April Showers Bring Plenty of Things to do in Marquette
Spring in Marquette can bring a wide array of weather conditions from sun-filled skies to powerful Lake Superior thunderstorms. If the rain rolls in don’t let it dampen your plans, here is a list of five fun things to do in Marquette in the rain.
- Tour the Superior Dome
Located on the campus of Northern Michigan University, the Superior Dome is one of, if not the largest wooden dome in the world. The 14-story structure can be seen for miles, is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day. Many of NMU’s sports teams practice and play here, so there’s a good chance you’ll see some sporting action if you visit during the school year. Even if all is quiet, the dome is open to the public, and taking time to tour the NMU Hall of Fame wall will equal a .3 mile walk around the perimeter.
- Hit the Shops on Washington Street
This one might require an umbrella, but it’ll be well worth it. From the fashions of Che Bello to the delectable sweets of Donckers or savory spices of Spice Merchant, downtown Marquette has a variety of stores to explore. Take time to dry off and grab a cup of fro-yo from Yoop-Phoria or indulge in a gourmet muffin from Babycakes Muffin Company or one of the many other great restaurants located downtown.
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Catch a Flick
A waitress pours a Blueberry Wheat Ale at The Vierling Restaurant and Marquette Harbor Brewery in downtown Marquette. Photo: Aaron Peterson Photography
The newly opened Marquette Cinemas is a great place to catch a movie. Centrally located on Commerce Drive, near some of Marquette’s biggest retail outlets, this state-of-the-art all-digital theatre features 10 screens. With extra-large screens that provide an enhanced viewing experience, stadium seating and special VIP sections, this is a great place to wait out the rain.
- Grab a Pint
With five microbreweries to choose from, stopping in for a pint is always a good way to wait for the rain to stop. If downtown, one might want to visit the Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery, the oldest brewery in Marquette, or just down the street is the Ore Dock Brewing Company, located in a former automobile dealership, both breweries offer glimpses of Marquette’s great history. If caught in a downpour while on Third Street, head to Blackrocks Brewery, the bright yellow house with welcoming wraparound porch will have you feeling like you popped in on a friend. On the western end of the county, visit Jasper Ridge Brewery in Negaunee, or the area’s newest microbrewery in Ishpeming, Cognition Brewing Company, in the restored taproom of the historic Mather Inn. No matter where you stop, great beer is on tap.
- Visit the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum
Marquette County is the proud birthplace of organized skiing. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is the only national hall of fame dedicated exclusively to skiing and snowboarding in America. Located in Ishpeming, the iconic A-frame building can’t be missed and once inside, visitors can browse 20,000 square feet of space with displays honoring nearly 400 of the country’s finest skiers and snowboarders, including historical artifacts and memorabilia, along with a theater, library and gift shop.
We don’t want rain to ruin any visit to Marquette, in Marquette County we embrace the seasons and make the most of what Mother Nature provides, knowing there is always time to get outside and that there is fun to be had running for cover and dodging rain drops.
—Barry Winslow is Director of Public Relations and Social Media at Travel Marquette
