Michigan Roadside Attractions: Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University in Marquette

Michigan Roadside Attractions is a periodic feature on Travel the Mitten that will explore the many interesting things that can be found on the highways, byways and back roads of Michigan, ranging from the interesting to unusual.

The campus of Northern Michigan University is a beautiful addition to the landscape in Marquette, and it features several stunning buildings and a great deal of history. The most noticeable structure on campus is the Superior Dome, located at 1401 Presque Isle Ave. We featured the dome on our list of Big in Michigan things, as it is recognized as the world’s largest wooden dome.

Not only is the Superior Dome considered the largest wooden dome in the world, it is also one of the five largest domes in the world. The home of Wildcats football (NCAA Division II) is fourteen stories tall and has a diameter of 536 feet. More than 780 Douglas fir beams were used in construction, which was completed in 1991.

Inside, the dome features a retractable Astroturf field that can host football, soccer and field hockey events. A synthetic playing surface underneath can host basketball, volleyball, tennis and track and field. The dome has also hosted conferences, conventions, Special Olympics events, MHSAA football and track events, and a 2004 campaign rally for George W. Bush.