Explore Kona Hills

This isn’t a campground you just stay at—it’s one you explore.

Kona Hills sits on 80 acres of rugged, elevated land above Lake Superior. Rock formations, wildlife, and small details most people miss are part of the experience here.

Slow down. Look around. There’s more here than a campsite.

A wooden picnic table on a rocky surface surrounded by trees with autumn-colored leaves, blue sky with some clouds in the background.

Picnic table at the top of the Back Rock Outcropping Photo: Clickism Creative

Start Here

Not sure where to begin? Start Simple:

The main loop road is only partially complete—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore it.
Walking the unfinished section is one of the best ways to see more of the property, including wooded areas and a pass by the eagle’s nest.
There are also a few interior trails worth checking out:
- Fairy Trail (Octopus Cluster, near Site 27)
  Leads to the base of the Back Rock Outcropping.
- Fallen Tree Trail (starts near Site 25)
  Connects the Octopus Cluster to the Willow Cluster (comes out near Sites 37–38).
- Fern Trail (near the Superior Overlook)
  A shaded, quieter walk through dense woods.
Across from Site 15, a marked trail leads up to the Back Rock Outcropping.
On the way up, you’ll pass exposed Kona Dolomite—the same rare rock that defines this property.
At the top, there’s a picnic table and one of the best vantage points on site. You’ll get views of Marquette, the southern Huron Mountains, and miles of surrounding forest.
There’s an active eagle’s nest on the property.
If you’re paying attention, you might catch them soaring overhead or returning to the nest.
Give them space and keep your distance—this is their home first.
There’s more here than what’s at eye level.
Watch your footing and you’ll start to notice the details—rock formations, textures, and small features that make this land what it is.
Kona Dolomite is everywhere underfoot. It’s rare, it’s local, and it’s part of what makes this place different.

A rocky cliff with green trees in the background and a cloudy sky.

Photo: Clickism Creative

Explore Kona Dolomite Ancient Rock Formations

You're standing on something rare.

Kona Hills sits on Kona Dolomite, a unique rock formation only found in Marquette County. It’s what gives this land its color, texture, and structure.

It’s also where we get our name and branding!

You’ll see it in the outcrops, under your feet, and built into the terrain of many campsites.

You don’t need to understand the geology to appreciate it. Just pay attention, you’ll start noticing it everywhere.

Please note, per Kona Hills Rules and Policies there is no carving into any rocks on the property. Additionally, please do not remove or take any rocks from the property.

A woodpecker with a red head and black body pecking a tree trunk in a lush green forest.

Photo: Clickism Creative

Eagle and Wildlife Watching

This is their space first.

There’s a protected eagle’s nest on the property through a conservation easement with the Lake Superior Watershed Partnership, part of our commitment to preserving what’s already here.

If you’re paying attention, you might catch eagles soaring overhead or returning to the nest.

You may see other wildlife too—porcupines, skunks, and even bears.

Give animals space. Don’t approach or feed anything.

Close-up of a textured rock surface with layered striations and some green foliage visible at the top.

Photo: u/Cofiifii

Stromatolite Fossil Search

This area holds evidence of some of the earliest life on Earth, including stromatolites (fossilized microbial formations).

There are known fossil areas on the property, but no formal trails leading to them. If you choose to explore, be mindful of the terrain and your surroundings.

We’ve marked general locations on Google Maps for those who want to navigate that way.

Take your time. Pay attention. You don’t have to go far to find something.

Please note, per Kona Hills Rules and Policies there is no carving into any rocks on the property. Additionally, please do not remove or take any rocks from the property.

Look closer, you’re walking through history.

Topographical map of Marquette, Michigan, showing landmarks like Presque Isle Point, Granite Point, Middle Point, and Picnic Rocks with contour lines, trails, and roads.

Photo: City of Marquette

Learn the Land and Historical Exploration

This land has been shaped over time.

This land has been shaped over time, by geology, logging, and everything that came before Kona Hills.

What you’re seeing now is part of an ongoing process. We’re building and restoring this place intentionally, not all at once.

Discover the rich history of Marquette from Native American history to European exploration. The Kona Hills area holds significance throughout time. Learn about the area’s noteworthiness and the diverse cultures that have shaped it over the years. We plan to add place-revealing signage and self-guided tours in the future.