Located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Marquette, Michigan is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. Home to 20,000+ residents, this historic city offers vast views of our largest Great Lake, culture, small town charm, great food, and nature. In addition, there are abundant opportunities for recreation and adventure. No matter the season, a visit to Marquette will not disappoint.
Outdoor Recreation | Marquette, Michigan
One of the main draws of Marquette is outdoor recreation. Forested hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, boat cruises, kayaking tours, remote beaches abound. You can even explore the surface of a 1.7 billion year old volcanic basalt outcrop along the Lake Superior shore. There is something for every outdoor enthusiast.
If you’re looking for more detailed information on food, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, check out my 2025 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan.
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Marquette Michigan Biking Trails
Marquette is a bike-friendly city, to say the least! Biking is a way of life throughout the city, from Northern Michigan University students, to visitors, to permanent residents. Whether you’re looking for mountain biking trails, a long expanse of lakefront trail, or a city trail, an abundance of biking options exist in and around the city. Biking trails include the expansive “Noquemanon”, or “Noque Trails”, the 47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail, and the Marquette City Multi-Use Path that passes through town.
The city of Marquette is also home to Northern Michigan University, a public university with a student population of 7,000. NMU students are fortunate to live in such a beautiful college community, and can take advantage of the many recreational opportunities that Marquette has to offer through Equipment Rentals at NMU Rec Sports.
Iron Ore Heritage Trail | Marquette Michigan
Hike, bike, run, cross-country ski, or bird-watch year-round along the 47-mile, Iron Ore Heritage Trail. This multi-use, crushed limestone/paved interpretive trail travels through the Marquette Iron Range. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail passes through downtown Marquette at Marquette Commons, home to the Saturday farmer’s market.
The market is held Saturday mornings from 9am – 1pm, May 17 through October 25 and from 10am – 1pm from November 1 through November 15. I love this market! You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, homemade jam, baked goods, fresh coffee, textiles, eggs, and other crafts. Be sure to stop in for a hot coffee or baked good if you’re biking through town. Bike racks are available at Marquette Commons.
Marquette Michigan | City Multi-Use Path
Located in the heart of the city, the Marquette City Multi Use Path includes over 17 miles of paved trails. This scenic trail travels through numerous historic and scenic parts of town, extending from Presque Isle and the Ore Dock in the north of town. The path passes through the Northern Michigan University campus to the southern part of town. Here, it connects with the Noquemanon Trail Network and 30 additional miles of multi-use trails. Check out the Marquette City Multi Use Path Map.
Noquemanon Trail Network | Marquette Michigan
Noquemanon Trail Network | Marquette, Michigan
- North and South Trails
- Fit Strip
- Valley Spur
- Saux Head
- Hiawatha Water Trail
Biking Gear
Weather is ever-changing in the Upper Peninsula! For a comfortable hoodie for the cooler days, consider Outdoor Research’s Freewheel MTB Half Zip Hoodie. Available in Men’s or Women’s in multiple bright colors. Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
Biking Packs | Marquette Michigan
For a great biking-specific pack, consider Osprey’s Kitsuma or Katari hydration packs in 1.5 liter, 3 liter, or 7 liter sizes. I have used the Katari 3 pack for several years now, and find it just large enough for extra water, snacks, and a light layer of clothing. The bright yellow color adds extra visibility for road crossings.
For a lumbar off-the-back pack, check out the Seral 7, with enough room for a spare tube and patch kit. For something a tad larger, I recommend the Raptor 10, with hipbelt pockets and shoulder harness. Osprey’s Packfinder is a great tool to find the pack that best fits your frame and activity.
Packs for the Rainy Rides
Weather in northern Michigan can change on a dime. For a waterproof pack for those potentially rainy rides, check out the Osprey Transporter Waterproof, in 18, 25, and 30 liter sizes with back-panel ventilation and roll-top closure to fit all your gear.
A visit to Marquette, Michigan is always an adventure, regardless of the season. You will find no shortage of scenic views, friendly people, great food and drinks, recreation, history, and adventure.
Enjoy Marquette’s beautiful trails!
-Erin
