As autumn colors sweep across Michigan, St. Ignace will become a top fall travel destination in Northern Michigan to view all those gorgeous Upper Peninsula fall colors.
What makes St. Ignace an even more appealing travel destination? Day-Trips! Quiet beaches, scenic trails, historic day-trip destinations…St. Ignace will put you right in the heart of it all. So grab your favorite pumpkin-spiced treat and get ready to discover the best autumn adventures. Begin your vacation planning here!
Fall on Mackinac Island – Grab the Ferry in St. Ignace!
A quick trip on the ferry from St. Ignace will bring you to Mackinac Island. Traveling in the fall will give you an advantage: summer crowds will be gone, perfect for strolling along color-drenched streets in search of autumnal perfection. Here will be your chance to check out all those great downtown shops, without the long summer waits. Favorite spots such as Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac are especially sublime this time of year.
What we really love is that you can book accommodations in St. Ignace, then plan a day trip to Mackinac Island. It is the best of both worlds! Ferries depart hourly throughout the fall from St. Ignace’s conveniently located downtown docks, giving you plenty of time to explore the island before returning to St. Ignace for a delicious dinner at one of our fabulous local restaurants.
Fall in Love with the Soo: A Scenic Drive from St.Ignace
An hour to the north of St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie (affectionately called “The Soo”) offers both history and natural beauty, and there’s no better time to drive to the Soo from St. Ignace than fall. Established in 1668, it’s the oldest city in Michigan to St. Ignace’s second-oldest designation, and walking through the streets feels sort of like stepping back in time.
One of the most fascinating things about Sault Ste. Marie is the Soo Locks, a marvel of engineering that allows massive freighters to pass between Lake Superior and Lake Huron by navigating a 21-foot drop between the two lakes. Fun fact: More than 7,000 vessels pass through these locks each year, carrying everything from iron ore to salt!
Another fun nugget of history? Michigan’s Sault Ste. Marie was once part of the exact same city as the Canadian city of the same name that lies right across the St. Mary’s River! The settlement was split in 1817 when the U.S. and Canada established their border along the river after the War of 1812, creating the two separate cities that we know today. Both share the same name to this dat, and you still can see Canada right over the international bridge.
Cruise Down Highway Two: Quiet Beaches, and the GarLyn Zoo
As you head west out of St. Ignace along Highway 2, you’ll have an opportunity to explore Brevort, Epoufette, and Naubinway before reaching one of the most amazing road-side stops—the northernmost point of Lake Michigan!
And while you’re out and about, pull into the GarLyn Zoo, located just outside of Naubinway. Open seasonally thru October, the zoo is home to a variety of animals. The GarLyn Zoo is a perfect stop for families traveling through the Upper Peninsula. Stroll through the wooded pathways, meet the animals (bear, lemurs, even camels!), and snap a few photos for those memory books.
Paddling Through Fall: Kayaking the Les Cheneaux Islands
Head east from St. Ignace on M-134 towards Cedarville, where you’ll find the stunning Les Cheneaux Islands. This drive is often considered one of Michigan’s most beautiful. The 36 islands, nestled in the calm waters of Lake Huron, make this area perfect for kayaking. Paddle through the peaceful channels as the water mirrors the vibrant reds and oranges of the fall foliage above—pure tranquility!
Rugged Fun on Drummond Island
When you’re in St. Ignace and craving a day trip full of adventure, hop on the ferry to Drummond Island that departs hourly from DeTour Village, which is located about an hour and a half to the east of St. Ignace.
On Drummond Island, you can hike through dense forests, tackle rugged trails with an off-road vehicle, or enjoy the island’s shoreline with some paddling. For a unique experience, visit the Maxton Plains Preserve, known for its rare, limestone “alvar” habitat—a geological feature featuring grasslands atop limestone, found in only a few places worldwide!
Drummond Island is home to the largest closed-loop trail system for off-road vehicles in the state, so you’ll have plenty of ground to cover when you bring your ATV, Jeep, or mountain bike.
Don’t Miss Tahquamenon Falls!
Finally, no fall trip to the Upper Peninsula is complete without a visit to Tahquamenon Falls. Located about an hour from St. Ignace, the falls are surrounded by dense forests that explode into a rainbow of colors in this season. The Upper Falls are especially impressive, while the Lower Falls offer a quieter, more intimate spot. We love to visit both! Grab a thermos-full of hot cocoa from The Wild Blueberry Breakfast & Bakery before you hit the road, and you’ve got the perfect day!
St Ignace is Fall Fabulous!
After a day of exploring Northern Michigan, you will be so happy to return to St. Ignace, where great accommodation choices await. With local attractions to keep everyone busy and entertained, any time is a good time to visit St. Ignace! Stroll along a woodland trail , dive into local history at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture (open daily until October 31), or climb up Castle Rock for a breathtaking view of the fall colors.
If you’re finally ready to experience fall like never before, start planning your perfect Upper Peninsula autumn getaway today! Peak color season runs from late September through early October, Don’t miss the official St.Ignace blog for seasonal updates, and make sure to sign up for the St. Ignace newsletter for even more up-to-date travel tips.
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