Presque Isle Park

Story

As Marquette's recreational crown jewel, special attention is given here to Presque Isle Park. 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

The "Island", as it is referred to by locals, has had many visitors starting with the prehistoric people 3,000 to 7,000 years ago. Early residents of Marquette traveled there by boat since there was no bridge over the Dead River. Originally it was designated as a government lighthouse reservation. Through the efforts of Peter White, a bill was passed on July 12, 1886, by the United States Congress deeding the Island to the City of Marquette. White built a road from the City to the park and planted the tall Lombardy Poplar trees which line Lakeshore Boulevard. Today, Presque Isle Park is Marquette's most beloved attraction, offering residents year-round outdoor recreation, serene settings for nature observation and education, and cultural experiences.

Situated at the end of Lakeshore Boulevard, the showcase park is easily accessible by either the bike path 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 two picnic areas, concession facilities (the Island Store), hiking trails, playground facilities, three drinking fountains, grassy open areas, a historic wood band shell for concerts, two sets of restrooms (serving each picnic area), two open air park shelters, and a custom designed timber gazebo.

The two major picnic areas are well supplied with picnic tables and cooking facilities. The larger of the two, located on the south east side of the park, contains a playground area with merry-go-round, swings, slide, and climbing apparatus. The park also contains numerous park benches. A new stone and log pavilion was constructed in 1999 to replace an old structure that was razed in 1986. The building contains a kitchen, interior meeting rooms, storage areas, 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 97 slip Presque Isle Marina as well as the Upper Harbor lighthouse and a long breakwater (or "breakwall".)

The park is served by a number of foot trails. There is also the narrow outer perimeter Peter White Drive which winds its way round 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 Canadian 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.

Presque Isle Park Road

The road to Presque Isle will remain open until 10:00 pm nightly during the summer months. Restricted hours for walkers are: Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am - 10:00 am, Monday and Wednesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, and Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 am - 1:00 pm.
*Note: During the winter, the park closes between 8:30-9:00 pm. All other hours are open for vehicular traffic around Presque Isle. Please remember that dogs are not allowed on the island other than in an enclosed vehicle. Should you have any questions please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 228-0460.



Walking Around Presque Isle

Below are the days and times the Presque Isle Park will be open to foot traffic and all motor vehicles are prohibited from traveling around the island.

• Monday and Wednesday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday 7:00 am to 10:00 am

The Presque Isle Park will remain open to vehicles through November 30, unless closed early due to accumulation of snow on the road.