MARQUETTE – As late winter gives way to longer days and warmer weather, Marquette County invites visitors to experience one of the most dynamic times of year in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Set along 83 miles of Lake Superior shoreline and spanning 1,872 square miles of forests, trails and small downtown communities, the county offers a vibrant mix of seasonal events, community traditions and accessible outdoor adventure.

“Late winter and spring are truly special in Marquette County,” shares Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette. “It is a time when visitors can enjoy classic U.P. traditions while experiencing the landscape evolve. From high-energy races and community festivals to peaceful shoreline hikes, this season highlights the character and versatility of our destination.”

As the largest county in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette County delivers a robust calendar of events alongside miles of trails, scenic overlooks and waterfront recreation.

Late winter – early spring rvents

• Upper Michigan Ice Races (Now-March 7): Hosted by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association, this recurring Saturday event features dirt bikes and quads racing across frozen terrain in high-speed competitions open to both racers and spectators. The raceway is easily accessible off Snowmobile Trail 8, making it a perfect addition to a winter weekend exploring Gwinn and Marquette County. Select weekends (February 28) feature night races, adding an extra thrill to the winter racing season.

• Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week (March 8-14): During this highly anticipated annual event, participating restaurants roll out special menus, exclusive discounts, and even brand-new dishes that highlight the local culinary landscape. It’s a chance for the community and visitors alike to sample a wide range of dining experiences while supporting locally owned eateries. From fine dining and fresh local seafood to artisan baked goods, pub favorites, authentic global cuisine, and classic sandwiches, Restaurant Week invites guests to discover or rediscover favorite downtown gems.

• Spring Carnival at Marquette Mountain (March 20-22): Later in March, Marquette Mountain’s Spring Carnival marks the transition toward warmer days with a lively weekend of live music, ski and snowboard race events, aprиs ski festivities and the crowd-favorite Slush Cup. The annual celebration blends mountain energy with community spirit, inviting skiers, riders and spectators to embrace the changing season on the slopes.

• Festival of the Angry Bear (April 11): Each year in April as the frozen grounds of Lake Superior’s shore attempt to thaw, Festival of the Angry Bear comes out of hibernation and takes over Spring Street in downtown Marquette. Modeled after some of the great beer festivals of Europe, the festival is a showcase of barrel-aged beer, live music, and delicious food. Attendance is free, and fun is guaranteed.

• Big Bay Relay (May 16): Celebrating its 48th year, the relay offers teams the opportunity to enjoy running together along the scenic path from Marquette to Big Bay. Co-ed, male or female five person teams will embark on a memorable 26-mile journey to Draver Park, competing for first place in each category in this lighthearted relay race.

Hiking, biking and outdoors

• Hit the slopes at Marquette Mountain

From the rolling cross-country trails to the slopes of Marquette Mountain Resort, there is something for every level. With 170 skiable acres and breathtaking views of Lake Superior, it’s the perfect destination for a snowy escape.

• Discover the stillness of snowshoeing

Slow things down and take in the quiet beauty of the season. Explore peaceful winter meadows, pine forests and frozen rivers on any of Marquette’s scenic snowshoe trails, ideal for beginners and families alike.

• Ride groomed trails by fat-tire bike

Marquette continues to lead the way in winter fat-tire biking, with over 50 miles of groomed single-track trails catering to all skill levels. It’s one of the best ways to experience the area’s winter landscape up close.

• Navigate the Upper Peninsula by snowmobile

Positioned at the center of one of the Upper Peninsula’s most extensive snowmobile networks, Marquette County offers hundreds of miles of groomed trails. Routes wind through forests, open fields and lakeshore corridors, connecting outdoor adventure with nearby small towns, warming stops and local dining along the way, making it easy to turn a day on the trails into a full winter getaway.

• Take to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail, connecting the downtown communities of Marquette County with the great outdoors, is a 47-mile multi-use trail that goes from Republic Township to Chocolay Township. The trail includes accessible paved segments, great for a family walk or bike ride. Along the route, families can stop at designated trailheads and learn about each of the region’s past from stories on the trail guide kiosks.

• Overlook stunning vistas at Thomas Rock

Thomas Rock is a wheelchair accessible, family- and dog-friendly trail leading to a scenic overlook, offering incredible views of the vast Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior, Lake Independence, Big Bay, the remains of an old Ford sawmill and more. The hiking trail is short and takes visitors through vibrant foliage and across a bridge to the endpoint. Look out for information posts along the way describing plants and local wildlife.

• Throw a line

Between Lake Superior and the many secluded wilderness lakes of Marquette County, there are numerous opportunities to fish. Fishing on Lake Superior in Marquette is sure to reel in many species of fish including Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Whitefish, Steelhead and Splake.

For more information on Travel Marquette, visit:  https://www.travelmarquette.com/.