Waterfront lifestyle in the countryside of Chocolay Township
Named after the chocolate-colored river that flows through its evergreen forests, Chocolay Township has waterfront homes on the sandy shoreline of Lake Superior, surrounded by multi-purpose trails, sparkling lakes and secluded rivers. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, also known as the "U.P.," this community on the northern coast has a lifestyle that revolves around outdoor activities and natural attractions. "Within an 8-minute drive of Marquette, you can be in the country or on the waterfront," says Jennifer Cosco, Realtor at Select Realty and lifelong native of the U.P. who grew up in Chocolay Township. "You can go fishing at the Chocolay River or prop up a beach chair and read at the lake."
Inland trails attract adventurers to the shores of the Chocolay River
The Iron Ore Heritage Trail spans 47 miles across the coast of Lake Superior, providing easy access to walking, hiking and mountain biking in Chocolay Township. There is a sandy beach and picnic tables at the MDOT Lake Superior Roadside Park, which is a scenic lookout point. The Northern Michigan University Golf Course features a par 72 layout with pine-tree-lined fairways. About 5 miles west, the Marquette Mountain Resort has downhill cross-country skiing and mountain biking trails. "Skiing is huge at Marquette Mountain, and with all the bodies of water, we have tons of kayaking and water sports," Menard says. "Marquette County has lake activities, festivals and mountain biking, which is a huge draw."
Marquette County receives about 150 inches of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest places in the U.S. because of the lake-effect snow phenomenon on Lake Superior. As a result, residents may need all-wheel drive, and winter temperatures can drop below 0°F during January and February.
Lake houses with water views and beach access
Farther from the lake shores, Chocolay Township's gravel roads wind through towering pine forests, surrounded by creeks and rivers. Many houses on Lakefront Lane have private beach access and a waterfront view. The community has various architectural styles, including Craftsman, New Traditional and ranch-style homes. Home prices range from $140,000 to $1.6 million. Houses larger than 4,000 square feet fall between $970,000 and $1.6 million, depending on proximity to Lake Superior. Manufactured homes are also available, falling between $130,000 and $380,000. "The pricing is better because it's on the outskirts of Marquette, but there's still waterfrontage on Lake Superior and the bayou," says Daniel Menard, an area local and associate broker at Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors.
Nearby brewpubs and supermarkets without a trip to Marquette
While it is several miles from the city retail areas of Marquette, Chocolay Township has quick access to breweries and casual pubs on the highway. "You don't have to go all the way into Marquette to reach a grocery store or a restaurant," Cosco says. Lake Superior Smokehouse Brewpub serves pulled-pork sandwiches on a back patio with picnic tables and a fire pit. The Dry Dock Bar & Grill serves breakfast in a wooden interior. The local grocery store is Lofaro's Fresh Market, and Marketplace Foods is about 6 miles northwest.
Students can explore local habitats and join service-based clubs
Cherry Creek Elementary School students can learn about the environment by walking the campus nature trail or studying local waterways at the STEM lab. Bothwell Middle School has a National Junior Honor Society that students can join through community service and academic scholarship. Cherry Creek Elementary and Bothwell Middle School earn a B-plus grade from Niche. Marquette Senior High School receives an A-minus.
Quick access to Marquette and its regional airport
The community's expressway is U.S. Highway 41, which traces the Lake Superior coast between Chocolay Township and Marquette, about 4 miles northwest. State Route 28 also connects coastal communities along the shoreline. The Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport is approximately 15 miles south, with daily, direct flights to Detroit and Chicago.
