Marquette, Michigan; a quaint Harbor Town that has plenty of activities to offer, regardless of the season. Winter affords plenty of skiing, as this city accumulates a significant amount of snow, but is never unbearably cold. Downhill, and cross-country skiing are popular, in addition to snowmobiling. During the summer, the climate remains moderate, but is warm enough for several outdoor activities to be taken advantage of. Fishing (with the proper license), boutique shopping, swimming, visiting the beaches, and sightseeing are all a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of a big city, without extracting you from required shopping necessities. Given Marquette is growing at a pace slow enough to not be invasive, but still offer shopping that people look for these days, whether it be for school clothes, home and lawn improvement, or dining out at a sub shop, pastry bakery, or family restaurant.
Locals are always happy to point visitors in the direction of their favorite pass times that aren't always on the map offered for the area newcomer. Presque Island is popular, as well as Picnic Rocks, and Black Rocks. All boulders rising out of Lake Superior that are often swam out to for an afternoon lunch, or diving into the depths of Superior. Several trails for hiking and bike riding, as well as views of the Marquette Lighthouse, and several others that are still standing in their original state. Pastries would be one of the native favorite meals. For those that aren't familiar with the meal, it's essentially beef stew wrapped up in pastry, about the size of a calzone. Depending on who recommends the hearty, yet delightful dish, it's either covered in ketchup or gravy. White Fish and Lake Trout are local favorites as well, and taste as of there was no other way to better prepare the fish.
Marquette, Michigan is also the home of Northern Michigan University. So if you were to venture out of the heart of the family life, the town offers activities for the college students, who aren't invasive to the serenity of the city itself. Marquette, Michigan... an unfamiliar city if not a Yooper yourself. But the residents and quaintness of the town make you feel right at home, with friendly faces and several activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
