Presque Isle Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Presque Isle Park |
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Lake Superior viewed from the east side of the park
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Map of Presque Isle Park
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| Type | Public park |
| Location |  Marquette, Michigan |
| Area | 323 acres (131 ha) |
| Created | 1886 |
| Operated by | Marquette County Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Status | Open all year |
Presque Isle Park is an amazing public park in Marquette, Michigan, USA. It covers a huge area of 323 acres! People in Marquette often call it 'the Isle.' This park sits on a special oval-shaped piece of land that sticks out into the big Lake Superior.
Park History
Long, long ago, before Europeans arrived in the 1600s, Native Americans lived on Presque Isle. The last leader of the local Ojibwe people, Charlie Kawbawgam, is buried here. He lived to be 103 years old and passed away in 1903. His wife, Charlotte, is also buried beside him in the park.
In the late 1800s, the United States government owned Presque Isle. There was even a lighthouse on the land. A man named Peter White helped convince the government to give the land to the city of Marquette. He wanted it to become a park for everyone to enjoy.
On July 12, 1886, the United States Congress officially gave control of the land to Michigan. Peter White also raised money to plant special trees called Lombardy Poplars. He helped build a paved road that went to and around the park. In 1891, people said this new road made Marquette have "one of the most charming and picturesque drives in the world." The road was updated again in 1999.
A famous park designer named Frederick Law Olmsted visited in 1891. He thought the park was so beautiful and natural that it shouldn't be changed. He believed it was perfect as it was, without adding many man-made things. This is why the park still looks like a wild forest today.
About the Park
Presque Isle Park is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, right on the coast of Lake Superior. The park itself is a small, oval-shaped piece of land. It connects to Marquette by a narrow strip of land. The park is surrounded by cool sandstone cliffs.
Most of the park is covered by natural forest. You can also find marshes, rocky areas, hidden coves, and pebble beaches. The park is open all year round. In spring, summer, and fall, it's open from 7 AM to 11 PM. In winter, it's open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
Park Facilities
The park has several helpful facilities for visitors. There are two picnic areas where you can eat and relax. These areas also have restrooms. Kids can have fun at the children's playground. There's also a concert shelter for events. Many hiking trails wind through the park for you to explore.
The main road in the park is called Peter White Drive. It goes all the way around the edges of the peninsula. Cars are allowed on this road, but there are special 'walking hours.' During these times, cars are not allowed, and the road is only open for people walking or running. Inside the park, you can find more trails for walking. These are part of the John B. Anderton Trail System.
Special Walking Hours
- Monday and Wednesday: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Plants and Animals
Presque Isle Park is home to many different kinds of plants. There are over one hundred types of native plants growing here!
You can also spot various animals in the park. Some common wildlife includes white-tailed deer, raccoons, and Canada geese. If you enjoy fishing, you can try to catch lake whitefish, lake trout, and brook trout. Fishing is allowed in certain special spots within the park.
