• Saturday-What'sUP April 25 - 11:53 pm

Someone has erected a memorial honoring the 16 people who have lost their lives since 1961, at the Picnic Rocks area. Thanks to Art Brabbs, we're getting a first-hand look at the artfully done piece and what it says. There are plaques all around the base with the names of the sixteen people who have perished in these waters that look so calm, but hold dangers we don't always see. This memorial not only serves to honor these folks, but it also has been placed there as a warning to others, so that hopefully no other lives will be lost in this spot. Heed the warning: When in doubt, don't go out."

When I was growing up in Marquette I (as a 10 year old) could wade out to the first island and a short swim took you to the second though being a bit prudent I never attempted the third. The currents weren't as strong then but with diversions along the coast I hear there are some wicked currents there now and much of the sand bars have been carried away.

WOW. Nice pictures. Powerful message.

I grew up hearing "YOU DON'T MESS WITH SUPERIOR". Always, always respect that Lady!

Very nice! I had never even heard of these islands before!

These are just large rock formations that keep getting painted and repainted by Northern students all summer long..

Where is this memorial....?????
Thankyou.......& God Bless

R.I.P. to those 16.

Helen (Heleninhubbel):
"Where is this memorial?"
Marquette, MI, about 1/8 to 1/4 mile offshore east of Lakeshore Blvd. & E. Fair Ave.
Click for map → Picnic Rocks

My great niece, Laura Salani was personally involved in getting this beautiful memorial started. She was a student at Northern Michigan and lives in Marquette. I think she knew some of the people who were lost to the "Gitchee Gumee"--always respect that big lake. God Bless you Laura for giving them this beautiful memorial, the angel is gorgeous.

The memorial is wonderful.I will have to check this out next time I am in the area.

It's sad that mostly the Northern students don't read &(or) comprehend what the message says. Lake Superior is a lake you can not trust with it's rip tides & currents. It may look so serene & inviting to swim in then the wind can come & suddenly turn it into a vicious storm. Please take time to read that memorial, think of your precious life you have & all who have perished before that lost their FUTURES. There are other beautiful sites to see along the lake by car, walking along the beach or just sitting on the beach watching it. The breakwall is another place where we have lost young people. You're too precious to us older generation to see you young people die needlessly. You're our future!!!! GOD BLESS THOSE GONE BEFORE US & KEEP THEM IN OUR MEMORY. AND OTHERS, DON'T CHALLENGE LAKE SUPERIOR,YOUR ODDS ARE NONE AGAINST IT.

Well said, Cheryl, by one who knows.

I got blown out onto the lake when I was about 4 or 5 years old when on an air mattress. An older brother and his friend on inner tubes came out and pushed me back to shore.