Kiwanis Beach and Park: A Chill Spot with a Cool Historic Vibe

Looking for a great place to unwind? Kiwanis Beach and Park, perched on the edge of Moran Bay, is a local favorite. With a gazebo, picnic tables, and a pavilion, it’s perfect for family picnics or casual hangouts. The grassy areas offer just the right amount of shade, and ample parking makes it super easy. Plus, you can access the Huron Boardwalk directly from Kiwanis Park—this immensely popular wooden trail winds along the shoreline and shopscape of downtown St. Ignace.

But there’s more to Kiwanis Beach than meets the eye: the site holds an important connection to St. Ignace’s history. For centuries, Indigenous communities lived seasonally along these very shores, and in 1671, Father Marquette arrived, establishing a mission for a recently-displaced group of Huron (Wyandot) people, marking the beginning of St. Ignace’s official story.

Fast forward to the early ’60s, and the Kiwanis Club helped to transform the area into the city’s public beach. And with the Museum of Ojibwa Culture located just across the street, visitors are able to learn even more about the history of the area. Make a day of it!