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. There are abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. No matter the season or reason, 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.
For more detailed information on food, culture, and unique lodging options in Marquette, check out my 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in Marquette, Michigan.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Marquette Michigan Biking Trails
Marquette is a biking mecca in the Upper Midwest! Biking is a way of life throughout the city, from Northern Michigan University students, to visitors, to permanent residents. Marquette is home to mountain biking trails, a long expanse of lakefront trail, and a city trail. An abundance of biking options exist in and around the city. 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 is home to Northern Michigan University, a public university with a student population of 7,000. Northern Michigan students are fortunate to live in such a beautiful college community. Students can take advantage of the many recreational opportunities that Marquette has to offer through Equipment Rentals at NMU Rec Sports.
All Trails Maps
You can find detailed information on Marquette’s many trails on AllTrails. For detailed trail maps on the go, the All Trails app has been my go to for years. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type, with photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
- 500K+ trails
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
- 14 languages supported
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 16 through October 24, 2026 and from 10am – 1pm from November 2 through November 16, 2026. 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
The “Noquemanon Trail Network”, or “Noque Trails” for short, are a non-motorized trail network in the central Upper Peninsula. Trails are open to trail running, mountain biking, cross country skiing, skijoring, snowshoeing, or simply observing nature. Numerous trailheads and access points exist throughout the trail system. The Noquemanon Trail Network is well-maintained and picturesque. Many trails within the network provide scenic views of Lake Superior.
Noquemanon Trail Network | Marquette, Michigan
- North and South Trails
- Fit Strip
- Valley Spur
- Saux Head
- Hiawatha Water Trail
Biking Bucket List | Wisconsin & Michigan
Read more about other scenic trails throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in my recent articles linked below.
September 6, 2025 by Erin
One of the main draws of Marquette is outdoor recreation. Forested hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, boat cruises, kayaking tours, remote beaches abound. Explore the many scenic bike trails in Marquette – there is something for every outdoor enthusiast!
One of the main draws of Marquette is outdoor recreation. Forested hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, boat cruises, kayaking tours, remote beaches abound. Explore the many scenic bike trails in Marquette – there is something for every outdoor enthusiast!
Outdoor Gear Recommendations
Need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or trail ride? Looking for an addition to your hiking wardrobe? Below I’ve shared my personal recommendations for clothing and gear that is comfortable, well made, durable, and functional. I only recommend gear that I personally use, from companies that I support.
Marquette, Michigan Adventure
A visit to Marquette, Michigan is always an adventure! There is no shortage of excellent trails, scenic views, friendly people, great food and drinks, recreation, history, and adventure.
Enjoy Marquette’s beautiful trails!
-Erin
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