Wind, Rocks, and Winter Driving Drama
The first time I visited Marquette, Michigan, was in January a few years back. It was for work, so I didn’t have much time to explore—unless you count a serious detour for one massive bridge. You see, this was my first time driving across the Mackinac Bridge, though I’d crossed it countless times as a passenger. My late husband was always behind the wheel because, well, that bridge and I have a love-hate relationship.
This trip, however, I was flying solo. As I approached the Mighty Mac from the south, a sign started flashing warnings about wind. Panic kicked in. I pulled off the freeway and called one of my sons: “What should I do?!” He told me two things: I’d be fine and, fun fact, the bridge authority can drive you across if you’re too nervous. After a few deep breaths in a random parking lot, I realized my three choices:
1. Turn around and pretend I’d never planned this trip.
2. Let a bridge authority staffer drive me over and avoid any heart palpitations.
3. Face the bridge and drive myself across, like a boss.
Option one was out because, well, I had a job to do. Option two felt a tad humiliating, so it was settled—I’d be going over that bridge myself! Spoiler alert: I made it across (with slightly sweaty palms), and I’ve conquered the bridge countless times since. 😊
Once I hit the UP, I headed west along US-2, up M-77 in Germfask, then on M-28 to US-41, until—roughly six hours later—I arrived in Marquette. Sure, I might have added some time to the trip thanks to my bridge planning and pit stops, but hey, I made it!
A Wall of Rock and a Son’s Sass
I finally got to the hotel, parked around back, and there it was—a towering wall of bedrock right behind the lot! I’ve seen similar rock cuts near St. Ignace, but this one was right in town, looking like something straight out of a geology textbook. Naturally, I took pictures and sent them to my geologist son, hoping for a little insight. His reply? “Google it.” Thanks, kid.
So, I Googled it and learned that Marquette’s bedrock is some of the oldest on the continent. Granite, gneiss, and iron ore—oh my! These rocks date back over a billion years and were formed by volcanic activity, sedimentation, and tectonic movements that shaped the Great Lakes. After a few more gentle texts, my son explained that what I was looking at was part of the Marquette Range. His last message? “Do NOT tag me in any rock posts on social media.” I respected his wishes. Well, mostly.
Exploring Marquette, Kind Of
Because it was a work trip, my time for fun was short. Aside from snapping endless photos of that rock wall (the only photos I have from this trip besides the few of the wall on I-75 near St. Ignace), I only had time for a couple of meals out. But even with my limited roaming, I could tell Marquette has it all. Northern Michigan University keeps it lively, though this is no ordinary college town. Students here are pros at bundling up for winter walks across campus in temps that would send most of us scurrying back to our cars.
The community vibe is so welcoming. Everyone I encountered was friendly and helpful, though I did have a run-in with a certain attorney who backed into my car and wasn’t exactly thrilled about my insurance claim. (We’re probably not on her holiday card list.)
The Ride Home: Winter Driving Diva
When it was time to head home, I left Marquette around noon, and by the time I hit M-28, I was in a full-on snowstorm. The kind where the snow swirls, the roads are slick, and drivers zip past you at “are you serious?” speeds. Just the drive back to the bridge had my knuckles turning white. And then there was the bridge itself—snow, wind, and ice. I figured driving on the grates might help with traction, so I white-knuckled my way across, feeling a glimmer of triumph on the other side in Mackinaw City.
Once back on I-75, the weather eased up briefly, but soon, Michigan decided to surprise me with yet another blast of snow. I crept southward, clutching the wheel, with my inner winter driving diva in full force. Eight hours after leaving Marquette, I finally pulled into my driveway in Traverse City.
Why Visit Marquette?
Despite the wild ride home, Marquette is worth every minute. Whether you’re into sun-soaked summers or snow-laden adventures, Marquette has a little bit of everything—breathtaking landscapes, fascinating geology, a welcoming community, and endless outdoor activities for every season.
