.
On the Water
Being perched on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in the world, there’s no shortage of places to paddle, fish, or just jump in.
Kayaking
Presque Isle Park – Paddle around the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
Black Rocks – Launch from Picnic Rocks or Presque Isle for views of the famous cliff-diving spot.
Dead River Basin – Inland paddle with great wildlife viewing and calm waters.
Rentals Available At: Marquette Outdoor Ventures, MQT Kayak Co., or Superior Outfitters.
Fishing
Lake Superior – Charter a trip for trout, salmon, or whitefish.
Dead River & Carp River – Excellent wading spots for fly fishing.
Harlow Lake – Calm and family-friendly with decent panfish and bass action.
Wild Swimming & Cliff Jumping
Lake Superior is cold — always — but the brave know it’s worth it. Here are some local-favorite spots to cool off:
Black Rocks – Marquette’s most iconic cliff jumping spot.
Little Presque Isle – Crystal clear water and less crowded than town beaches.
McCarty’s Cove – Sandy beach with a lifeguard, lighthouse views, and epic sunsets.
Always check conditions, and don’t underestimate the cold or the waves. Lake Superior plays for keeps.
Note: Pack a wetsuit or quick-dry towel to make your post-swim recovery a little more pleasant.
Winter Adventures
Don’t sleep on winter. Marquette is a snow-covered playground for those who love cold weather adventures.
Marquette Mountain – Downhill skiing and snowboarding just minutes from downtown.
Noquemanon Trail Network – 50+ miles of groomed Nordic skiing trails.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking – Hogback, Sugarloaf, and the North Trails stay open and beautiful under snow.
Ice Climbing – Yes, really. Try the sandstone cliffs at Munising or scout ice flows right in town.
Winter Tip: Consider a February visit to catch the UP200 Dogsled Race, one of the premier sled dog events in the Midwest.
Breweries, Coffee & Après Outside
Adventure pairs best with something cold and local. Marquette delivers with a surprisingly robust craft beverage scene.
Beloved for its backyard beer garden and legendary 51K IPA.
Ore Dock Brewing Co.
Housed in a restored warehouse, offering live music and experimental brews.
Barrel + Beam
Just north of town, this spot focuses on farmhouse ales, ciders, and meads with a modern rustic vibe.
Contrast Coffee & Velodrome
Two great stops for top-tier coffee, pastries, and the kind of energy you’ll need for a full day outdoors.
Bonus: Food trucks often post up at the breweries during weekends in summer.
Don’t Miss
Presque Isle Park – A three-mile loop full of wildlife, lakeside cliffs, and unbeatable sunset views.
Marquette Maritime Museum – Learn about shipwrecks and the legacy of the big lake.
Superior Dome – The largest wooden dome in the world, and home to NMU sports.
Downtown Marquette – Browse gear shops, indie bookstores, ice cream parlors, and outdoor outfitters.
Also Worth the Drive: Take a day trip to Big Bay, Munising (for Pictured Rocks), or Craig Lake State Park for even more backcountry adventure.
Final Word
If the Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s wild soul, Marquette is its outdoor heartbeat. The access here is ridiculous — mountain biking from your door, kayaking at sunrise, hiking granite ridgelines by lunch, and a cold beer by sunset.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a season, Marquette delivers big adventure with small-town authenticity. Basecamp here, and you’re just scratching the surface.
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