marine city mi things to do

Here are the best things to do in Marine City, MI!  Come via boat & use a FREE daily well to enjoy the town a very short walk away!  Multiple shops, restaurants, and bars, rent a gazebo for weddings, public beach, kayak launch, free parks, and more.

Downtown is a charming small strollable village midway between Lake St. Clair’s North Channel and the city of St. Clair, right on the St. Clair River.

free dock boat well marine city

See more on dockage here @ How / Where to Dock in Marine City for FREE!

Once you get tied up, head to town! Less than 200 yards walking down “Bridge Street” you’ll hit downtown’s Water Street where most of the action is!  From this block to the last block is only 4/10’s of a mile of shops & restaurants... and don’t forget to turn the corner at the end of your walk to not miss the historic Newport Pub for a beverage.

If you just came in for a more upscale dining experience and want to skip the downtown, you may walk the opposite direction from the marina, an easy couple blocks, to the historic Little Bar.

 Attention kayakers - We have a new launch (above)!  There is plenty of parking on the marina side for your vehicle if the three spots next to the launch are full.  You may drop off your kayak and walk across the bridge to park your vehicle.

There are multiple parks & several events year round in Marine City!  All along the waterfront are walkways with benches and tables in the shade where you may fish, ride a bike, or just relax and watch the freighters and boats cruise by.  There is also a waterfront amphitheater where outdoor concerts are held along with several events planned by the town businesses and its Chamber of Commerce.

A few highlights for a nice mix of shopping include the MC Marketplace where 70+ vendors share space with a huge variety of unique items.

Looking for whimsical & funky fun gifts and clothes, then your next stop is Vera Grace & Etta Mae’s.

Big River Antiques Marine City MI

For the antique lovers & fishermen, BIG River Antiques is a large store stuffed with so much, including Muskie lures, decoys, and NEAT nautical items.   These 3 shops above are all pretty much in a row.

NOW on to some R&R.   As you continue walking, you’ll see the large Marine City Fish Company. COOL place!   The vibe is definitely geared to water lovers - even though we like to be “in” Marine City, here you will feel you just arrived on vacation in the Florida Keys. Very lively, open, 2 floors of dining with garage doors open when the weather is nice.

Next stop is Gar’s Lounge & Restaurant. Be sure to wind your way around, there are several unique areas inside this old school bar, with dining areas, pool table room & bar, and outdoor patios in back & front.  Very giant burgers and big Boomba beers!

Little A's Toys & Games - Now if you have some kids, a unique stop next is Little A’s Toys & Games.  Books, puzzles, toys & activities that teach while having fun!  Opened 2022 by a young elementary teacher Bailey, this husband wife team provide a fun clean space for families & play date parties - and it is really nice to see a local hometown unique store focusing just on the kids.

Newport Pub - As you proceed down the street you’ll see many other options, but don’t forget to turn the corner onto Broadway and you’ll arrive at the Newport Pub.  Exactly what you’d expect at the friendly neighborhood pub.  Recently bought, this husband wife team have been restoring this 18th century small local gem.  Only liquid meals served today, but Newport Pub is hoping to bring solid foods sometime in the future.

Very easy to spend a full day or an evening out in Marine City. Besides many food & shopping options, for the family there is a free public beach, BBQ’s, picnic tables, playgrounds, sand volleyball, and restrooms.


Marine City is an historic waterfront Gem on the St. Clair River!


Walk the town, sit in the shade, watch the freighters, boats, and cruise ships pass you by.

Contact the City of Marine City Manager and rent our waterfront gazebo for your wedding banquet, birthday, or corporate event.

Summer event highlights include Maritime Days and Splash Bash, however, there are many monthly events, including live theater productions which may be found on the Chamber’s site
www.visitmarinecity.com/eventsmc