Top 10 winter events in Marquette

Some individuals would choose to spend the remaining winter months curled up in bed with a good book, movie, or an enjoyable indoor activity. But some people enjoy outdoor activities in cold weather. These Marquette winter events and festivals can make your holiday even more enjoyable! Superior Stay Hotel is an excellent choice, with so many winter events in the neighborhood. Check out our list of favorite winter events in Marquette. These events include laser lights, winter sports, and many more adding magic to your winter experience.

1.Polar Roll

Date: Feb 17, 2024
Location: 319 East Division Street, Ishpeming, Michigan 49855

The ultimate fat bike adventure in the Upper Peninsula. It will be at least 100 kilometers miles away. There will be both groomed and non-groomed surfaces used on the course. Fat bike enthusiasts will ride the snow bike route from Ishpeming to 906 Adventure Team in Marquette, despite the cold and snowy weather. They will be competing in this year’s 906 Polar Roll. The race weekend includes a 15-mile event option, snowshoe events, and more. If you want more info regarding this event, View more information on the event website. The mass start is on Feb 18, but you can participate in the extended edition, which runs from Jan 13 through Mar 15, at your convenience.

2.Figure Skating

Date: Feb 16 to Feb 18, 2024
Location: Berry Event Center, 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette

Get your skates in shape and get ready for the figure skating competition at the Marquette Winter Games in 2023! Athletes from the Midwest are invited to participate in this Olympic-style competition, which also features an Opening Ceremony. Figure Skating is a qualifying event for the 2023 State Games of America. Any athlete who places 1st, 2nd, or 3rd will then compete in the 2023 State Games of America. Gold, silver, and bronze medals from the Meijer State Games of Michigan will be awarded to the top three finishers. The rest of the placements will receive ribbons. To learn more about the event, visit the event page of the state games of Michigan. We hope to see you there!

3.Noquemanon Ski Marathon

Date: 26 to 27 Jan 2024
Location: Noquemanon Trail Network, Ishpeming

The 25th Noquemanon Ski Marathon in Marquette is the most popular ski event of the season. It has captivated professional and amateur cross-country skiers for over 20 years and takes place on January 26th and 27th. The full 50K marathon begins in the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming and ends in Marquette on the shores of Lake Superior. The weekend’s events include the Half Noque, 12K, snowshoe, and Junior ski competitions. Many skiers have participated in the point-to-point 50K or 24K adventure in Ishpeming. The Noquemanon paths are renowned for their untamed Upper Peninsula forest route, unique location, and rough landscape.

The unpredictable weather conditions also add to the adventure. They will also encounter a 1000-foot drop. Many areas of the marathon are very isolated, adding to a skier’s adventure idea. Visit the event page of the noquemanon ski marathon to register.

4.The UP 200 Sled Dog Race

Date: Feb 15-19, 2024
Location: Washington Street

One of America’s top 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog races, the U.P. 200 Sled Dog Race attracts competitors from around the United States and Canada. The racers will start in Downtown Marquette and travel 230 miles to Grand Morais before returning to Marquette. The Grand Marais checkpoint, the race’s halfway point, is a great place for spectators to watch. Come see the mushers and their sled dog teams compete in an entirely original race without parallel. Visit their event page to get more information regarding the event.

5.Upper Michigan Ice races

Date: Jan 6, Jan 13, Jan 20, Jan 27, Feb 03, Feb 10, Fab 17, Fab 24, Mar 2, Mar 9

Location: Gwinn, MI

Mainly centered around the Northern United States, Canada, and Northern Europe, the Upper Michigan Ice races brings motorcycles and quads to the oval ice track in Gwinn, MI. Open to all ages, you can participate in or spectate a unique new sport in Marquette County. You’ve found your answer if you’ve been looking for a new way to have fun during the winter seasons. Visit the event page of the Upper Michigan racing association to register.

6.Heikki Lunta Winter Festival

Date: Fab 2, 2024 – Feb 4, 2024
Location: Negaunee, MI

It is a terrific spectator event that gives young and older people a chance to display their snowboarding and skiing prowess. There will be a celebration of Finnish ancestry and winter snow. Thanks to the Upper Peninsula Luge Club, locals will have a unique opportunity to enjoy the snow and cold. The South Shore Ice Fishing Tournament, Lucy Hill Luge Track, Suicide Hill, and downtown are just a few of the fantastic events that will take place around Teal Lake on Saturday.

7.Annual ski jumping tournament

Date: Jan 20 and 21, 2024
Location: Ishpeming Ski Club, Suicide Hill Ski Bowl, Ishpeming

The Ishpeming Ski Club will hold the 137th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament on January 19 and 21, 2024 at the UP Nordic Ski Complex. This competition is a stop on both the U.S. Cup and the Five Hills Tournament and is the main tournament in the region. Ski jumpers from across the United States will compete to see who can go the farthest with the best style. This competition is a stop on the regional tour for the U.S. Cup and the Five Hills Tournament. In addition, this fun-filled, family-friendly event features big bonfires and offers fantastic views of the action on Suicide Hill. To kick off the evening, a ski jumping trial round will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by the competitive opening round.

8.Eh, Winter Experience

Date: Feb 4, 2024
Location: NTN South Trails

Join us on the South Trails for year three of this enjoyable winter event! The South Trails will offer backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and enduro snow bike trails for the 2023 Eh Winter Experience. The NTN network’s winter grooming activities are supported by all funds raised. For further information, regularly check their event page.

9. Holiday Laser light Show

Date: Nov 23 – Dec 30 & New Year’s Eve
Location: 337 W Washington St, Marquette

Every winter, a historic Upper Peninsula landmark becomes a unique destination for holiday lights. The family-friendly winter event, presented by Travel Marquette, is free and open to the public. The show will take place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 to 9 pm, starting on Thanksgiving and ending on New Year’s Eve. It will be located at the intersection of East Spring Street and South Lakeshore Boulevard, at the Lower Harbor Ore Dock. The show will feature explicit nods to the holidays and the current season. It will also include more abstract elements, motifs, and a general appreciation of the Marquette environment.

10.New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Date: Dec 31, 2024, 1:45 pm – Countdown to Midnight
Location:100 Block W. Washington St.

On New Year’s Eve, locals and visitors gather in Downtown Marquette to ring in the New Year! During this time, the intersection of Washington and Front Street becomes a hub of holiday cheer and community engagement. It is also a time of unbridled excitement for the future. Watch with the crowd as the illuminated ball drops from the history Savings Bank Building at the stroke of midnight. Come to the first Big Party of 2023 and celebrate with this winter event with us!

Stay with Superior Stay Hotel for your next stay!

The Superior Stay Hotel’s prime location in downtown Marquette makes it easy to get to the most popular winter events in Marquette. Several restaurants, breweries, and local attractions are within walking distance of our hotel. Stay at our hotel for comfort and convenience. We are a few blocks from the starting point of several biking events and offer discounted bike rentals when you book on our website. We provide breakfast-to-go bags for event participants and can arrange early access to the breakfast room. Creating a memorable experience leaves guests feeling fulfilled and connected. We take care of every detail so you can spend your days enjoying spectacular events. It’s never too early to start planning your memorable winter vacation, no matter what time of year it is. We’re happy to accommodate you, your friends, and your family. See you soon at Superior Stay Hotel!.

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