Marquette Live Cam

Situated on the shores of Lake Superior

Live Webcam Marquette, Upper Peninsula, Michigan - United States

History

Marquette is a city located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the southern shore of Lake Superior. The city was founded in 1849 by Amos Harlow, who named it after the French Jesuit missionary and explorer, Father Jacques Marquette.

During the late 19th century, Marquette became an important shipping and transportation hub for iron ore, which was mined in the nearby Upper Peninsula. The city's harbor was a key location for loading iron ore onto ships bound for steel mills in the eastern United States.

In the early 20th century, Marquette's economy diversified, with the growth of tourism, fishing, and manufacturing industries. The city also became home to Northern Michigan University, which was founded in 1899 as a teacher's college and has since grown to become a major university with over 8,000 students.

During the 20th century, Marquette also played a role in the civil rights movement, as it was the site of a landmark court case in 1954, when the city's schools were desegregated by court order.

Today, Marquette is a vibrant city with a population of around 20,000 people. It is known for its natural beauty, including its location on Lake Superior, as well as its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. The city also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous festivals, galleries, and theaters.

Top Tourist Attractions

Marquette, Michigan is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as its cultural and historical attractions. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Marquette:

  • Presque Isle Park: This 323-acre park is located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior and offers scenic views of the lake and the surrounding area. The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, beaches, and a lighthouse.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain: This 470-foot mountain offers panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. Visitors can hike to the top on a trail that is less than a mile long.
  • Marquette Harbor Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse was first built in 1852 and has been in continuous operation since then. It is open for tours during the summer months.
  • Downtown Marquette: The downtown area of Marquette has many shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as historic buildings and landmarks.
  • Northern Michigan University: The university has a beautiful campus with many historic buildings and landmarks, as well as art galleries, a theater, and a museum.
  • Superior Dome: This unique indoor stadium is one of the largest wooden domes in the world and is home to many sports events and other activities.
  • Blackrocks Brewery: This popular microbrewery offers tours and tastings of their craft beers.
  • Ore Dock Brewing Company: This brewery is located in a historic building on the waterfront and offers tours and tastings of their craft beers.
  • Marquette Regional History Center: This museum showcases the history of Marquette and the surrounding area, with exhibits on Native American culture, mining, and other topics.
  • Lakenenland Sculpture Park: This unique park features over 80 sculptures made from scrap metal, created by artist Tom Lakenen. Visitors can walk through the park and admire the sculptures.
Climate

Marquette, Michigan has a humid continental climate, which is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The city is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the southern shore of Lake Superior, which can have a moderating effect on temperatures.

In the winter months, temperatures in Marquette typically range from the mid-teens to the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-9 to -4 degrees Celsius), with frequent snowfall and occasional periods of extreme cold when temperatures can drop well below zero (-18 degrees Celsius or lower). The city receives an average of around 150 inches (381 cm) of snowfall each year, making it one of the snowiest cities in the United States.

In the summer months, temperatures in Marquette typically range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius), with occasional heat waves bringing temperatures into the 80s (27-32 degrees Celsius). Humidity levels are generally moderate during the summer months, making it a pleasant time to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities.

Spring and fall in Marquette can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 60s Fahrenheit (0 to 15 degrees Celsius) and varying amounts of precipitation. Visitors to Marquette should be prepared for changing weather conditions and dress in layers to stay comfortable.

Geography

The city covers an area of around 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and is situated at an elevation of around 600 feet (183 meters) above sea level.

The city is surrounded by dense forests and is located in an area with many lakes and rivers. The Huron Mountains, a range of hills and ridges, are located to the northwest of the city and offer hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Marquette has a long shoreline on Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The lake plays an important role in the city's economy, providing recreational opportunities and supporting commercial shipping and tourism.

The city is also home to several parks and natural areas, including Presque Isle Park, which is located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior and offers scenic views of the lake and the surrounding area. Other parks in the area include the Huron Mountain Club and McCormick Wilderness Area. Marquette is located in a region with a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The city receives an average of around 150 inches (381 cm) of snowfall each year, making it one of the snowiest cities in the United States.