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Paul Austin is a creative director and author who freelances for Thumbwind Publications. His real passion and creative outlet is researching historical sites and people with fascinating stories. You can find most of this work on Michigan4You.
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Five days of frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and quiet roads in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
A grounded guide to Michigan’s Copper Country and the Keweenaw Peninsula, with overlooks, hiking, food stops, and seasonal tips.
The Manistee River carves a deep, forested valley through northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Between Hodenpyl Dam and Tippy Dam, hikers can follow that valley on the Manistee River Trail (MRT) and North Country Trail (NCT), linking them into a clas...
City lights, five-lane traffic, honking horns, and concrete in every direction. It doesn’t look like an outdoor lover’s town at first glance. But metro Detroit still has water, woods, and real quiet—if you know where to drive. Another Stony Creek sh...
Near Marquette, Michigan, Sugarloaf Mountain and Presque Isle Park deliver two of the Upper Peninsula’s most accessible views of Lake Superior. One offers a short climb to a sweeping overlook above the city. The other frames basalt cliffs and open water along a wooded shoreline. Together, they make an easy pairing for a half-day outdoors.
Marquette’s waterfront landmarks are close to town, open year-round, and varied enough to reward repeat visits. Sugarloaf’s summit changes character with light and weather. Presque Isle’s cliffs, coves, and boardwalks bring the lake close without a long hike.
Sugarloaf Mountain is not a true mountain by geologic definition, but its elevation above Lake Superior creates a dramatic payoff for a short hike. From the top, the view spans the city, the ore dock, the Superior Dome, and long stretches of shoreline.
Hike length: About 1 mile to the summit, depending on route
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; stairs and steady incline
Best times: Sunrise, sunset, fall color season, and clear winter days
Winter note: Wind exposure can be severe near the top; the south side offers some shelter
The mountain’s appeal is consistent. It is quick to access and never quite looks the same twice—storm light, low clouds, and seasonal color can change the view entirely.
Presque Isle Park is a narrow peninsula west of downtown Marquette with paved paths, wooded trails, and constant lake views. Along the outer edge, dark volcanic rock forms steep cliffs known as Black Rocks.
Activities: Walking, biking, photography, wildlife viewing
Scenery: Open Lake Superior, views of the ore dock, rocky shoreline
Wildlife: Common sightings include hawks, owls, deer, and waterfowl
Cliff jumping at Black Rocks is popular in summer but carries real risk. Lake Superior water temperatures can be dangerously cold even on warm days, and depth can be hard to judge from above. Local guidance and extreme caution are essential.
Sugarloaf Mountain: Trailhead parking is located west of downtown Marquette. Multiple routes lead to the summit.
Presque Isle Park: City park access with parking areas along the loop road. Paved paths connect viewpoints and picnic areas.
[Parking rules and seasonal access can change; check local signage on arrival.]
Weather: Conditions can shift quickly near the lake. Wind is common year-round.
Footwear: Stairs, rock, and ice are common depending on the season.
Safety: Stay back from cliff edges. Do not jump without local knowledge and safe conditions.
Leave no trace: Pack out trash and stay on established paths.
If you haven't experienced Black Rocks Brewery, then "Get yo' Life Together"! All jokes aside, this is one of the best breweries in Michigan and maybe the Midwest, for that matter. My favorite beer in the world just happens to be from them: the elusive "Murray Project". It just so happens this is the home of Michelle's #1 brew, their Coconut Brown Ale. With 51K IPA, Grand Rabbit,s and Honey Lav becoming progressively more popular, people all around are joining the Black Rocks movement.
For anyone staying in the Marquette/Munising area looking to fish, check out Arced Up Angling. They are unique in the sense that they offer a variety of shore/watercraft fishing expeditions, from beginners to experts looking to learn the area. Not only will you be put on fish, but picturesque views will also come into play. These guys know Yooper country as well as anyone!
The ultimate shore or peak meal is the ever-so-portable Pasty, so make sure to grab one of the Yoop's finest from Jean Kay's. Based in Marquette, these pasties are clutch for any hungry hiker or adventurer. If eating at the establishment, check out the original Jean Kay's “kickin' sauce”... Ketchup as a pasty condiment will be obsolete after this magical potion hits your taste buds.
If cliff jumping is on the itinerary, please use caution and check with local professionals before making the plunge. Water temperatures can drop sharply depending on wind direction, regardless of the season. The clear waters of Superior can be hard to judge concerning depth, and if you're diving into shallow water, you're going to have a bad time.
Follow Facebook pages such as Great Lakes Aurora Hunters for the latest northern lights forecasts. Although not predictable weeks in advance, they will give alerts the day of a high probability forecast. Sugarloaf Mountain is a premier lookout for those wanting to catch a glimpse. •
Presque Isle Park is a cool strip of land to walk/bike with it being adjacent to Black Rocks. With the pier leading out into the abyss, views of the ore dock are plentiful. Hawks, owls, deer and all kinds of mammals call this park home. Check it out!
There are quite a few waterfalls within the area worth venturing to (Dead River Falls is the closest). Check out our waterfalls page for more details!
Michelle and I got "Arced Up" with several trout and Coho Salmon each. Steve Tegge was a phenomenal host. Guiding out of the Marquette area, Arced Up Angling covers a large portion of the Peninsula, depending on what is in season. We have gone through them several times and have always had a blast with many fish each time!
