Trail Distance:

5 kilometers with 3 loops ranging from 1.5 km to 3.5 km long.

Park Description:

This small peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior offers scenic vistas and good wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown Marquette. The park’s jagged shoreline is more than two miles in length and contains some of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America. Most of the park is undeveloped woodland including white birch, maple, and ironwood stands accented with areas of virgin white pine and huge hemlock trees. Easy-to-moderate hiking and skiing is offered on a loop trail that encircles the peninsula plus an extensive network of interior trails. One of the trails leads to a bog surrounded by shrub habitat. Only fifteen acres in this 323-acre park have been developed, and this area contains an indoor/outdoor pavilion, band shell, gazebo, picnic areas, pool and playgrounds, and a harbor of refuge with a modern, 97-slip marina. These man-made facilities are concentrated near the park’s entrance, a narrow area of land connecting the park to the mainland. Camping is not permitted, but there are campgrounds within two miles of the park.

Ownership: City of Marquette, Parks and Recreation Department, (906) 228-0460

Size: 323 acres Closest Town: Marquett

Facilities and Opportunities:

Restrooms – two sets of modern restroom facilities in the developed area only.

Trails – 6 to 7 miles of hiking and ski trails plus an outer perimeter drive around the Isle.

Picnic –tables and benches in developed area.

Cross-country Skiing – 3.5 and 1.5 kilometer loops are groomed for skate and classic skiing.

Boat Ramp – modern marina with 97 boat slips and boat ramp located at harbor of refuge.

Drinking Water – three fountains in developed area.

Additional Information: Presque Isle Park

Wildlife Viewing:

The diversity of forest and bog habitats are home to over 100 native plant species which in turn provide habitat to many resident and migratory bird species. Muskrats, beavers, turtles, and waterfowl such as mergansers, mallards, Canada geese and loons are commonly seen along the Lake Superior shoreline. Take the Bog Walk Trail for an up-close look at a 10,000-year-old bog and the specially adapted plants that inhabit this unique type of wetland.

Directions:

In Marquette, drive north on Fourth Street (changes into Presque Isle Ave.) to Hawley Street. Turn right (east) and continue to Lakeshore Boulevard. Turn left (north) and follow Lakeshore until it ends at the park entrance.