Friday, October 16, 2026

Family Weekend Check-In 

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lobby at the Northern Center

Stop by the Northern Center for an updated schedule of events and information on local attractions. Swing by the NMU Bookstore afterward for some NMU apparel.


NMU Men’s Soccer vs. St. Cloud State

3:00 p.m.
Superior Dome Outdoor Soccer Field

Support the 'Cats as they take on St. Cloud State. No ticket is needed and admission is free!  The soccer field is located behind the Superior Dome overlooking Lake Superior. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided for all Wildcat families!  Just let the concession stand know you are part of Family Weekend.


Dinner & Live Entertainment 

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Northern Lights Dining 

Join us for an evening of good food and live music by Marquette music legends Jim and Ray from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., as NMU Dining Services features some delicious menu options. Tickets are $14.00 per person and can be purchased at the door OR if your Wildcat has a meal plan, they have the option to use guest meals. 


NMU Hockey vs. Stonehill College

7:07 p.m.
Berry Events Center

Cheer on the NMU Hockey team as they take on Stonehill College.  If you haven't been to a hockey game before, this is your chance!  Tickets can be purchased at tickets.nmu.edu (starting September 1) or directly at the door.  Take advantage of the Family Weekend ticket special – 4 tickets for $60!

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Breakfast Buffet 

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ballrooms II, III & IV, Northern Center

Stop by the Northern Center for a complimentary breakfast buffet before heading off to the Sugarloaf Hike. Enter to win prizes that will be announced every 30 minutes!  Ask your student to register your family for this event on The Hub.  Forgot to register or still not sure of your plans?  No problem! You are still welcome to attend without registering.


Sugarloaf Mountain Hike

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
County Road 550

Enjoy a family friendly adventure at one of Marquette's most popular hiking destinations. After a moderate 30 minute walk to the top, get a family photo (with Wildcat Willy!) surrounded by panoramic views of Marquette and Lake Superior. This event is weather permitting. Free shuttle bus service will be provided (parking is also available at the trailhead) from the Northern Center to the Mountain and back. Bus schedule is as follows:

  • Leave the Northern Center at 10 a.m. and drop off at Sugarloaf
  • Leave the Northern Center at 10:30 a.m. and drop off at Sugarloaf
  • Leave the Northern Center at 11 a.m. and drop off at Sugarloaf/pick up anyone that is done
  • Leave the Northern Center at 11:30 a.m. and drop off at Sugarloaf/pick up anyone that is done
  • Leave Sugarloaf at 12:15 p.m. and return to Northern Center
  • Leave Sugarloaf at 12:45 p.m. with the last return to the Northern Center

Ask your student to register your family for this event on The Hub. Forgot to register or still not sure of your plans?  No problem! You are still welcome to attend without registering.


Little Presque Isle Hike

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
County Road 550

For those who want a shorter and more accessible hike than Sugarloaf Mountain, we recommend venturing to Little Presque Isle Beach. After parking, take the short path to a panoramic view of Lake Superior and Little Presque Island. No transportation will be provided, so please plan to take your own vehicle.


Mount Marquette Drive

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cliff Power Road

For those that want a quick drive to a beautiful view overlooking the city and lake, please access Mount Marquette. There is a parking lot for hiking on Noqumenon Trails, or you can drive directly up the mountain and stop at the overlook up top.  This one-way drive takes you to the top of the mountain and back down to County Road 553. Located just two miles east of downtown Marquette, visitors can reach this scenic spot by turning left on Cliff Power Road. No transportation will be provided, so please plan to take your own vehicle.  


NMU Hockey vs. Stonehill College

6:07 p.m.
Berry Events Center 

Cheer on the NMU Hockey team as they take on Stonehill College. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.nmu.edu (starting September 1) or directly at the door. Take advantage of our Family Weekend ticket special – 4 tickets for $60!

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Family Weekend Brunch 

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Northern Lights Dining

NMU Dining Services will be providing a delicious brunch with a wide variety of options. Tickets are $13.00 per person and can be purchased at the door. If your Wildcat has a meal plan, they have the option to use guest meals.  


NMU Women’s Soccer vs. Michigan Tech

12:00 p.m.
Superior Dome Outdoor Soccer Field

Watch the women’s soccer team take on our biggest rival, Michigan Tech. No ticket is needed and admission is free! The soccer field is located behind the Superior Dome overlooking Lake Superior. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided for all Wildcat families! Just let the concession stand know you are part of Family Weekend.


NMU Men’s Soccer vs. Roosevelt

3:00 p.m.
Superior Dome Outdoor Soccer Field

Catch the 'Cats game before you hit the road.  No ticket is needed and admission is free! The soccer field is located behind the Superior Dome overlooking Lake Superior. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided for all Wildcat families! Just let the concession stand know you are part of Family Weekend.

Other Daily Activities & Locations to Visit

Devos Art Museum

Northern Michigan University Art Building

Visit the museum on campus during open hours.  More information about the museum can be found at nmuartmuseum.com.  

Hours:

  • Friday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Closed

NMU Bookstore

Northern Center

Visit the NMU Bookstore to purchase NMU apparel for your family!  

Hours: 

  • Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Closed

Physical Education Instructional Facility (PEIF) Recreation Center 

NMU Recreation Center

Visit the PEIF during open hours and take advantage of the fitness center and recreational opportunities.  Just let the front desk staff know you are part of Family Weekend.  PEIF Information can be found at nmu.edu/recsports .  

Hours: 

  • Friday, 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Beaumiere U.P. Heritage Center

Harden Hall, NMU

The Beaumiere Center is a historical museum and educational facility on the campus of NMU.  Information about the museum can be found at nmu.edu/beaumierheritagecenter.  

Hours: 

  • Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Closed

Marquette Regional History Center (off campus)

145 West Spring Street, Downtown Marquette

Enjoy free admission to the Marquette Regional History Museum located in downtown Marquette. Let the front desk staff know you are part of NMU Family Weekend for entry.   Learn more about the cultural and physical history of Marquette and surrounding areas.   More information about the museum and current exhibits is available at marquettehistory.org

Hours: 

  • Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fresh Coast Film Festival (off campus)

Marquette Area

This festival throughout Marquette celebrates the outdoor lifestyle, water rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.  The festival gathers the best in environmental and cultural filmmaking from around the world while creating a venue for, and building a culture of, Great Lakes storytelling.  Enjoy watching films or participate in outdoor tours and adventures.  For full festival information and to purchase tickets, visit freshcoastfilm.com 


Other Outdoor Adventures & Sustainability in Marquette

Visit Travel Marquette for ideas on different outdoor hikes and adventures (we recommend a fall color ride up Mount Marquette!) and to learn more about sustainability in Marquette and how to “leave no trace” out on the trails.