Top 5 Lakes in Marquette County

Marquette County's lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating. Fishing is popular for species like salmon, trout, bass, and pike. Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant, especially around lakes like Harlow Lake. Winter activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lake Michigamme, near Van Riper State Park, offers warm swimming waters at Champion Beach, hiking trails, cabins, campgrounds, and even an inflatable summer water park. Harlow Lake also features a beach area, picnic tables, and a playground, making it suitable for families.

Marquette County boasts excellent fishing opportunities. Lake Superior is known for salmon, trout, whitefish, steelhead, and splake. Lake Michigamme offers smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and whitefish. The Dead River Storage Basin supports sunfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. Deer Lake, Lake Le Vasseur, and Crystal Lake are also popular for various bass, pike, perch, and trout species.

Absolutely. The area around the lakes is rich with trails. For hiking, you can explore routes like Hogback Mountain or the Harlow Lake, Hemlock, and Bareback Loop. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find challenging trails such as the Morgan Falls – Carp Eh Diem junction loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in Marquette County and MTB Trails in Marquette County guides.

Lake Superior's coastline is marked by beautiful rock formations, including the volcanic bluffs of Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park. Scenic overlooks at Presque Isle Park and Sugarloaf Mountain provide breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Harlow Lake is surrounded by rocky cliffs and offers views of Hogback Mountain. The Little Presque Isle-Harlow Lake area also features unique topography and undeveloped Great Lakes shoreline.

Yes, Teal Lake, situated within the city of Negaunee, is a motor-free lake. This creates a peaceful environment ideal for non-motorized water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. Deer Lake also has no-wake zones, making it suitable for small boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in a tranquil setting.

The lakes and surrounding forests are home to diverse wildlife. Lake Michigamme's area is known for wildlife viewing, including moose. Lilly Pond in the Little Presque Isle Recreation Area is particularly known for its abundant wildlife. Birdwatching is also a notable activity at Lake Le Vasseur, where a wide variety of bird species can be spotted.

Many lakes in Marquette County offer convenient public access. Teal Lake has a public access point and a boat launch. The Dead River Storage Basin features a hard-surfaced boat ramp with ample parking. Lake Le Vasseur also provides an access site with a hard-surfaced ramp for trailerable watercraft. Crystal Lake offers public boat access as well.

Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports, with Lake Michigamme offering warm waters. Fall is popular for viewing vibrant fall colors, especially around Harlow Lake. Winter transforms the area into a wonderland for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, particularly around Deer Lake.

Teal Lake holds historical significance, having once served as Negaunee's drinking water source. While not a lake itself, the volcanic bluffs of Black Rocks on Lake Superior are a notable natural landmark with geological history.

While specific designated wild swimming spots are not detailed, the clear, fresh waters of many lakes, such as Deer Lake and Crystal Lake, offer opportunities for swimming in natural settings. Lake Superior also has sandy shores like McCarty's Cove for swimming. Always exercise caution and be aware of local regulations and water conditions.

Yes, camping is a popular activity. Lake Michigamme, located near Van Riper State Park, offers campgrounds and cabins. The Dead River Storage Basin is also a great spot for camping, providing facilities for visitors looking to stay overnight near the water.