Father Marquette Memorial

Father Marquette National Memorial pays tribute to the life and work of Jacques Marquette, French priest and explorer. The memorial is located in Straits State Park near St. Ignace, Michigan, where he founded a Jesuit mission in 1671 and was buried in 1678. The memorial commemorates Marquette's role in the exploration of the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River Valley, as well as his work as a missionary to the Native Americans. Visitors to the memorial can see a statue of Marquette, as well as a replica of his grave site and a monument to his accomplishments. The memorial is a popular destination for tourists visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and it is also a popular spot for birdwatching, due to its location on the shores of Lake Michigan.