The Zoo (Marquette)
The Zoo at Presque Isle is the crown jewel of Great Lakes surfing—a reef break in a sheltered bay that produces remarkably clean waves when northerly storms sweep across Lake Superior. Named for a historic zoo that once stood nearby, this spot benefits from Superior's deep water and long fetch, generating swells up to 12 feet in major storms. The local crew is dedicated and welcoming, braving sub-zero temperatures in full winter gear. When the wind shifts offshore and the swell lines up, The Zoo delivers wave quality that rivals ocean spots.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 45°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.95×
- Ideal period
- 7s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 135° - 225°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
8°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Spring Break (Mar 14 – Mar 22) — expect extra crowds
Access: Park at Presque Isle Park. Short walk to break.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Fall and winter storms bring the best swells. NE-N winds create waves.