Michigan's Underrated City On The Shores Of Lake Superior Is A Scenic Winter Getaway

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is one of America's true wild playgrounds. Stretching across the Great Lakes like a wolf's head, this remarkable piece of real estate is home to deep forests, swift rivers, wetlands, and one of America's most unique and scenic waterfalls. In the summer, it draws visitors for its nearly endless options for outdoor recreation — especially those keen to kayak through its pristine waters — while winter also exerts its pull on fans of snowy pursuits.

Situated on the central Lake Superior shoreline is the underrated town of Marquette, which makes a perfect home base for exploring the area once the temperatures begin to dip. Home to some 20,000 people, this vibrant college town is surrounded by natural goodness that transforms it into a glimmering winter wonderland for several months of the year. Visitors can try their hand at cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, winter hiking, or even fat tire biking. The area is also a hotspot for the aurora borealis, so if you're lucky, you just may be able to experience the unforgettable enchantment of otherworldly green and red lights dancing in the sky.

The town itself also has plenty to offer in the form of quality eateries and watering holes to fill you up after a day of playing in the snow. There are also shops and several nice places to stay, including rustic cabins that radiate cozy warmth from their fireplaces and wood stoves.

Founded in 1849 as a hub for shipping locally mined iron ore, Marquette has transformed from a rough-and-tumble port town into a fun, outdoorsy city. It's also home to Northern Michigan University, a 7,000-student-strong school that injects the place with youthful energy. In the winter, the town sees up to 200 inches of snowfall, making it the ideal destination for anyone who loves to get out in the white stuff.

Cross-country skiing is the name of the game in Marquette, so slip on your boots, grab your poles, and hit the trail. Presque Isle Park is a 323-acre forested peninsula right next to Marquette's waterfront that offers groomed paths and jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior. The park is also home to two historic lighthouses. For a deeper dive, head 6 miles out of town to the Blueberry Ridge Pathway, which features 13.7 miles of groomed trails that wind through jack pine woods and blueberry patches. There is even a 1.7-mile path that is lit up from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening for those interested in night skiing. For something faster, check out Marquette Mountain, which boasts over 20 downhill runs on 170 acres, as well as all the gear you need to rent.

If walking is more your speed, Marquette is a snowshoer's paradise. Jump on a few miles of the North Country Trail (a 4,800-mile route that goes from Vermont to North Dakota) at Little Presque Isle, or shuffle through the powder on the trails at the picturesque Harlow Lake. If you're looking for something a bit more extreme, the area has plenty of opportunities for trying your hand at ice climbing, and fat tire bikers will find over 60 miles of groomed trails in and around town.

When it comes to action in town, Marquette offers plenty to keep you occupied. Educate yourself about the area's fascinating past at the Marquette Regional History Museum, or bring the kids to the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum, which features hands-on, interactive exhibits. For a dose of funky creative fun, head to Lakenenland. This beloved sculpture park boasts over 100 pieces of "junk art" made from scrap iron.

When it comes time to eat and tip back a drink, Marquette has numerous options. The nautical-themed Portside Inn has been serving up hearty fresh fare for over 42 years and also has a full-service bar, while Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery features burgers and American classics, Lake Superior whitefish tacos, and a massive selection of beer on tap. Lagniappe delivers deeply when it comes to Cajun and Creole cuisine; Four Swords Retropub offers ramen and other Japanese standards with an old-school video game arcade on site; and Slabz Bar & Grill specializes in local, farm-to-table dishes that will never leave you unsatisfied.

For accommodations, the Landmark Inn offers comfort and value with a splash of class right in town, while Explore: Marquette Historic District features luxury lodging that will also have you feeling as if you've stepped back in time. For something more rustic, lay your head down at the Bear Tree Homestead, which has two cozy log cabins nestled near Hogback Mountain. Marquette can be reached via the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport or the larger Milwaukee International Airport (a five-hour drive away) — you'll want to have a car to get around the city. For more of what Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula has to offer, check out this once-thriving copper town now full of local flair.