Marquette, MI

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Poor weather caused us to bypass the Picture Rock area and head to our western most campground outside of Marquette. The drive was picturesque and out campsite allowed us a direct view of Lake Independence. We visited a Marquette laundromat, toured the city, and ate our first pastie (a UP staple) at the famous Jean Kay’s. On the way back to camp, we drove through the forest of Presque Isle Park. On day two, we hike up nearby Thomas Rock Overlook then drove a dirt road 10 miles to Yellow Dog River Falls (this is why we bought a Jeep). We continued back to Marquette on the same dirt road another 40 miles, stunningly beautiful but teeth chattering in stretches.

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Photos

Perkins Park Campground
Our view of Independence Lake

Pasty
So glad we got to experience Jean Kay's before they close the doors at the end of the year. I liked the veggie pastie. Mike had the steak pastie with gravy. The pasty is a portable meat and root vegetable pie. They were a portable lunch for miners, fisherman, and farmers to take to work.

Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook
A trail that leads to a view of Big Bay on Lake Superior and Lake Independence. The trail has signs about the trees. We saw squirrels and a number of birds as we strolled the trail.

Trail markers
The scenic overlook included a sign describing the landmarks you could view from the observation area.

Scenic view
Lake Independence and Lake Superior

Yellow Dog River
The trail led you to a place to stand at the top of the falls.

Yellow Dog River Falls
View from the top of the falls.

Yellow Dog River Falls
View standing at the base of the falls.

Yellow Dog River Falls trail
The dirt trail was easy to follow and wandered through the forest to the river. We saw several other hikers and many squirrels.