Marquette can be reached via U.S. 41 or by the airport located just outside Gwinn. The start of the U.P. 200 will be held downtown on Washington Street, with the first musher departing the starting chute at 7:10 p.m. Crowds line the street in anticipation of the start, so get there early to get a good spot along the lines. Parking is available in the city within a short walking distance of the starting line.
Come see the dog sled trucks and teams as they await their turn at the start. Remember, don't bring your pets to the start because they distract the sled dogs, who are already primed for the race.
Refreshments are readily available from shops along the street. Lodging is abundant in the city, with the Headquarters for the sled dog races in place at the Holiday Inn. You'll want to get your souvenirs at the HQ to commemorate the sixteenth running of the races. The finish of the U.P. 200 is held at the Lower Harbor Park, just along Lake Superior scant blocks from Washington Street. The finishing mushers will arrive on Sunday afternoon, so check the website often to get there and cheer in the finishers.
Marquette knows how to make the most of a weekend. Check out the activities they have planned for Winterfest.
