Area Attractions

Marquette County consists of a series of neighboring communities. It has an abundance of natural beauty, a unique climate and a high quality of life. The county is also rich in arts and culture. This combination has earned the area several state and national honors, including it being named as one of "America’s Most Livable Communities," its selection for involvement in Michigan’s “Cool Cities” initiative and its recognition as an “All-American City.” Discover what makes Marquette County special by clicking on the links below to take a virtual tour of area attractions.

Museums

	Michigan Iron Industry Museum Tour The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is a 15-minute drive from NMU’s campus. The museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first iron forge in the Lake Superior region. Here, from 1848 to 1855, the Jackson Iron Company and others manufactured wrought iron from local ore and demonstrated the high quality of Michigan's iron ore deposits. In that pioneer enterprise was the seed of the Michigan iron industry that flourished for 125 years and still produces nearly one-quarter of the iron ore mined in the United States. Today, museum exhibits, audiovisual programs and outdoor interpretive paths depict the large-scale capital and human investment that made Michigan an industrial leader.
	Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum Tour The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum is located just minutes away from Northern's campus in historic downtown Marquette. It provides children with a hands-on exploratory learning environment designed by kids for fun. It offers a variety of exciting programs and exhibits that engage thousands of families from across the region, even around the globe, each year.
	U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum Tour The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the City of Ishpeming, the birthplace of organized skiing. It is a 15-minute drive from NMU’s campus. The museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and archives relating to the history of skiing. It has 20,000 square feet of space containing displays of nearly 400 honored members, trophies, clothing and equipment. There is also a gift shop, library and theatre.

Parks

	Mattson Lower Harbor Park Tour Mattson Lower Harbor Park is located on the shore of Lake Superior in historic downtown Marquette. It is a short drive or bike ride from NMU’s campus. Some of the park’s amenities include an elaborate playground, a picnic area, a concession stand and restrooms. Many public events and festivals are held in the park, including the International Food Festival, the Seafood Festival, the Blues Festival and the U.P. 200 Sled Dog Race. Other attractions include the iron ore dock, the marina, the Lake Superior Theatre, the break wall and boat tours.
	McCarty’s Cove Tour McCarty's Cove is a beautiful beach just minutes away from Northern's campus. The cove is adjacent to the scenic and historic U.S. Coast Guard Station lighthouse, which is located on its south shore. The cove serves as a reprieve from hot summer days, where students and members of the Marquette community take advantage of the refreshing Lake Superior water. The beach has a volleyball court, a picnic area, grills, a children's playground and a lifeguard on duty.
	Presque Isle Park Tour Presque Isle Park, also known as “The Island,” is a short drive or bike ride from NMU’s campus. It is one of Marquette’s most popular parks, located on the north side of the city. “The Island” is a small peninsula surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior and severed from the mainland by the Dead River. A bridge connects it to the City of Marquette. Presque Isle Park encompasses 323 acres of mostly forested land. Amenities include a wooden band shell for concerts, a park pavilion, a gazebo, a marina, a concession stand, picnic tables, barbecue pits, walking/skiing trails, a playground, restroom facilities, a bog walk, Moosewood Nature Center and Shiras Pool. Other attractions include beaches, an iron ore dock, a break wall and a marina.