The pros of visiting Marquette over other smaller towns are that it makes a great base camp. It offers a much broader lodging and dining mix than Munising, plus a walkable downtown, breweries, coffee, and non-park activities if the weather cancels boat or hiking trips.

Marquette is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and offers strong cultural experiences on rainy days, including the Children’s Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Historical Museum. It also offers less strenuous activities if you’re not up to hiking. For example, the sculpture park, waterfalls, and nearby beaches provide alternatives to intense park days with lighter in-town days.

Here’s a five-day plan for visiting the best things in Marquette, Michigan, including a day trip to Munising to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I’ve assumed Day One is a travel day, with your arrival late in the afternoon. It ends around noon on Day Five, as you’ll need time to return home in the afternoon. I’ve offered some rainy-day alternatives, so if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can reschedule activities.

Day 1 Late Afternoon

After traveling, you may not feel like starting with outdoor recreation on your first day, but Marquette has so much to offer, and five days is a short time to see it. I’ve put together a comprehensive five-day itinerary to highlight Marquette’s rich history. Don’t waste time; go directly to the hotel, then begin exploring the area.

Check into the Hotel

I love staying at the Hampton Inn Marquette/ Waterfront. The property, like the Staybridge Suites Marquette by IHG, is right on Lake Superior with a view of the Lower Harbor Ore Dock. Both properties make the perfect home base, offering a deck overlooking the water, making it a wonderful spot to enjoy your complimentary breakfast and morning coffee.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Complimentary self-parking lots are available for both properties.

Mattson Lower Harbor Park is the perfect place to begin exploring. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Kid’s Cove playground is the new accessible version, with multiple play zones designed for children of all abilities to use the equipment. Then, head over to Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery, just steps from the ore dock and playground, for dinner.

Dinner at Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery

Adjacent to Lake Superior, Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery serves American comfort food, such as burgers, whitefish, and tacos, in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan options are all possible. Just discuss the choices with your server. I love sitting on the patio and watching all of the activity on the lake while having dinner.

Piper’s Pro Planning: If you can’t get a place on the patio, request a table near the windows so kids can watch boats and the ore‑dock while you wait for food.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the sunset from the hotel deck during the warm-weather months.

Day 2 Morning

Breakfast at your Hotel

Both the Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront and the Staybridge Suites Marquette by IHG offer a complimentary breakfast included with your stay. I suggest simply starting the day with the hotel breakfast. It’s more economical than going out to breakfast, and if you want to try the local bakeries, I’ve included a couple of suggestions for lunch and snacks.

Piper’s Pro Planning for Complimentary Hotel Breakfasts

• At check-in, ask the front desk, “When is breakfast busiest for families?” and plan accordingly.
• Aim for the first hour of breakfast, so you beat the waffle crowd and find a four-top without hunting.
• Claim a table first and have an adult sit with the kids. Then, send the other adult to do a quick “scout lap” and help each child build a plate in one pass.
• Start kids with easy wins, yogurt, fruit, cereal, toast, while the adults tackle waffles or hot items, so no one waits hungry in line.
• If allowed, pack a small Ziploc bag or reusable container in your day bag to bring an extra banana or a box of cereal for a mid-morning snack.
• Leave a small tip on the table, even $3 to $5 for the family, as a thank you to the breakfast host who’s clearing dishes and refilling trays.

9:30 a.m.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Drive about 10 minutes to Sugarloaf Mountain and treat the climb as your biggest exertion of the trip; the standard route is short but stair-heavy, roughly one mile round-trip. Take your time, use the benches, and select one viewing platform rather than all of them if mobility is limited. The viewing platforms include the Iron Ore Dock, Presque Isle Park, Lake Superior, and the Superior Dome.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Arrive before 9:30 a.m. in summer to find parking and enjoy cooler temperatures on the stairs.

Day 2 Noon

Lunch at Donckers

Located in downtown Marquette, this combination café and candy shop features a retro soda-fountain vibe. Donckers offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it closes by 6:00 p.m. For lunch, their menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches, including burgers and grilled cheese, kid-pleasing ice cream sundaes, and a full candy counter. For something heartier, try their mac and cheese with a white cheddar and Gouda cheese sauce, offered with a variety of mix-ins.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Aim for a slightly late lunch, 1:30 to 2:00, to dodge peak rush on busy summer days. Let each kid pick a candy treat “for the trail” to motivate the afternoon’s walk.

Day 2 Afternoon

Chasing Waterfalls

1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Waterfalls are often located in areas with difficult or dangerous foot traffic. While you’ll find several waterfalls in the greater Marquette area, one of the easiest with the least amount of walking is Wright Street Falls. These falls are labeled family- and leashed-dog-friendly. It is approximately a 500-foot walk to see them.

More difficult are Morgan Falls or Cataract Dam Falls. For a list of waterfalls and more details on each, check out this list.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes even for short walks. Roots and rocks near waterfalls can be slick and uneven.

3:30 p.m.

The Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University (NMU)

A great rainy-day activity or just something fun to see is exploring the world’s largest wooden dome. The Superior Dome, sometimes referred to as the “Yooper Dome,” is a 14-story-tall geodesic structure with a diameter of about 536 feet, covering 5.1 acres under one roof. The dome is built from 781 Douglas fir beams and over 100 miles of fir decking, so the exposed wood interior has a dramatic, “cathedral of timber” feel that you’ll notice immediately. This is the fifth largest in the world; the four larger ones are made of steel.

While impressive from the outside, you can walk the concourse, and the kids can run off some steam. Turn it into a “how big is this?” challenge. Have the kids count the stairs or laps, discuss it being the world’s largest wooden dome, and find scoreboards and banners.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Check the schedule to confirm the exact hours the building will be open to the public on your visit date. Times change due to events and other activities.

Dinner at Portside Inn

The food here is fresh, made from scratch in the Portside Inn kitchen. Share a pizza and a couple of appetizers, family‑style, to keep ordering simple and budget-friendly.

Piper’s Pro Planning: A natural follow-up to a day of hiking. You’ll find it casual enough for sandy, tired kids.

It has been a full day, so head back to the hotel after dinner and get some rest.

Day 3 Pictured Rocks Boat‑Tour Day

8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Have a Leisurely Breakfast at the Hotel

9:45 Drive to Munising

The scenic drive to Munising takes about 45 minutes in light summer traffic. Take M‑28 from Marquette to Munising with breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The road hugs Lake Superior and has multiple pull-off points for breaks.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Leave a little earlier if you want to make frequent photo stops. You can also make stops on the return trip if you’re running short on time for your cruise and lunch.

11:00 a.m.

Lunch at Pictured Rocks Pizza

Have an early lunch in Munising near the dock. Pictured Rocks Pizza is a couple of blocks from the boat dock. The restaurant features wood-fired pizza and has both indoor and patio seating.

Piper’s Pro Planning: While they do get busy during lunchtime, eating early will help avoid the rush.

1:30 p.m.

Picture Rocks Cruises

While you can hike in the park, the best way to see the actual cliff is from the water. If you’re planning a boat tour of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, I suggest the two-hour Spray Falls cruise. It includes all the rocky cliffs on the Classic Cruise, plus Spray Falls. When you go to book, you may wonder why this cruise includes an extra site, 17 rather than 16, yet takes 40 minutes less time. That’s because the Spray Falls cruise uses faster catamaran boats. The cruise is narrated, highlighting the various rock formations and the legends and lore behind them. I like to sit on the open-air deck and take pictures of the rock formations. I’ve taken this twice and enjoyed it both times.

The mid-afternoon timing hits the better cliff lighting while still getting you back to Marquette by early evening.

Piper’s Pro Planning

• Pre-book your cruise several weeks ahead for July and August trips. Popular time slots and sunset cruises often sell out.
• People begin lining up as early as an hour before. This is important if you want to secure a seat on the upper deck for photos.
• Bring light layers and windbreakers even on hot summer days. Lake Superior breezes on the upper deck feel much cooler than on shore.​

4:15 to 5:00 p.m.

Munising Falls or Sand Point Beach

Make a short stop in Munising. If everyone’s feeling good, add Munising Falls or Sand Point Beach, both accessible with short, mostly paved walks. The walking is well under a mile.

5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Drive Back to Marquette

Return via M‑28 the same way you came. The total drive time each way stays within a relaxed one‑hour. The scenery is beautiful on this highway, and the time will pass before you know it.

After a long day, you’ll want to freshen up for dinner at the hotel before heading out to dinner.

Evening

7:00 p.m.

Dinner at Hudson’s Classic Grill & Bar

I suggest a casual dinner back in Marquette. It’s been a big day, so keep the rest of the night low-key. Enjoy a “reward dinner” after a long outing at Hudson’s Classic Grill & Bar. They offer burgers, shakes, and Rock ‘n Roll. The chocolate shakes and music help keep kids awake and cheerful.

You’ll find a variety of casual items on the menu, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as pasta, steaks, and seafood. If you have vegans in your group, they won’t leave disappointed.

Piper’s Pro Planning: On warm summer evenings, you’ll enjoy the outdoor seating.Closed on Sundays.

While I think the best time to visit Marquette is in the summer, the city has its fair share of festivals throughout the year. This guide to Festivals and Fun in Marquette, Michigan, for 2026 will help add any additional outings to this itinerary. If you choose winter, explore Marquette, Michigan. Winters can be a challenge, but this guide offers many options for outdoor activities.

Day 4 Morning

9:00 a.m.

Breakfast at the Hotel

10:00 am

Marquette Maritime Museum and Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

The Marquette Maritime Museum and Marquette Harbor Lighthouse offer a fascinating window into Lake Superior’s maritime stories, wrapped in classic small-town charm. Housed in a former waterworks building, the museum showcases shipwreck artifacts, historic photographs, and engaging exhibits that bring the region’s shipping past, and often stormy waters, to life. After exploring inside, step out for a guided tour of the bright red Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, perched above the rocky shoreline with a sweeping scenic view of the lake and ore docks. It’s an easy, family-friendly stop that pairs perfectly with a lakeside stroll or nearby beach time.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Openmid-May through early October, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed Mondays. Depending on your Day 4, you may need to swap this with the Day 5 visit to the Marquette Regional History Center.

Noon

Lunch at Huron Mountain Bakery

Huron Mountain Bakery offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers breakfast sandwiches, bagels, scones, muffins, croissants, donuts, and pastries. For lunch and dinner, they have a variety of soups, sandwiches, and cookies. Everything here is fresh and tasty.

Piper’s Pro Planning: While they offer tables at the bakery, another option is to grab sandwiches, bakery items, and snacks, then picnic at a waterfall or at Lakenenland’s picnic tables.

Day 4 Afternoon

1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Lakenenland Sculpture Park

Drive east on M‑28, about 15 to 20 minutes, to Lakenenland Sculpture Park, where you can either walk very short distances among the sculptures or simply drive the loop. Walking segments can be as short as a few hundred yards, with parking spots right in the park.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly, family-friendly activity.

Presque Isle Park

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Presque Isle Park, lovingly known as “the crown jewel of Marquette,” showcases the natural beauty that defines Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Just minutes from downtown, this 323-acre peninsula offers breathtaking Lake Superior views and endless ways to explore the outdoors. From the Black Rocks cliffs to peaceful woodland paths bursting with wildflowers, every turn reveals a new scenic photo opp.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of trails connecting Presque Isle Park with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, the North Country Trail, and the Noquemanon Trail Network. Whether you like strolling along the paved bike path, tackling rugged biking trails, or simply relaxing on the shoreline, the park invites you to slow down and savor Marquette’s North Woods magic. It’s an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the region’s outdoor spirit and lakeside charm.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Time your visit to Presque Isle Park for golden hour, when the low sun lights up Lake Superior and the rocky shoreline, creating an unforgettable scenic view over the water. During the warmer months, aim for a weekday evening or early morning to enjoy the miles of trails and bike path connections with fewer crowds, and save extra time to wander out to Black Rocks for that iconic lakeside moment.

Dinner at Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery

The historic harbor‑view Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery is known for Lake Superior whitefish and classic pub-style entrees.

Piper’s Pro Planning: It’s a good idea to make reservations. They’re closed on Sundays and major holidays.

It has been a full day, so head back to the hotel after dinner and get some rest.

Day 5 Morning

Prior to Checkout, Grab Breakfast at the Hotel

10:00 a.m.

Marquette Regional History Center or the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum

If it rains, both options are suitable. Younger children will prefer the children’s museum, while teens will find the history center interesting.

At the Marquette Regional History Center, you’ll find six interactive touchscreen kiosks highlighting Lake Superior, Ojibwe culture, Palestra hockey history, the impact of war on the Upper Peninsula, logging, and the impact of beaver ponds on the environment. In addition to the permanent exhibits, you’ll find several special exhibits.

If you’re visiting on Tuesday or Wednesday in July or August, try to reserve a Historic Marquette Bus Tour. Tickets for the 90-minute tour cost about $25. These tours take you around the city in an air-conditioned bus, and historical reenactors board to share stories about various sites. This is a fun tour!

The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, in downtown Marquette, is a must-visit spot for families exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This interactive museum encourages the kiddos to climb, create, and discover through exhibits that combine education with fun. Young explorers can crawl through tunnels, “fly” an airplane, or pretend in the kid-sized town. All of this happens while they learn about science, art, and nature. Parents will appreciate the museum’s inventive atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a rainy-day outing or a midday break from the beach.

Piper’s Pro Planning

• Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the children’s museum.
• The history center is closed on Sundays, so depending on your Day 5 itinerary, you may need to replace this with the Marquette Maritime Museum and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. The children’s museum is closed on Mondays.

Noon

Head home and grab lunch on your way.

For more Michigan trip planning, the First-Timer’s Guide to Michigan is a good place to start, then the Michigan Travel Guide.

If You Go

Getting There

Marquette, Michigan, is the county seat of Marquette County and is in the Eastern Time Zone.

Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT), formerly Sawyer International, sits about 17 to 20 miles south of downtown Marquette, roughly a 25-minute drive. It has a daily commercial service, with flights connecting through Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis on Delta and American, making it the primary gateway to Marquette.

Drive Times to Marquette

City	Hours
Chicago, Illinois	7
Cleveland, Ohio	11
Lansing, Michigan	7.5
St. Ignace, Michigan	3
Traverse City, Michigan	5.5

Getting Around

The best way to get around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is by car. If you fly in, you’ll want to rent a car.

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