Exploring the Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park, Marquette
Every summer, kids check off their bucket list goal of jumping off the cliffs into Lake Superior. This place is known as “Black Rocks” in Presque Isle Park, Marquette. Marquette is a well-rounded city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with biking, hiking, rock climbing, cliff jumping, breweries, and so much more.
We didn’t get to do any jumping this particular day, however. We stopped into the park because I would be photographing a wedding here, Kaitlin + Hugh’s Micro Wedding, and we wanted to scope out the place. The Black Rocks are an ancient rock formation that stands 20-30 feet above Lake Superior and is one of the coolest attractions in Marquette!
Despite not being able to jump in ourselves, we were still able to hike around and grab some breathtaking photographs. It felt like we were in an entirely different country! The wind on this particular day made the waters rough and frightening. Be sure to check the weather before planning your trip to the rocks, Lake Superior can be quite ferocious.
Tips:
When planning your trip, there are a few tips to keep in mind! Although you can enjoy a splash nearly any day in the summer, mid-August is when Lake Superior is at it’s warmest (but still quite chilly). I recommend bringing towels, blankets, change of clothes, and sun screen. This is also a very popular spot, so you may have to park and walk quite a distance as the two parking lots are quite small.
Marquette officials actually discourage jumping due to the high hazards of Lake Superior. They highly recommend going as a group, or at least with one other person, don’t go at night, and never dive headfirst.
More to Explore
In addition to a great cliff diving spot, Preque Isle Park also serves as a launching point for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The park is 323 acres of stunning secluded coves, natural forests, beautiful beaches, marshes, and rocky outcrops.
Presque Isle Park Bog Walk
Before leaving the park, you can hike the Presque Isle Park Bog Walk with wonderful board walks, benches, and information signs around the trail. This trail is a wonderful spot for bird watching. You can also witness nesting peregrine falcons, beavers, and spring ephemerals along the walkways.
3074-3298 Island Beach Rd, Marquette, MI 49855
The Moosewood Nature Center
This nature center is full of educational displays for up-close looks at nature. There’s a pond with real turtles and a habitat for tortoises. Current hours are Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Admission is free.
Peter White Dr, Marquette, MI 49855
While you are in Marquette, head back into town to warm up at Contrast Coffee Co. or Ore Dock Brewing Co. If a sweet treat sounds better, you can stop by Island Ice Cream Store near the entrance of the park!
Would you jump off these massive cliffs into chilly Lake Superior?