Fall in Marquette Michigan: Best Things To Do
Traveling in Marquette during the fall season and searching for fun things to do? You’ve come to the right place!
The Upper Peninsula holds some of the best spots in Michigan for viewing the beautiful fall foliage, and there are plenty of fun fall activities to do and cool places to visit in Marquette. I’ve created a list just for you fall-lovers that includes some of the best things you can do in the area this time of year.
Visit Marquette MI in Autumn
Whether you’re looking to do some hiking or biking, sight-seeing, warming up at a café, joining the fun at a fall festival, or looking for other great things to do, this list has you covered. As an added bonus, since it’s “spooky season,” I’ve also included a haunted attraction and a few reportedly haunted places in Marquette!
Please note: It’s common for Marquette and the rest of the Upper Peninsula to see early snow (though it’s usually light before November). Check the forecast ahead of time and come prepared.
Read on for the Best Things to Do in Mqrquette MI in Fall.
Hikes, Bikes, and Sights: Best Things to See and Do in Marquette MI
Hike and Bike in the Mountains
One great way to enjoy the crisp air and take in the beautiful surroundings that the fall season has to offer is hiking or mountain biking.
If there’s little to no snow on the ground and it’s not quite below freezing yet, it’s a great time of year to venture through places such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Hogback Mountain, or Top of the World. The various mountaintops around Marquette offer gorgeous views of the fall foliage, and it’s definitely worth the effort in reaching the top.
If you’re looking for shorter hikes or easier ways to get a good view from high in the mountains, both Porcupine Mountains and Marquette Mountain have easy ways to access stunning views from high above.
While taking the entire hike through Porcupine Mountains can be a bit harrowing to some, there is an access point early in the trail where you can look out over Lake of the Clouds and miles of trees sporting beautiful leaves of reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. For an even easier access, Marquette Mountain has a ski lift that will take you right to the top, from which you can also get gorgeous views.
Bike Along Marquette Multi-Use Path and Iron Ore Heritage Trail
The Marquette Multi-Use Path is perfect for scenic bike rides, offering 19 miles for those who would rather bike a paved trail than up the mountains.
Along the ride, you’ll pass through shopping and business districts, as well as other attractions and recreation sites. If you follow the path to the east, you can ride along the shore of Lake Superior for beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding autumn sights, as well as access to the beach.
Riding further west down the path will take you to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, with a mix of pavement and gravel. Taking this trail 12 miles to Negaunee will provide some challenge with steep hills, but there are great places to rest in Negaunee, such as the local café. After that, the ride back to Marquette will be a breeze with the downhill slopes!
Visit the Waterfalls near Marquette MI
There are many beautiful waterfalls near Marquette, and they make a great addition to the surrounding colorful trees during the fall season.
A couple examples of nearby falls are Unnamed Morgan Falls (or just Morgan Falls) and Yellow Dog Falls. Both of these places are popular spots to take in the scenic autumn nature, and both are picturesque and make for great photos to take.
The Yellow Dog River flows through Marquette County, and the falls are located in the northeast part of the McCormick Wilderness. The entirety of this area is a wonderful place to see the fall colors, and Yellow Dog Falls is definitely a must-see!
If you’re wondering about the name “Unnamed Morgan Falls,” it’s called this because of a disagreement over the name of the falls. According to some, this waterfall is considered just a cascade upstream without a name at all.
Despite this, it’s a very beautiful place to visit, and the 20-foot falls falling from Morgan Creek into the Carp River will not disappoint!
Fall in Marquette MI: Good Eats and Warm Refreshments
Try the Pasties
Of all the things the Upper Peninsula is known for, pasties have got to be the most famous! If you’re visiting, you’ve got to try a pasty at least once.
This traditional UP baked pastry is filled with gravy and vegetables, along with your choice of turkey, beef, or chicken (or meatless, if you prefer vegetarian). It can be eaten hot or cold, but it’s best served warm, especially in the cool fall weather.
Jean Kay’s was a family favorite, but they’re unfortunately closing down soon. The next best place in Marquette is Lawry’s, where you can still get some great hot and steamy goodness!
Visit the Local Cafés
Whenever I visit my parents in Marquette during the chilly fall season, one thing I really enjoy is warming up with a refreshing mocha coffee or a cinnamon cappuccino; especially after a long hike.
The local coffee brewers serve the best coffee you’ll drink. A café I really love is Dead River Coffee Roasters, 119 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855. Located on West Baraga Avenue, this cute shop roasts their coffee with the freshest beans, and they have great options for those who need a little extra in their cup.
There are also tea options, including chai tea lattes. In addition, they serve pasties and pies, and you can purchase coffee beans by the pound! There’s both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Go to the Fall Farmers Market: Marquette Outdoor Market
The outdoor market in Marquette is a great place to support local vendors. They’re selling everything from baked treats to produce, art, jewelry, sauces and jams, and much more! This is one of the top farmers markets in the Upper Peninsula.
Come visit any time from 9am to 1pm on Saturday mornings, but make sure to leave your dog at home (unless it’s a service animal with certified proof), as pets are not allowed due to federal food safety regulations.
You can check out their website for more information and view their vendor map. The market is currently outdoors until October 29, then opens back up indoors November 5 for the “late fall market,” which goes on until November 19 (closed on Thanksgiving weekend).
Festivals, Halloween Events, and Spooky Haunts in Marquette MI
Attend the Fresh Coast Film Festival
From October 13 – 16, the Fresh Coast Film Festival (FCFF) will be held in Marquette. The FCFF will be showing documentary films that celebrate the environmental spirit and outdoor lifestyle, made by local filmmakers.
It’s also a great place for film or environmental students and professionals to connect! In addition to the films, there will be numerous outdoor activities, including rock climbing, hiking to waterfalls, mountain bike riding, and yoga. If you want to hear storytelling about the Great Lakes while having some outdoor fun, this is the place to be!
Take a Trip on a Haunted Hayride
If you want to get into the spirit of the Halloween season, Marquette is hosting a “haunted hayride” October 13 – 15, open between 7:30pm to 9:30pm on Thursday, then 7:30pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Located at 737 State Highway M-553, this tractor-drawn hayride will take you through Marquette’s “scare” grounds, with ghouls lurking behind trees and around corners! The ride is both scary and fun, so you’re in for some screams and laughs.
Visit Real Haunted Historic Sites in and around Marquette MI
Feeling even more daring? Marquette is a historical town with various abandoned spots and old buildings, so it’s no wonder that some ghostly sights and disturbances have been reported by the locals.
Several of these reportedly haunted places include the Lilac Room in Landmark Inn, Old Catholic Cemetery, Old City Orphanage (formerly Holy Cross Orphanage), and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. If you’re brave enough, drop by for a visit… but please respect the deceased and do not disturb the gravesites.
Even if you don’t believe in the paranormal, these sites hold a lot of history and can be interesting to see. Be warned, though! Some of these sites hold a history of bone-chilling stories and rumors.
There is a lot of other interesting (and less scary) history behind the city of Marquette, however, and I suggest learning about it while you’re in the area!
More Upper Peninsula Things to Do
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About the Author-
Aiden Peltier is a content writer for My Michigan Beach who is currently in their senior year studying at Grand Valley State University, with a major in Writing. They have enjoyed writing and drawing since they were a child, and they take a lot of inspiration from music and nature. They are currently exploring many opportunities in the writing field and plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2022.