MI Bucket List: Presque Isle Park
Lilly DeLano
| 3 min read
Key Takeaways
- Presque Isle Park, a 32‑acre public space on Lake Superior near Marquette, offers year‑round hiking, biking and kayaking amid cliffs, coves and more than 100 native plant and animal species.
- The historic Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in 1870, provides panoramic lake views and a small museum that chronicles the keepers’ maritime legacy.
- The park’s 1.7‑billion‑year‑old Black Rocks, a basalt formation, and a 20‑foot‑high jumping beach draw visitors seeking both geological wonder and adventure.
Located off Lake Superior near Marquette in the Upper Peninsula is a 32-acre public park known as Presque Isle Park. With hiking trails and views of the lake, it’s a local gem to Michiganders and a wonderful location to add to your Michigan bucket list.
Presque Isle Park Lighthouse
The Presque Isle Lighthouse was built in 1870 overlooking Lake Huron. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and surrounding areas. Besides the views, there is a small museum located in the lighthouse featuring the history of the lighthouse keepers and the conflicts they have faced throughout their journey with the lighthouse.
The original lighthouse has been standing since 1840, used for navigating Lake Huron. Even though it is no longer operating, it is still standing and guided tours to share its maritime history and significance to sailors during the time.
Black Rocks
The Black Rocks in the Presque Isle Park are a major historic rock formation that is 1.7 billion years old and a must-see sight if you are going to plan a trip. These rocks are made of basalt, an igneous rock.
The beach located between the Black Rocks is kayak accessible as well as a swimming and diving spot. The jumping spot is about 20 feet high and a popular activity. It is deep enough for jumping, however, safety precautions should be taken to prevent accidents.
Hiking trails
Hiking through the trails of Presque Isle Park is another great way to get active and enjoy the wildlife home to more than 100 different species of native plants and animals, including the white-tailed deer.
There are two different trails you could explore for hiking, the Presque Isle Pavilion Trail and the Bog Walk. Each of these paths is about 1 mile long, and each has a spectacular view of cliffs and Lake Superior.
Biking
Bikers can travel around the entire island using Peter White Drive, which takes you around the entirety of the park. The drive is about 2 miles long and follows the shoreline with excellent views all around. While there are tree roots and hills, the path is easy to get to and has access to many different viewing sites. The best time to visit this trail is March through November.
The park's natural geological mixture of rocky cliffs, coves, trails and more makes it a destination worth visiting in the Midwest. The park remains a symbol of preservation and heritage throughout Michigan's history.
The free park is open year-round and has beautiful views throughout the seasons.
Image: Getty Images
Related:
