Fall in Marquette County is full of colorful adventure. From scenic drives to #ReMARQable hikes and bike rides, there are so many fun ways to take in the fall color.
SCENIC DRIVES
Marquette to Munising
It’s just a 45-minute drive from Marquette to Munising and it’s almost all parallel to the lakeshore. When there are not beautiful blue views of the expansive Superior, there are trees sporting leaves of every color. If your car window just isn’t cutting it, pull off on one of the many roadside scenic overlooks along the way to view the leaves and lake. The waterfalls you’ll find en route, like Scott Falls and Laughing Whitefish Falls, look even better amidst the autumnal array.
Start at Travel Marquette, head east on W Washington St. and turn right onto S Front St.
• At the traffic circle, stay on S Front as it becomes US-41S.
• In 1.6 miles, turn left onto M-28 E and continue for 38 miles to Munising.
Head West for Wonder
If you’re looking to spend a crisp fall day cruising around the county with a cup of coffee, just head west for prime color viewing. The color change typically occurs first in the west making the drive through Negaunee and Ishpeming full of fall foliage.
• Start at Travel Marquette, head east on Washington St., turn right onto S Front St.
• At the traffic circle, stay on S Front St. as it becomes US-41 S. In about 6.1 miles, turn right onto Cherry Creek Rd. and turn right on 480.
• Head west for about 18 miles to M-28 in Negaunee and Ishpeming to US-41.
With a brief but beautiful drive up US-41, this view requires limited effort for an incredible experience. Park your car to peep the glorious green and auburn leaves overlooking the old steel bridge over the Dead River, and take a minute to snap some gorgeous pictures.
STRIKING HIKES
Mount Marquette
There’s no better way to see all of fall’s colors than from above the treeline and Mount Marquette places you above 1,000 feet—The perfect point for incredible leaf-peeping. Although you can take a quick drive up, we prefer to hike it since the road’s a little rough. Either way, once you make it to one of the scenic overlooks, you’ll experience Marquette from a different perspective with this all-encompassing view of the city and Superior.
Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook
Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook offers stunning views of Lake Superior and Lake Independence. Park in the designated lot and head up the wheelchair-accessible, crushed gravel trail to Thomas Rock. The trail slowly gets steeper as you pass colorful trees on your way to the peak. Stop to admire the vast views from the top or take a seat at the picnic tables to soak it all up.
BEAUTIFUL BIKE RIDES
Iron Ore Heritage Trail
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, multi-use trail referred to as an outdoor linear museum where you exercise your body and mind. The trail crosses through the historic communities of Marquette County, including Republic, Ishpeming, Negaunee, Harvey and Marquette. Featuring informational signage and other fun finds along the way, you can experience over 160 years of mining’s rich history in the Iron Range. Our recommended IOHT ride for autumn is Jackson Mine Park in Negaunee, which is one of our favorite backdrops for fall foliage in the county.
Powell Township Recreation Area
Minutes from downtown Big Bay, Powell Township Recreation Area features over three miles of brand new mountain-bike optimized trails built in the summer and fall of 2020, including the Sweet Pine Trail, a flowy Green Circle with a few features and optional lines and Ladyslipper, which offers a little more backcountry feel as a Blue Square with a challenging rock section and a couple of punchy climbs.
