Fall Fest is Back at Marquette Mountain Resort:
Cheese Rolls, Endurance Hill Climbs & Mountain Fun!
Crisp mountain air, vibrant autumn colors overlooking Lake Superior, and the roar of a crowd cheering on downhill cheese-chasers—autumn in Marquette just hits differently.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 11th, because Marquette Mountain Resort’s annual Fall Fest is back from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM! Whether you are a hardcore endurance runner, an aspiring cheese-roll champion, or just looking for a festive day out with family and friends, Fall Fest has something epic lined up for everyone.
Here is your ultimate guide to what’s happening on the mountain and how to get in on the action:
The Marquette Mountain Cheese Roll
(Sponsored by Everyday Wines The Cheese Cave)
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Inspired by the famous English tradition, this is hands-down the wildest, most hilarious spectator and competitor event of the season. We’re rolling a giant wheel of cheese down the slope, and racers will charge after it. The rule is simple: catch the cheese in bounds, or be the first to sprint across the finish line at the bottom!
The winner takes home ultimate bragging rights and a WHOLE WHEEL OF CHEESE!
- Youth Uphill Race (Ages 5–12): A fun, high-energy uphill dash for the younger kids.
- Youth Downhill Chase (Ages 13–17): Full downhill speed for teenagers.
- Adult Downhill Chase (Ages 18+): The open division for ultimate glory.
The Big Question: Defending champ Olive has DOMINATED the women’s downhill race two years in a row. Will she return to lock in the legendary THREEPEAT, or will a new challenger step up and claim the crown?
Registration closes Saturday, October 10th at 5:00 pm. Spots are limited!
The Rocket Endurance Hill Climb
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
If downhill chaos isn’t your speed, test your lungs and legs in the most demanding 6-hour endurance hill climb in the Midwest.
Runners start at the base, push all the way up Rocket to the very top of Upper Rocket (gaining over 500 feet of elevation), and then tackle a gnarly, steep 1-mile descent down Weasel Gulch. Each circuit is roughly 1.5 miles long—and your goal is to see how many laps you can smash in 6 hours!
- Categories: Individual Solo, 2-Person Relay, or 4-Person Relay
- Skill Levels: Open to all ages and abilities. Tackle the entire 6 hours solo or split the burn with your crew!
Fall Color Tour Chairlift Rides
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Looking for the best autumn views in the Upper Peninsula? Take a relaxing ride up the chairlift to soak in sweeping, panoramic views of Lake Superior framed by peak fall foliage. Once you reach the top, take your time enjoying the sights before embarking on a scenic hike back down through the vibrant colors.
All-Day Mountain Festivities & Family Fun
You don’t have to race to enjoy the day! Spectator admission to Fall Fest is 100% FREE, and we have festivities running continuously from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm:
- Face Painting by Fairy Mary (10:00 am – 5:00 pm): Bring the kids by for magical transformations all day long! (Available for purchase)
- Live Music: Rock out to awesome live tunes throughout the afternoon.
- Outdoor Bar & Grill & Tbar Eats: Savor delicious food, cold drinks, and seasonal treats at the base of the mountain.
Plan Your Visit!
- When: Sunday, October 11th, 2026 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Where: Marquette Mountain Resort (4500 US-41, Marquette, MI)
- Cost: Free admission for spectators! Race entries require online booking.
Gather your family, rally your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the mountain. We’ll see you at the starting line!
