How To Explore The Best Hikes In Marquette MI In One Day

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If you want to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, then you need to check out these best hikes in Marquette!

If you’re new to the blog, then welcome! Our family lives on our 80-acre homestead in Pelkie, Michigan which means we travel to Marquette, MI often. It has our closest Target, Menards, Lowes, Meijer, and other big-name stores.

This is one day trip that we love to do for fun! You can hit the top five hiking spots of Marquette and still have time to eat a meal or two in town and do some shopping. We have done this exact route on a sunny Saturday!

Let me introduce you to the best hikes in Marquette and take you along as we go along the route from stop to stop! If you are starting west of Marquette, then this is the best order to explore each of these spots. If you are east of Marquette, then just do this trip backward.

Let’s go…

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Canyon Falls

Our first stop in our trip to explore the best hikes in Marquette, MI is Canyon Falls. It is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Upper Peninsula because of its majestic depth and flow.

When you are driving east on Highway 41 you will see a sign for the falls and a pull-off area on the highway. Park anywhere and then follow the signs to the trailhead.

You’ll hike inward about 2 miles and then 2 miles back. Along the hike, you’ll be next to the Sturgeon River and enjoy the views! It’s a very easy hike and can be done in the winter, but I would wear hiking boots with spikes if there is still snow or ice on the ground.

And also along the hike, there will be some smaller falls to observe before moving on to the grand finale. At the end of the trail, you can sit and admire the view or explore the area. Bring your dog too!

Dead River Falls

The GPS will take you down some windy roads to our next stop on the one-day, best hikes in Marquette trip. There is a small turnaround near the bottom of a hill where you will park.

To reach Dead River Falls start by climbing up the big hill and shortly on your left you will see a sign pointing you toward the falls. Then, it’s just a quick few steps in the woods before you reach the river and the falls.

When we were visiting, some local students from Northern Michigan University were doing a slackline over the falls with harnesses and it was super cool to watch.

This is another easy hike to see some beautiful views in Marquette Michigan but climbing up the big hill might take your breath away!

Sugarloaf Mountain

This is a state park so you may have to pay to access it during the summer months. But, off-season it is free for anyone to come and visit, the parking lot may just not be plowed.

This is the best scenic overlook in Marquette! The views of the city and Lake Superior are breathtaking. But, it is a hike to get to the top of the mountain.

There is an easier hike option and a longer more difficult one. Both hikes do have quite a few stairs to get to the top and will take you about 15-30 minutes to get to the top. There are also signs and historical facts along the way.

I suggest packing a picnic lunch and at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, stop and eat while you enjoy the view. There’s also a pretty cool stone monument you have to check out! You’ll also probably meet some locals hanging out at the top. Ask them about their favorite Yooper spots.

Presque Isle Park

This is a beautiful little peninsula area that cuts out of Marquette, just north of the city. It is a wonderful area to hike and walk around and I’m so glad I included this on the list of the best hikes in Marquette, MI.

However, if it is a very nice day during the spring, summer, or fall, it likely won’t be so secluded. You’ll see all the locals out walking around after being cooped up all winter! And in the winter, you’ll even see some cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

There are lots of deer on this island and that is one of the reasons no pets are allowed. However, the main path is paved. You can’t drive around it but it is a fantastic walk. You can even follow some trails in the woods to get right near the cliffs of Lake Superior.

This is another great spot to bring your picnic basket and stay awhile.

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Lower Harbor Ore Dock

The last stop on our route (or the first if you are doing this trip coming from the east) is the Lower Harbor Ore Dock in Marquette Michigan.

This is a wonderful hike along the shoreline of Lake Superior, and in the winter, you will see local ice skating all around it!

It’s an iconic site to the city and beautiful to look at in every season. It has a lot of mining history attached to it, hence its name, and has been preserved as a historic structure.

I suggest starting at the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and walking down North Lakeshore Blvd. You’ll pass the Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park, another great place to stop for a meal or to relax.

This hike is a great way to see the city, if you are up for an even longer walk, I suggest exploring downtown Marquette next. You really get a feel for the city on this hike, which is why it is one of the best hikes in Marquette, Michigan.

And, there you have it! The best hikes in Marquette, MI and you can hit them all in one day as we did, or you can spend more time at each spot.

Make sure you check this out if you are interested in more hikes in the Upper Peninsula!

Let me know in the comments below, which spot in Marquette is your favorite?

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Kelsey at GoodPointGrandma

Hey there, I'm Kelsey! I'm so glad you are here. I'm a 20-something helping you live your most fulfilling life. I hope you'll join me in this old-fashioned & simple lifestyle!