Marquette will intrigue and surprise you at every turn.

A community built on discovery and knowledge, 150-year-old Marquette brims with history! History of famous explorers, of the discovery of iron ore, of the ingenuity and philanthropy of its earliest settlers. You can touch history in Marquette, in its beautiful sandstone buildings and Victorian houses, its historic districts and museums. You can see it in its busy shipping port and bustling university. Marquette has built on its strong historical base to become the city it is today- one full of life, art, education, and culture. If the great outdoors is your style, play 18 holes at the Marquette Golf & Country Club (or at any of five local courses), take your boat for a sail on "the big lake" or on one of the county's 80 inland lakes.

On the quieter side, pack a picnic to be enjoyed at Presque Isle, a forty-acre city park surrounded by Lake Superior, or spend the day at one of our sugar sand beaches that stretch for miles. Take your rod and reel and cast for trout in a pristine stream minutes from town. With 1,900 miles of streams in the county there's no excuse for coming home empty-handed; although there is a fine fresh fish market in town!

Every season in Marquette abounds with opportunities for outdoor activity. In winter you'll find some of the country's finest cross-country ski trails and challenging ski hills.

In January, the Noquemanon Ski Marathon draws on Marquette County's rich cross county skiing heritage, its pristine U.P. wilderness and the area's plentiful snows, to create one of North America's top cross country ski events. Each February, hundreds of spectators gather downtown to watch the thrilling start of the UP 200 Dog Sled Race. Winter fireworks offer a magnificent conclusion to the event, illuminating Marquette's lower harbor with a dazzling light show. Later in the month, Winterfest and Glacier Glide celebrate outdoor art and snowy fun.

In spring, hike through the awakening forest to find wildflowers or one of Marquette County's 12 wondrous waterfalls. Join a public bike shop ride, or or head out on your own.

In summer, with daylight lasting until 10:00 p.m., you'll have plenty of time for water sports, golfing, camping, picnicking or enjoying outdoor art shows, music and food festivals.

In fall, there's small game, deer and bear hunting, exciting football, hockey and volleyball games and incredible autumn colors.

With plenty of playgrounds, a YMCA, children's museum, newly renovated public library, soccer and softball fields, ice rinks, BMX track, ten miles of paved bicycle/walking trails, 13 miles of mountain bike/hiking trails in the city, and 16 movie screens, kids and adults will have no excuse to be bored!

Well known musicians and artists frequently play a variety of venues around the area. Relax while listening to a Marquette Symphony Orchestra concert or a Chicago Blues guitarist. See a touring ballet company, an opera, or one of the season's plays at N.M.U.'s Forest Robert's Theater.

Yes, Marquette abounds with activities and history, but its people are what
will really make you feel at home and happy here.

• The natives of the area from generations back, who grew up exploring our amazing horizon and wanted that unique experience for their children.
  
  
• The "Boomerang Generation"... people raised here, who moved away and then realized that the paradise they were seeking was really back here at home.
  
  
• The many business professionals and retirees from all corners of the world who fell in love with the easy going, but progressive, pace of our community.
  
  
• Northern Michigan University students, from the Midwest, the nation and around the world, pursuing a quality education while enjoying the natural splendor of our area, or training at the nation's only Olympic Education Center.
  
  
• Friendly, caring, educated, involved in their community and committed to keeping Marquette a special, safe place, the people who live here are the neighbors you've always wanted!