The Michigan Iron Industry Museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first ironworks in the Lake Superior region. Here, a tangible site of industrial history and views of the river come together. The museum tells the story of Michigan’s three iron ranges and the people who worked there through exhibits, audiovisual programs, and interpretive outdoor trails.
Accessibility is also practical: people who cannot use stairs can visit the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. A wheelchair may be borrowed, subject to availability.
Mining History and Skiing
The Marquette Harbor Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Marquette Maritime Museum offers guided, interpretive tours of the lighthouse and its grounds. If you plan a tour, check the dates and whether it is running beforehand.
Another tangible link to the region’s industrial history is the Carp River Furnace: the more than 140-year-old furnace has been restored as a historic landmark. For a broader perspective, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail explores the subject. The 47-mile trail has ten trailheads in Marquette County and follows the footsteps of early miners and pioneers. Historic sites, information panels, and preserved artifacts are part of its route.
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum tells a different story. As the United States’ national hall of fame, it is devoted exclusively to skiing and snowboarding and includes more than 15,000 square feet of exhibit space. The Ishpeming Ski Club also shapes the history of skiing: since 1926, the club has held an annual ski jumping meet at Suicide Hill. Check current dates if you are planning a visit.
Peninsulas, Lakes, and Trails
Presque Isle Park is a 323-acre wooded peninsula with cobble beaches, rocky cliffs, and bogs. The John B. Anderton Trail System runs through the park’s interior. The park can be reached via the city’s multi-use trail or by car; access conditions may change seasonally. If you plan to visit the park, check access details beforehand.
At Little Presque Isle, the landscape is defined by sandy beaches, a rugged shoreline with cliffs, and densely wooded areas. Exposed rock formations date back more than 2.3 billion years; the sandstone cliffs are just under 60 feet high. Geological depth and distinctive coastal features are different aspects of the landscape here.
Craig Lake State Park covers more than 9,700 acres in Baraga and Marquette counties and includes six lakes. Among its many miles of trails is the North Country Trail. Moose are present there in spring, summer, and fall; sightings are possible but not guaranteed. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended for the rocky access road. Since road conditions may change seasonally, check them before driving.
Trail distances also offer different points of reference for planning: the North Country National Scenic Trail runs for 110 miles through Marquette County. Kayaking and canoeing are possible in the Harlow Lake Area. The Jedi Trail there is three miles long, with 271 feet of elevation gain and 288 feet of total descent.
For a hike to Little Garlic Falls, there is a challenging 7.6-mile out-and-back route and a shorter 2.2-mile alternative. The trail to Morgan Falls is relatively easy, at 2.8 miles, and is located outside the city of Marquette. The routes therefore differ in both distance and explicitly stated difficulty.
For scenic views, the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain has three platforms with panoramic views, as well as opportunities for nature watching and photography. From Hogback Mountain, the view stretches across Lake Superior. Van Riper State Park adds 1.5 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigamme and the Peshekee River to these scenic landscapes. A paved trail runs parallel to U.S. 41 between the park and historic Champion.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Marquette, Ishpeming Township, Oceana County, Mason County, Macomb, Alpena County, Roscommon County, Cheboygan County.
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