Summer Rides, Scenic Sights and Cool Dips in Fresh Waters
By Jay Haven, Upper Michigan Trailblazer
You can’t ride your ORV through downtown Marquette—but trust me, you wouldn’t want to. It’s what surrounds this lakefront city that makes it a perfect basecamp for ORV riders chasing big views, forested trails, swimming holes, and a slice of rideable history.
Marquette sits right at the edge of some of the Upper Peninsula’s most dynamic terrain. August can be the hottest month of the year up here, so it’s a good time to get off the machine once in a while and cool down—with a dip in the Yellow Dog River, a pasty and pint, or a short trail hike to a big overlook. With trailheads scattered around the outskirts, and a deep mix of natural beauty and small-town flavor, you won’t miss riding through the city limits.
Trailheads and County-Wide Riding
Start your engine just outside city limits and you’ll find yourself linked into a lattice of trails across Marquette County.
To the South starting near Cascade, Trail G offers a sandy ride toward Gwinn, where you’ll find full-service pit stops like the Up North Lodge—famous for its ribs and trail access. Head west on Trail C staging past Ishpeming and you’ll traverse rolling highlands and shaded corridors through Republic, Humboldt, and Champion, linking up with trail networks in Baraga County.
Closer to town look for staging areas to access forest two-tracks, and connector routes toward Big Bay, Thomas Rock, and the Dead River Basin. Just remember: no riding through town—but you can trailer in and ride out from several well-marked lots. County Road 550, and 510 are both open to ORVs.
Food Worth Riding For
A big day on the trail deserves a proper meal—and Marquette County delivers.
• Up North Lodge in Gwinn: legendary for BBQ, plenty of parking, and trail-friendly vibes.
• Main Street Pizza in Marquette: your carb-loading headquarters.
• The Crossroads near CR 480 and M-553: bar food, fuel, and plenty of sled/ORV parking.
• Phil’s 550 Store: snacks, local maps, and Marquette oddities.
• Stuccos: Back in town and hungry? Stuccos dishes up poutine and fried baskets with a full beer wall. It’s worth driving in for.
If you’re making Marquette your overnight base, swing through Donckers for an old-school breakfast or lunch. Lagniappe is the place to go for southern Cajun in the north.
Scenic Stops with a View
Marquette County is a land of high lookouts, glacial-carved ridges, and hidden waterfalls. Pull over, take your helmet off and soak in the following views.
• Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook: Thomas Rock is an uphill walking path that gives you big views of Independence Lake, Big Bay and Lake Superior. It’s got a bathroom, parking and gravel trails with stairs.
• Mt. Marquette Overlook: Accessible via forest roads, this spot above the city is a great place for sunset or a midday break.
CR 510 Bridge: Steel, river, and forest come together for a perfect photo op. Mining-era atmosphere included.
Sugarloaf Mountain: A popular hiking spot just off CR 550—worth the climb.
Dead River Falls: Rugged and gorgeous—you’ll have to hike in, but it’s a rewarding side trip.
Swimming Holes and August Cool-Downs
When the dust kicks up and the temps climb, nothing beats a splash in one of Marquette County’s natural pools.
• Yellow Dog River: Look for a clearing near the trail system—a local favorite with boulders and pools.
• McClure Basin: Remote and scenic, best accessed with a bit of local knowledge.
• Teal Lake in Negaunee: Easy to pair with a lunch break, parking and picnic-ready.
• Little Presque Isle: Ride nearby, then drive into this sandy beach zone for a proper U.P. swim.
• Forestville Basin: Depending on trail conditions, it’s a quiet stop with great views.
Rideable History and Hidden Stories
The trail network in Marquette isn’t just scenic—it’s soaked in industrial and cultural history.
• Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay: Yes, Hemingway slept here. Yes, it’s got a bar. No, you don’t have to overdo it—but it’s a nice place to stretch your legs.
• Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum: In Ishpeming, just off the ORV network. The towers alone are worth a glance.
• Tilden and Empire Mines: Massive open-pit operations that still churn out iron ore. Rideable overlooks dot the region.
• Old Negaunee: After heavy mining below ground – Negaunee had to move over! Literally. Check out the old streets and stairways to houses that no longer exist.
Things to Do in Marquette (Off the ORV)
Let’s say you park the machine for a day—Marquette’s got enough to keep any trail-weary rider entertained.
• Blackrocks Brewery: Blackrocks makes the best beers in Michigan. Hands down. Look for the food truck of the day for a bite to eat.
• Breakfast at Jeffrey’s: Fuel up before you hit the trail. Jeffrey’s is a classic diner in Marquette.
• Shopping and walking downtown: Hit the Marquette Food Co-op, Down Wind Sports, or just take a stroll along the lakeshore. Getz’s is a historic shopping stop for outdoor gear.
Where to Stay
• For overnighters, you’ll find everything from hotels like the Landmark Inn to rustic cabins along the trails in Gwinn, Negaunee, and Ishpeming.
• Campgrounds dot the region—Forestville, Tourist Park, and Sawyer area sites are all worth checking.
Get to Marquette!
Marquette is the perfect base camp as you get to enjoy the city amenities while being only 10-15 minutes from ORV trails. Lake Superior runs along the shore of this vibrant hub in Upper Michigan calling you in. It’s about an eight hour drive from Detroit, or roughly four hours from Grayling. Enjoy the natural sights, fun rides and friendly locals in the Upper Peninsula’s largest city! •