Third Street, running north-south, and Washington, running east-west, represent Marquette’s main cross streets and where they meet is a good area to begin an exploration of the downtown. This puts you in the heart of the shopping and historic district.

Buildings like the 1902 Marquette County Courthouse (3rd and Baraga) and the 1927 MFC First National Bank (101 W. Washington) showcase the city’s affinity for Beaux-Arts architecture. Step inside the courthouse for a better look, and also to check out a display about Michigan Supreme Court Justice and author John Voelker.

Better known by his pen name, Robert Traver, the Ishpeming native wrote Anatomy of a Murder, among other works. Scenes from the popular 1959 movie starring Jimmy Stewart were filmed here, as well as in nearby Big Bay, where the actual murder occurred.

Not far away, the Marquette County History Museum (213 N. Front St., 906/226-3571, www.marquettecohistory.org, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri., $3 adults, $1 children 12–18, children under 12 free) features artifacts from prehistoric to contemporary times, and is overseen by the oldest historical society in the U.P.

Another highlight here is the Marquette Maritime Museum (300 Lakeshore Blvd., 906/226-2006, http://mqtmaritimemuseum.com, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily late May–mid-Oct., $7 adults, $5 children under 13), which preserves the city’s maritime history and honors its submarine veterans, with exhibits such as a lighthouse lens collection and a “silent service memorial.” The museum also offers tours of the 1866 Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.