Best MTB Destinations-Marquette, Michigan
As Michigan natives and mountain bike enthusiasts, it seems right to start our “Best MTB Destinations Series” by highlighting Marquette and Ishpeming! In the MTB world this area is famous for races like Marji Gesick and Ore to Shore and terrain that is very different than the usual flow trails we have in the lower peninsula. With more challenging routes and terrain, this area is tough even for more experienced riders, but new riders shouldn’t shy away from this area either! There are trails here for everyone!
Some of the top trails include Noquemanon Trail Network, Iron Ore Heritage Trail, and over 77 miles of RAMBA (Range Area Mountain Biking Association) maintained trails. Noquemanon has some of the prettiest scenes you’ll see on a trail! Be prepared to stop and “oo” and “ah” over waterfalls, forests, and other scenic locations on this trail! Iron Ore Heritage is great for a day of easy riding while still exploring! This is a multi-use trail that winds through 5 towns and has multiple breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants on the way. Great sights and history abound on this trail. RAMBA has hand crafted some of the most challenging trails you’ll find in Michigan! They still hand build and maintain over 77 miles of of MTB trails in and around Marquette! Ride these one-of-a-kind trails and put your skills to the test!
Other Marquette Adventures
Marquette is also a wonderful adventure area in general! We love finding places that offer more than just MTB trails to balance out our trips, and Marquette has something for everyone! Right on shores of Lake Superior, there is some beautiful scenery in Presque Isle Park and activities like cliff jumping, kayaking, rock hunting, and more! Waterfall junkie? Marquette has 11 different waterfalls to visit! If you’re a history buff, Marquette has a rich history in Iron Ore mining, and much of that history has shaped the town into what it is today! Visit the mines, see the Ore Docks, and soak up the history of the mining industry that was one of the top industries in Michigan.
Stay in Marquette or Ishpeming and you’re close to so many other amazing outdoor adventures too no matter the season. In winter attend Ice Fest in Munising and climb frozen waterfalls, snowmobile through miles of pristine trails, watch a dogsled race, or maybe get a chance to go ice skating on Lake Superior! In Fall, it’s easy to find jaw dropping colors all around! Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain or try the more difficult Hogshead Mountain for some amazing views of the surrounding forests. Spring and Summer, go off-roading, kayaking, bird-watching, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more!
The Food Scene
Make sure to add some of the amazing local breweries to your list too! We love Blackrocks Brewery and Ore Dock Brewing Company, but there are so many more to explore! Coffee shops abound as well! One of the most popular shops, Velodrome, has a cycling theme and has locations in both Ishpeming and Marquette! They roast their own beans and keep their menus simple! Pick up a sweet treat at Baby Cakes Muffin Co. or Huron Mountain Bakery and after sweating the day away, stop in at Jilbert Dairy for some homemade ice cream! There are restaurants and food stops to delight any palate!
We Have Connections
We love talking to locals, because they give the best tips when going on vacation! Whether you want to vacation, buy a second home, or make Marquette your home, we have connections who can help you plan and give you advice! Be sure to contact Fran Sevegney or Frida Waara at RE/MAX 1st Realty and ask them any questions about the area! They are both avid adventurists and know everything about the trails and best things to see and do in the area!
Did we miss anything for Marquette? Send us a message and let us know! We are looking forward to bringing more videos and resources like these to you! Be on the look out for them, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see the latest videos!
We are cycling and adventure loving real estate agents! If you are looking to move, contact us to work with a real estate team who shares your passion!
Mark Deering, Adventuring REALTOR, 616.292.6215
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