Lake Superior in Marquette

Marquette is located on the southern shores of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Marquette County boasts 83 miles of accessible Superior shoreline.

About

As the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior's surface covers 31,700 square miles and its cold, clear waters reach a depth of 1,332 feet.

The Ojibwe called it gichi-gami, meaning “great lake.” In the 1600s it was called Le Lac Superior, or “upper lake,” by the French missionaries, denoting its location at the top of the Great Lakes region.

It has long served as an important waterway for trade and shipping in the Great Lakes Region. However, its history of storms and strong winds has made it infamous for sinking many ships, including the iconic Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975.

Exploring Lake Superior

Whether you're up for swimming, fishing, kayaking or paddling, Marquette County has no shortage of scenic coastlines to discover.

A couple kayaking on Deer Lake in Ishpeming at sunset

Kayaking in Marquette

Alexandra Jarvis, Owner and guide of Superior Kayaking Company talks kayaking in Marquette County, MI. "After moving to Marquette for... Read More

Aerial view of the tan sand meeting teal waters of Lake Superior

Beaches & Swimming

From the sandy shores of McCarty’s Cove’s to the volcanic bluffs of Black Rocks, when it comes to beaches Marquette County has... Read More

Fishing

There are many opportunities for Michigan fishing in Marquette County, from Lake Superior to many secluded wilderness lakes and Upper... Read More

Lake Superior Lookouts

From the towering sandstone cliffs of Presque Isle to woodland settings with unique overlooks, take in Superior views from different perspectives.

Looking out over a deep blue Lake Superior from a cliff side at Presqu Isle Park in Marquette, MI

Presque Isle Park

Mt. Marquette

Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook

Sugarloaf Mountain

Lake Superior Safety Tips

Respect the natural splendor and the many moods and thrills of Lake Superior. Check out these safety guidelines before swimming, paddling or boating on the big lake.

1. SWIM WHERE THERE ARE LIFEGUARDS. NEVER SWIM ALONE. BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER, MAKE SURE SOMEONE KNOWS YOU ARE DOING SO.

2. CHECK THE CITY OF MARQUETTE WEBSITE’S BEACH FLAG ADVISORY SYSTEM BEFORE SWIMMING IN LAKE SUPERIOR. FLAGS ARE PUT UP AT SOUTH BEACH, MCCARTY'S COVE, MIDDLE BEACH, AND PICNIC ROCKS TO INDICATE DANGEROUS TO HIGHLY DANGEROUS RIP CURRENT CONDITIONS. ALSO, CHECK THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE'S RIP CURRENT FORECAST.

3. ROCK FORMATIONS ARE A LIKELY PLACE TO FIND DANGEROUSLY STRONG RIP CURRENTS. THIS INCLUDES THE PICNIC ROCK AREA, WHICH IS LOCATED ON LAKE SHORE BOULEVARD, NEAR THE LAKEVIEW ARENA AND A SHORT WALK FROM CAMPUS. DO NOT SWIM IN THIS AREA. MOVE DOWN THE BEACH TO MCCARTY’S COVE WHERE LIFEGUARDS ARE LOCATED.

4. KNOW HOW TO “BREAK THE GRIP OF A RIP.” LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AT HTTP://RIPCURRENTS.NOAA.GOV AND SEE BELOW.

5. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT, GOING INTO THE RIP CURRENT AREA YOURSELF IS NOT THE BEST SOLUTION.

6. STRONG WINDS ON LAKE SUPERIOR THAT CREATE HUGE WAVES ARE AMAZING TO SEE AND PHOTOGRAPH, BUT THEY, TOO, CAN BE DEADLY. DO NOT GO INTO THE WATER OR OUT ONTO THE BREAKWALL AT PRESQUE ISLE PARK DURING HIGH WINDS.