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.
The Zoo (Marquette) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to MQT, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when North America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in North America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full The Zoo (Marquette) trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 45°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.95×
- Ideal period
- 7s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 135° - 225°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
8°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Park at Presque Isle Park. Short walk to break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at The Zoo (Marquette)?
The The Zoo (Marquette) profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at The Zoo (Marquette)?
The The Zoo (Marquette) profile uses wind from S (180°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 135° to 225°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at The Zoo (Marquette)?
The The Zoo (Marquette) scoring profile favors swell from N (300° to 45°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 3m, and a reference period of 7s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf The Zoo (Marquette)?
The main season at The Zoo (Marquette) is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Apr. Fall and winter storms bring the best swells. NE-N winds create waves.
How do I get to The Zoo (Marquette)?
The spot profile lists MQT as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. Park at Presque Isle Park. Short walk to break.
What kind of wave is The Zoo (Marquette)?
The Zoo (Marquette) is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
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.