Marquette County on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula boasts some of the best and most varied recreational opportunities in the Midwest. The County's rising reputation as an adventure destination has been recognized nationally, resulting in the area being named an All-American County, one of the country's Most Livable Communities, and One of the Best Places to Live and Mountain Bike. Being just a 6.5-hour drive north of Chicago, the shoreline city of Marquette makes an ideal weekend getaway from big-city chaos.
While this town of 20,000 is fast-becoming notorious for the unique sporting lifestyle of its residents, it's saved from the traffic congestion and pedestrian-cramped sidewalks plaguing many harbor-side villages throughout the Great Lakes. This is due in part to the fact that this isn't a drive-by town. To experience the best Marquette has to offer means ditching the car and lacing up the hiking boots, churning the mountain bike gears or paddling the kayak.
Catering to this active traveler is the Nordic Bay Lodge, recently renovated and remodeled by four new owners. The lodge's focus on outdoor recreation is only fitting when you consider its setting. Built directly into a hillside overlooking Lake Superior, Nordic Bay Lodge encompasses twelve acres of lush, U.P. forest. Winding amongst the stands of pine, oak and birch are moss-covered hiking and biking trails that interconnect with an expansive trail network enjoyed by guests and locals alike. (The bike-friendly lodge even offers a maintenance facility for those last-minute tune-ups.) An adjacent paved bike path parallels Lake Superior giving walkers, runners, bikers and inline skaters an unbeatable view of Marquette's famous fire-red Coast Guard Station lighthouse. Anglers in search of trout and salmon frequent the cool-running Carp River that borders the south side of the lodge's property before spilling into Lake Superior. It also serves as a pullout point for paddlers exploring the 120-mile Hiawatha Water Trail that runs along the Lake Superior shoreline. And these are just the activities available on-site. The doors of opportunity are blown wide open when you consider the lodge's close proximity to numerous other recreational possibilities. Throw in the fact that Nordic Bay Lodge is just two miles from the shopping, dining and festivals of downtown Marquette and you've found the perfect base for your adventure.
"As local recreation ambassadors, we are thrilled to be able to share this incredible property with visitors to Marquette by offering an ultimate lodging experience," said David Ollila, Nordic Bay Lodge partner and general manager. "We understand how precious time spent with friends and family is and our goal is to help you make the most of your valuable vacation. Just let us know what you'd like to do and see during your stay and we'll do everything within our power to make it happen."
Whether you're looking for a guide to lead you through Marquette's famed mountain bike terrain, wondering how to hike to those treasured scenic spots, or simply seeking a solitary spot to enjoy the sunset, the dedicated Nordic Bay Lodge staffers can help make your stay remarkably unique.
Every room boasts an awe-inspiring view of Lake Superior and there are two villas to accommodate larger groups. The Trailhead Bar and Grill onsite serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere.
For more information on planning your Nordic Bay Lodge experience, please call 906-226-7516, 1-800-892-9376, visit http://www.nordicbay.com , or e-mail stay@nordicbay.com .
