Father Marquette National Memorial

The memorial features a bronze statue of Father Jacques Marquette and interpretive trails within 52 acres of woodland near Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac.

Established in 1975, this memorial honors French Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette who explored the Mississippi River with Louis Jolliet in 1673 and founded local missions.

The site presents information about interactions between European missionaries and Native American tribes, including Marquette's mastery of six indigenous languages during his explorations.

Located within Straits State Park and managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the memorial includes fifteen educational stations along its interpretive trail.

After the 2000 fire destroyed the museum building, the memorial was transformed into an open-concept structure with educational kiosks surrounded by natural landscape.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1975

Website: https://nps.gov/articles/marquette.htm

GPS coordinates: 45.85170,-84.71720

Latest update: April 3, 2025 10:52