Museum of Ojibwa Culture

In contrast to the Father Marquette memorial [1], the excellent Museum of Ojibwa Culture (500 N. State, 906/643-9161, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, $2 adults, $1 children under 13) tells the story of the Ojibwa and the effect that the European explorers had on their culture. Ironically, the museum is on the presumed site of Father Marquette’s grave and the site of his Jesuit mission.

Displays housed in a former Catholic church include artifacts from archaeological digs on the grounds (some dating to 6000 B.C.), explanations of how the Ojibwa adapted and survived in the area’s sometimes harsh climate, and a discussion of how they allied with the French fur traders, though it greatly diminished their traditional way of life. The Huron boardwalk follows the shoreline, with interpretive signs explaining the role of the bay in the area’s settlement.