From outdoor explorations to discovering local art, U.P. history and virtual reality, find an adventure that matches your families interests in Marquette County, Michigan.

Photo courtesy of Marquette Mountain Resort

Explore the Shore

A visit to Marquette isn’t complete without experiencing an adventure involving our star attraction, Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world! With 83 miles of shoreline to explore, you can walk or paddle along this natural beauty to your heart’s content. Marquette Mountain offers guided kayak tours that are perfect for inexperienced paddlers and families with children.

Hikes of all Types

For a nature escape for the whole family, head to Moosewood Nature Center at Presque Isle Park, and take the short, easy bog walk, suitable for all ages. Check out the interpretive center for animal exhibits, educational displays, and events.

Kids of all ages will love a visit to Lakenenland Sculpture Park, a true hidden gem full of whimsical sculptures all created by one man and local legend, Tom Lakenen. You can walk or drive through, but we recommend walking to get the full experience. Fun photo ops anytime of year.

Discover the beauty of Thomas Rock with this one-mile, ADA-accessible trail that boasts stunning views of Big Bay, Lake Superior, and even the Keweenaw Peninsula on clear days. Enjoy convenient amenities like on-site toilets and well-placed railings and benches. Along the wide path, informative posts provide insights into local wildlife and plants. Perfect for visitors of all skill levels, Thomas Rock offers a fun and easy outdoor adventure.

Ride through History

For a relaxing and rewarding way to explore, discover the region’s iron ore history by biking a section of the 47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The trail winds through woodlands and small towns, past cool streams, and along Lake Superior shoreline, and features interpretive signs and mining displays, like a restored kiln. Head to one of the ten trailheads to begin your ride. There’s even a bike repair station with an air pump on the trail.

If you are not sure where to start, Jackson Mine Park in Negaunee is a great place to begin. The site of the area’s first open pit mine, which opened in 1845, the park features kiosks with maps and stories of the hardy miners who immigrated from the British Isles, Scotland, and Finland and helped shape this region.

Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, just a 3.5-mile ride down the trail, is full of artifacts and more mining history, and don’t miss a visit to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, the site of the first iron forge in the region, for the full picture of mining history.

Downtown fun

Downtown Marquette is packed with opportunities for exploration and fun! Start your day at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum where little explorers can participate in an archeological dig, crawl through the Fantastic Forest, interact with turtles and snakes and see a live bee hive in action, or play pilot, conductor, or miner in one of the museum’s interactive exhibits.

For more hands-on fun, head on over to HOTplate Clayworks, choose your pottery from piggy banks to plates, mugs, planters, picture frames, and more, and paint your masterpiece!

For thrills for the whole crew, head to Escape Marquette and book a family adventure of your choosing. Search the Magic Castle for the dinosaur egg, Break into da Yooper Camp, Catch a Killer, or find the oxygen supply while you’re Submerged for a fun experience the whole family will enjoy!

Edge of Reality VR Arcade offers up more than 50 games and experiences that change monthly. Don a headset and escape for an hour into a virtual world of robots, zombies, pirates, gladiators, and more. You can even soar over the Grand Canyon or stroll around the Eiffel Tower with Google Earth!

Roam the Fresh Coast

Step out into the sunshine and head down the block to Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park and stretch your legs on the city walking/bike path, take in the view of Lake Superior and the Ore Docks, and let the kids enjoy the playground.

Stay on the path (or take Lakeshore Boulevard) down to the Marquette Maritime Museum to explore the region’s nautical history, including the ill-fated Edmund Fitzgerald. Next door, visit the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and take the guided tour, and don’t miss the spectacular view from the lookout!

End your afternoon at the popular, lifeguard-staffed beach at McCarty’s Cove. Stroll along the sandy shore and dip your toes in the cold clear waters or go for a swim for some unsalted Fresh Coast Fun!

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Summer Adventures for Families in Marquette County