Crimson Leaves & Coffee Dreams: Your Guide to St. Ignace in Fall
Fall Colors, Pasties, and Cozy Adventures
Autumn in St. Ignace: it sneaks up quietly, then quickly takes over everything. The air gets crisper, the hillsides more colorful, and the Mackinac Bridge stretches across it all just like it was made for this exact moment. This time of year, every overlook seems to invite a pause, and every trail encourages you to explore. Come to St. Ignace in fall for the soft energy of a season that invites you to linger at a pace that is just perfect!
Autumnal Drives & Day Trips
If you’re chasing that glorious fall color, our tour suggestions can help you plan the day:
The Violet Tour heads west toward Engadine before looping back along M‑28, threading through forests of ruby, gold, and russet. The Gold Tour moves north toward Tahquamenon Falls, where the rushing water contrasts beautifully with golden canopies—a photographer’s dream! Eastbound, The Crimson Tour follows M‑134 past the Les Cheneaux Islands toward Cedarville, loops north toward Sault Ste. Marie, and brings you back.
For a tour that sticks closer to home along the Violet route, head west on Highway 2. This beautiful stretch of road alternates between fiery forest canopies and wide-open lake views, with glimpses of sandy beaches and sand dunes along the way.
Along Highway 2, pull over at the Cut River Bridge Overlook near Epoufette for a dramatic view. Completed in 1947, the bridge spans a deep gorge and offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and fiery fall forests. Hike the short trails on either side of the highway for scenic overlooks and a chance to stretch your legs.
Brevort, Beaches, and Bites
Even short drives like the Lake Loop, a 28-mile circle around Brevort Lake, promise amazing fall landscapes that are fabulously paired with sparkling glimpses of the water.
Brevort also makes a lovely stop on your tour: be sure to check out Gustafson’s Smoked Fish, a long-standing stop right off the road where travelers can grab fresh smoked whitefish, jerky, and other local treats. Get out of your car, stretch your legs, breathe in the forest-and-lake air, and leave with a delicious snack for the road.
Sometime while you’re here, make your way to downtown St. Ignace and hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island—the ride itself is a nice adventure, and once on the island, autumn becomes unforgettable! In fall, the island is quieter, giving you a chance to wander, sip something warm, and feel like you’ve discovered your own corner of the universe. Returning to St. Ignace at sunset offers a serene counterpoint to the day’s adventure.
🥟 For Comfort You Can Hold: Pasties!
In Northern Michigan, autumn’s favorite hand-held hug comes wrapped in a flaky crust. We’re talking about the pasty, and we think that these treats are a must for hiking, picnicking, or ferry-side snacking. Anywhere you enjoy it, your pasty will give a true Upper Peninsula culinary experience.
Yes, pasties are everywhere (and everyone has an opinion on who does them best, and even how it’s spelled). You couldn’t possibly cover them all in one blog post, but we’ve got some local favorites to get you started.
Hunt’s Mackinaw Pastie & Cookie Company is famous for inventive flavors; here you’ll find stroganoff, veggie and cheese, Italian, and a Mexican-inspired pastie grande. Pro tip: don’t leave without a cookie (or three).
Lehto’s Pasties offers two locations in St. Ignace and ships bake-your-own pasties nationwide after seasonal closing. Their classic pasties are as satisfying as a warm scarf on a crisp morning.
Sposito’s Pasties stays open into fall, offering not just pasties but also hot sauce, in-house fudge, and even clothing that lets you wear your U.P. pride.
Bentley’s Cafe, located on State Street downtown, serves traditional beef pasties that are filled with rutabaga, potatoes, and a chicken version with broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, each one comes with gravy and coleslaw.
☕ Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Cool mornings in St. Ignace practically beg for a steaming cup of comfort, and downtown makes it easy to track down your perfect sip. These are a few of our go-to spots that make fall mornings feel effortlessly indulgent, though there are plenty more area restaurants to explore if you’re tempted for a second (or third) round.
Wild Blueberry Breakfast & Bakery opens early with doughnuts that scream fall. There’s also hearty breakfast plates built to get you through all that fall fun. On the other side of town, Java Joe’s Cafe brings a cheerful energy, an extensive omelette menu, along with stacks of pancakes and waffles, French toast, and even crepes. If you like a little morning kick, you’ll be happy to know that espresso is now on the menu at Java Joe’s!
Boardwalk Coffee & General Store doubles as a café and a great little store, where you can sip a latte, browse treats, or snag a small gift.
And for the adventuresome coffee drinker, there’s Salty Mac Brewing Company. Get a morning espresso to start your color tour, then come back for a craft beer or cocktail later in the evening.
🍂 Castle Rock & Fall Adventures
Climbing Castle Rock is practically a fall rite of passage around here. The hike is quick but the reward is sweeping views of fiery treetops, the Mackinac Bridge, and the endless blue horizon. For more fun, local trails wind through quiet forests and lakeshore overlooks, inviting you to wander, snap photos, and soak up the crisp autumn air. Perfect for a seasonal reset!
Fall Shopping in St. Ignace
Downtown St. Ignace offers plenty of fabulous shopping spots to pick up seasonal treats, souvenirs, and gifts. Why not visit a few while you’re here to take a little piece of St. Ignace home? Here are just a few of our faves:
Located just a bit west of downtown, The Historic Totem Village features authentic Native-made art, jewelry, and crystals, while Gold Mine Jewelry carries glimmering finds like handcrafted jewelry, local treasures, and an amazing selection of polish pottery.
For outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking true northern style, Adventure U.P. North is a year-round downtown destination. Inside, you’ll discover Stormy Kromer, KÜHL, Smartwool, Cotopaxi, Stanley, Pura Vida jewelry, and a dazzling variety of “Up North” gifts.
An Evening at Kewadin
As the sun dips below the horizon and trails get quiet, Kewadin Casino provides a lively option for your evening fun. From gaming and themed events to dining with views of the surrounding Straits, it’s a place to celebrate a day of adventure. On-site restaurants serve up everything from casual bites to full meals, making it easy to linger and soak in the beautiful waterfront scenery.
🍁 Where to Stay (and Fall in Love with) St. Ignace
Fall in St. Ignace is best experienced when you linger, and that starts with where you lay your head. From charming inns to lakeside lodges, each stay puts you mere steps from leaf-lined streets, cozy cafés, and local shops that stay open late into the season. Book your stay before the leaves fall completely and you’ll discover why autumn in St. Ignace is a season that’s worth lingering over!