Chief Wawatam Park: Waterfront Views, Local History, and Lakeside Fun

Chief Wawatam Park is one of the best waterfront hangouts in St.Ignace. You’ll find postcard-worthy views of Mackinac Island, and it’s a wonderful place to relax, play, or even to dive into a bit of local lore.

Family-Friendly and Fun-Filled

With a splash pad for summer fun, plenty of space to stretch your legs, and access to the Huron Boardwalk, Chief Wawatam Park is the kind of place that will keep you coming back. Families can enjoy a picnic under the trees, kids can cool off in the splash pad, and the fishing pier is always popular.

The Backstory: Chief Wawatam and His Namesake Ferry

The park takes its name from Chief Wawatam, an 18th-century Odawa leader remembered for his bravery and loyalty—particularly for his protection of a British fur trader named Alexander Henry during Pontiac’s Rebellion. That spirit of courage lived on in the SS Chief Wawatam, a car ferry that operated in the Straits of Mackinac from 1911 to 1984.

One of the park’s most eye-catching features is the Wawatam Lighthouse. This colorful, working lighthouse was originally built as a decorative piece in Roseville, Michigan, where it stood for many years in a parking lot. In 2004, it was relocated to the waterfront in St. Ignace, and officially lit in 2006. These days, it functions as a real navigational aid and also makes for a great photo op—especially at sunrise or twilight!