Nearby Walking Adventures: City Parks and Sights

There is plenty of extreme adventure waiting in the area. If that is why you are in the area it is probably a good bet that you already have the info you need to get going. If you have any questions just ask Scot and Jamie or head over to Downwind Sports across Third Street. They are always more than accommodating and you might even meet an adventure partner in the process.

But you don't have to be extreme to enjoy Marquette. The casual tourists just passing through town and those looking to just relax a bit can find plenty to do near the Two-Ten House. Walking and biking are two of the best ways to find local fun. The easiest thing to do is just go down to the bike path along the lake shore and choose a direction. You will eventually see something that sparks your interest.


Nearby Walking Adventures:



Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park - A must-see location on a sunny day, the lower harbor area is the sight for many community events, including the Marquette Area Blues Fest, U.P. Fall Beer Fest, as well as the Fourth of July International Food Fest and fireworks display. There is a great playground for kids and an open field suited for picnics and pickup games of ultimate frisbee, all with the historic Ore Dock and the break wall as your backdrop. The wall itself offers a unique view of Marquette from the water, but beware of waves during inclement weather.

Harlow Park, Park Cemetery, and the Fit Strip - Located just four blocks to the west of the Two-Ten House, the Park Cemetery is open to the public and provides a good place to walk. Car traffic is minimal and there is a lot to look at, including 100-year old grave stones of some of Marquette's elite families. There are also three ponds teaming with wildlife. You might even see a moose! Harlow Park is just down the hill to the south of the cemetery. There is a kid's playground, a basketball court, and plenty of grass to play on. The New York Deli and Marquette Food Coop are right next door on Washington Street in case you wanted to grab some food for a picnic. To the west of the cemetery lies several acres of woods with a small system of trails known as The Fit Strip. It offers a nice place to get a quick run/workout in and you can often find deer and other wildlife hanging around among the trees and brush.

Picnic Rocks from Shiras Park (Warning: No swimming!)

Shiras Park, Picnic Rocks, and McCarty's Cove - A 15 minute walk to the East will put you right on the beach at McCarty's Cove. It can be one of the more popular beaches in the area during the summer, but you will never really have trouble finding a spot to yourself. There is a small kid's playground here too. Shiras Park is just up the shoreline, where there is another playground and some picnic spots overlooking Picnic Rocks. WARNING: Do NOT attempt to swim out to picnic rocks due to cold temperatures and rip currents that are present there. These waters are to be respected and not taken lightly in any occasion. Swimming back at the beach area closer to the lighthouse is recommended.

Williams Park and Historic East Marquette - Located just three blocks East of The Two-Ten House, Williams Park has tennis courts, a basketball court, and a playground. It also has a stone overlook area where you can see the lake. The hill across Ohio Street is a popular sledding spot in the winter. Not too far away, a portion of the neighborhood along Ridge and Arch Streets is on the National Registry of Historic Places. You really can't miss the large beautiful houses overlooking the Lower Harbor area.

Lakeside and Father Marquette Park - Take a nice walk through the Downtown area and stop for a rest under the statue of Father Marquette on the corner of Front and Baraga. There is a hidden beach area just past the condos behind the Huron Mountain Bakery. It's a great spot to grab a muffin and watch the sunrise - if you can get up early enough. This is also an area known as Bum's Jungle and Gaines' Rock by locals. Beware, if you find a local South Marquetter and ask them you might get their entire life story.

Marquette Farmer's Market (Saturdays) - During the summer and fall months the Marquette Farmer's Market is an extremely popular place on Saturday mornings. All of the area's best farms and artisans are always in attendance, and it is THE best place to get fresh organic produce and meat. You can also get fine hand-made wool clothing, freshly roasted coffee, baked goods, and home-made ice cream. There is always live music featuring some of Marquette's most talented musicians. The market is in the Commons area Downtown. To get there, just walk five blocks south on Third Street. You won't miss it.

Musicians at the Farmer's Market on
Saturday mornings in the summer.