Parks and Recreation

Considered Marquette’s recreational crown jewel, the popular regional facility is located on Presque Isle (“almost” an island), a 323-acre forested oval-shaped headland/peninsula which juts into Lake Superior in the northern tip of the City. Presque Isle is known throughout the United States for its natural beauty. Situated at the end of Lakeshore Boulevard, the showcase park is easily accessible by either the City multi-use pathway or automobile. The park supports over 100 species of native plants and diverse landscapes including pebble beaches, rocky cliffs, bogs, and forest. Major facilities at the Island include picnic areas, concession facilities (the Island Store), hiking trails, playground facilities, three drinking fountains, grassy open areas, a wood bandshell for concerts, multiple restrooms, two open air park shelter, indoor small event space and a custom-designed timber gazebo.

Picnic tables and cooking grills dot the southern entrance area of the park. A playground area with merry-go-round, swings, slide, and climbing apparatus can be found in the greenspace on the southeast part of the island. The park also contains numerous park benches. A stone and log pavilion was constructed in 1999 to replace an old structure that was razed in 1986. The building contains a kitchen, storage area, restrooms, a 1400 square foot deck, and large interior open area designed for community events, small receptions and other gatherings. The approximately $200,000 project was funded to a large extent by donations and in-kind services and a loan by the City of Marquette. Presque Isle is also the site of the City owned Presque Isle Marina as well as the Upper Harbor light beacon and a long breakwater (or “breakwall”). Park Map

The park is served by the John B. Anderton Trail System, winding through the interior and Peter White Drive covering the narrow outer perimeter of the Island. The scenic roadway was improved and repaved in 1999. Turnouts are provided at intervals for those wishing to stop and travel by foot on a portion or simply enjoy the scenery. The eastern coastline, filled with coves and ancient rock outcroppings, is best viewed from the outlook platform just north of the graves of Charlie Kawbawgam, the last chief of the local Chippewas, and his wife, Charlotte. Another attraction on Presque Isle Park is the white-tailed deer. This free-roaming band at times contains albino deer whose snowy-white coat dramatically contrasts with the typical brown coloring of the species. In recent years, because of artificially-provided food by park visitors and lack of predation and hunting, overpopulation of the deer, raccoons, and Canada geese have required culling, removal, and other measures to prevent over browsing and waste accumulation.

Fishing opportunities are available at several spots in the park. As with most other fishing areas in the City, fishermen concentrate on spring and fall catches of native lake whitefish, lake trout and brook trout which were introduced for sport fishing. Most of the park’s man-made facilities are concentrated near the park’s entrance (a narrow area of land connecting the park to the mainland). Despite the seemingly large number of facilities described above, most of the Island has been kept out of development to preserve its natural beauty.

Peter White Drive meanders through Presque Isle Park offering access to the many features of the park.

The drive is open through park hours 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily in summer months. However, during this time, the seasonal portion of Peter White Drive closes to vehicular traffic during Walking Hours to allow for foot traffic. Presque Isle Park seasonal loop is open for the 2026 summer season. The park is on summer hours as of May 25, 2026.

Winter hours at Presque Isle Park are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The seasonal portion of Peter White Drive closes to vehicular traffic when snow accumulation begins. The seasonal drive remains closed through the winter months. The south portion of Peter White Drive is plowed and open during park hours throughout the winter months.

Bikes are welcome on Peter White Drive year-round. Please use paved pathways only when biking at Presque Isle Park.

Below are the days and times the seasonal portion of Peter White Drive will be closed to allow for walkers. All motor vehicles are prohibited from traveling around the back portion of the Island at the following times:

• Monday and Wednesday 6:00 pm to park close
• Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am to 10:00 am

The seasonal portion of Peter White Drive will remain on this schedule through November 30, unless closed early due to accumulation of snow on the road. The seasonal portion of Peter White Drive is open for summer 2026. Please note that as the days get shorter in October and November, the loop will close to vehicular traffic at dusk.

Animals are prohibited at the City’s Presque Isle Park, unless confined to a motor vehicle, at all public bathing beaches, at Park Cemetery, and at any special events where signs are posted specifically prohibiting animals with the exception of service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Bookings for summer 2026 are now open. Please call our office (906) 228-0460 or stop by the Parks and Recreation office at Lakeview Arena to book your event.

No private bookings permitted at: Black Rocks, Black Rocks cove, Sunset Point pavilion, general greenspace, or beach areas.

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