Father Marquette Memorial

Introduction This Historic State Park hosts the nationalmemorial that honors the Jesuit priest who established Michigan's firstpermanent settlement.

History Today, Father Marquette is recognized as one of the great explorers of the North American continent. On a rise overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, the Father Marquette National Memorial pays homage to this 17th-century missionary-explorer and the meeting of French and Native American cultures deep in the North American wilderness.Sadly, the Father Marquette Museum building was destroyed in a fire on March 9, 2000. Current attractions include the National Memorial, an outdoor interpretive trail, picnicking and a panoramic view of the Mackinac Bridge. The site is jointly administered with the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries.

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Location Take US-2 half a mile west of theintersection with I-75.