South Beach – Iron Ore Heritage Trail loop from Marquette

Bike touring routes & trails

South Beach – Iron Ore Heritage Trail loop from Marquette

Moderate

3.5

(9)

riders

South Beach – Iron Ore Heritage Trail loop from Marquette

03:24

54.7km

420m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 7, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.67 km

South Beach

Highlight • Beach

This easily accessible beach along the Marquette Bay provides great views and a calm spot to stop if you are looking for a short break.

Tip by

3.05 km

Marquette Welcome Center Trailhead

Highlight • Rest Area

A quality welcome center that provides information on the wide range of activities and attractions available in Marquette and the wider Michigan area. Of particular interest to the cyclist will be the 47 mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail. Along with parking there are restrooms, picnic tables, a kiosk with a trail map, access to Lake Superior and tourist information.

Tip by

3.44 km

Marquette Lower Harbor Ore Dock

Highlight • Monument

This is simply a magnificent structure. It is the historic Ore Dock that is in Marquette’s Lower Harbor. It is a relic of Marquette’s iron ore mining and maritime industry used for loading ore onto lake freighters. It is no longer in use today but was once a prominent pillar to the local Marquette economy. The Upper Harbor Ore Dock at Presque Isle is still in use for those interested in seeing such a giant structure in its working environment.

Tip by

5.81 km

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, year round, multi-use, interpretive trail that crosses the Marquette Iron Range. It travels through some of the key historical industrial sites located in and around Marquette. Trailheads are located at the Marquette Welcome Center in Marquette and in Republic west of Marquette.

Tip by

54.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types