Hey everyone, Brandon here! I’m excited to share our latest travel vlog update, capturing an amazing Labor Day weekend up north in Marquette, Michigan, with Jackie by my side. This trip was all about escaping to nature, camping, and tackling some of the best hikes Michigan has to offer.
Earlier in the summer, I actually made a solo trip up to Marquette for work, and I was able to scout out some local spots. I wanted to find the best places for Jackie and me to enjoy once we could come back together and savor the end of the season. That little recon mission really helped us make the most of the weekend, knowing exactly where to go and what we wanted to experience.
If you haven’t been, Marquette is an awesome town on Lake Superior, home to Northern Michigan University and a key part of the state’s Iron Ore history. There’s just something about the rugged beauty up there that feels refreshing, especially in late summer when the air is crisp and the trees start showing hints of fall colors.
We set out to explore as many trails and scenic spots as possible. Together, Jackie and I hiked Sugarloaf Mountain and Hogsback Mountain, both offering breathtaking views at the top. We took on Marquette Mountain Resort and followed the trails down to Morgan Creek Falls, capturing the area’s wild beauty. We even found a hidden beach, recommended to us by a local bartender.We also made a stop at Dead River Falls, where we enjoyed a little picnic with the sounds of the falls in the background—a perfect Michigan moment.
For gear, I kept things light, using a GoPro, DJI Mavic Air 2, and a smaller travel pack for filming. My DJI drone has been a real workhorse lately, especially for capturing those sweeping views that show just how vast and peaceful Northern Michigan can be. I filmed and edited this video with a different style than usual, slowing the pace to let viewers feel the calm and tranquility of the north. That slower vibe really captures why we’re drawn to places like Marquette.
We camped out for three nights at the Tourist Park Campground, which is conveniently close to downtown Marquette. The place was peaceful and surrounded by natural beauty, though our camping adventure got cut a little short when rain hit. We ended up wrapping up the trip with a couple of cozy nights at the Landmark Inn, a classic spot with tons of character right in the heart of downtown Marquette.
We spent our last days exploring the city, checking out the local spots, and enjoying the energy of the Marquette community. From great coffee shops to local art and everything in between, the town has a lot going on, and it was cool to see all the ways people are working to make it thrive.
So, that’s our Labor Day adventure—hope you enjoy the video and get a little taste of the calm and beauty that Northern Michigan offers. Stay tuned for the next one, and thanks for following along!