Presque Isle Park is one of Marquette’s most popular attractions, with visitors coming to catch beautiful sunsets, watch freighters load iron ore, walk the breakwater out to a lighthouse, and jump off the famous Black Rocks. In the southwest corner of the park is a beautiful nature trail that passes through a bog. Part of this trail is boardwalk, offering great views of the bog and the wildlife that lives here. The Presque Isle Bog Walk is a quarter-mile trail that also offers views of Lake Superior and features 10 interpretive signs along the way. Let’s take a look at this wonderful trail that’s perfect for a quick adventure!

Look for the parking area for the Presque Isle Bog Walk on the left just after you pass under the arch that marks the park entrance. There is a decent amount of parking here and the trailhead has the first of the interpretive signs. This sign tells visitors what kinds of birds they might see here, reminds you not to feed the (sometimes incredibly friendly) whitetail deer, and provides a trail map.

The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow. There are several viewing platforms and benches along the way.

One of the first signs along the trail let’s visitors know exactly what a bog is: “Northern bogs are wet, acidic habitats composed mainly of spongy sphagnum moss floating on a thick bed of mushy peat. Peat is the reamins of dead plants that collect in the bottom of a swampy area, such as a glacial pothole or pond. The cold, acidic water prevents decomposition of plant matter.”

The trail’s overall shape is a “lollipop” as it begins as a straight path before you have the option of which way to go to make a loop. We stayed to the right, which led to great scenic views.

Other information signs tell about the birds and small mammals that live here. We were able to see a few sparrows and wrens and quite a few red-winged blackbirds during our visit.

In addition to circling the bog itself, the trail also covers a section near dunes on Lake Superior. There is a sandy beach here and another sign telling about what plants and animals to look for.

We loved the boardwalk sections of the trail, which provide a great vantage point to watch for wildlife while being in the heart of the bog. After circling around the bog, the trail puts you back where you started and heads back to the parking area.

We only spent 45 minutes here but could have easily stayed longer. Birdwatchers will love it here, and the “outdoor classroom” setting will appeal to families with younger children. If you’re visiting Presque Isle Park, don’t miss out on the Presque Isle Bog Walk!