Parks & Recreation Five Year Recreation Plan ... - City of Marquette

Regional Facilities
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update 2011
City of Marquette
Presque Isle Park
As Marquette‘s recreational crown jewel, special attention is given here to Presque Isle Park.
The popular regional facility is located on Presque Isle (fr. ―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 State Congress deeding the Island to the City of Marquette. White then built a road from
the City to the park and planted the now tall Lombardy poplar trees which line Lakeshore
Boulevard. Today, Presque Isle Park is Marquette‘s most beloved attraction, offering 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 shared-use 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), 3.5 and 1.5 kilometer
cross-country ski trails, 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),
an open air park shelter, and 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-goround,
swings, a barrier free swing, slide, and
climbing apparatus. There is a smaller third
picnic area at Sunset Point, northwest of the
Black Rocks. This area contains a new
pavilion and numerous picnic tables. The
park also contains numerous park benches
grills and bicycle racks.
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