Summer 2024 in St. Ignace has been nothing short of amazing! From jugglers in the park and Music by the Bay to the Bayside Farmers Market and the Native American Festival, the season has overflowed with excitement and adventure.
Friday Nights at the Museum and drone shows have kept the energy high, while the St. Ignace Car Show Weekend in June brought a vehicular display that drew car enthusiasts from all over the world. Now, even though summer is nearing its end, the excitement in St. Ignace is far from over.
It’s really no wonder that so many travelers choose St. Ignace as their favorite spot to stage an Upper Peninsula dream vacation no matter the time of year. Visitors love to hike our local trails and check out the excellent shopping, and they really love to sample our scrumptious cuisine options afterwards!
What makes dining in St. Ignace so special? We like to think that it is a combination of fresh, local ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere! Visitors have the opportunity to try a dish that typifies the region’s best eats, like locally-caught whitefish, or a classic Upper Peninsula pasty. As a bonus, many local eateries offer great food and great views, so be ready to make tons of memories when you get here.
Can't-Miss Events in St. Ignace
As Labor Day approaches, St. Ignace continues to buzz with the excitement of fun yet to come. Read on, my friends, and find out why late summer absolutely rocks in the Straits Area!
The North Country Trail Celebration (August 21-25) will have you lacing up your hiking boots and immersing yourself in nature with guided hikes and fascinating talks along the local Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore branch of the North Country Trail. It’s the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! The North Country National Scenic Trail spans 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. It traverses different types of landscapes, from forests and farmlands to remote terrain and bustling communities.
The local section of the North Country Trail begins at the south end of the Mackinac Bridge and encompasses Straits State Park, St. Ignace (our Trail Town), the Hiawatha National Forest, and extends north all the way up to Whitefish Bay. It passes through Tahquamenon Falls State Park before turning north again to Lake Superior and the mouth of the Two Hearted River. This part of the pathway is composed almost entirely of true foot trails through remote forests; it’s free of commercial establishments, providing a pure and immersive hiking experience.
International Indigenous Arts Show - August 27 - September 2, 2024
Back in the Straits Area for its fourth year, the International Indigenous Arts Show will be in St. Ignace from August 27 through September 2. The show is part of the Intercontinental Biennial of Indigenous Art, and it presents incredible artwork from indigenous communities around the world.
This year, you can learn from films, visual art pieces, and educational workshops. The Traveling Gallery will display an extensive collection of South and Central American art that blends ancient traditions with modern techniques. Previous exhibitions have wowed audiences in cities like Portland, Chicago, Cairo, and Rio de Janeiro, making this a unique opportunity to experience global indigenous artistry, right here in St. Ignace!
Labor Day Weekend Highlights
The 47th Annual St. Ignace Arts Dockside Market is all set for August 31 through September 1. The Huron Boardwalk at the St. Ignace Public Marina will be packed with over 100 exhibitors offering original arts and crafts. Browse unique items such as handcrafted pottery, original watercolor paintings, handmade quilts, artisan jewelry, and custom leather goods. You can find local honey, preserves, and handcrafted soaps. While you’re there, enjoy soaking up late-summer vibes with local food, live music, and family-friendly activities. Arts Dockside runs from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.
NOTE: Don’t miss the Friends of the St. Ignace Public Library’s movie, music, and book sale on Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the library! It’s a great opportunity to stock up on enough books to get you through the winter.
One of the highlights of Labor Day in St. Ignace is the Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk. It will take place Monday morning (Labor Day), offering you a splendid opportunity to walk across the Mackinac Bridge. It is a memorable way to mark the end of another great Michigan Summer.
Antique Tractors on Parade!
After Labor Day head to St. Ignace on Saturday, September 6-7, 2024 to help us celebrate the 13th year of the Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing and Show. The tractor parade will kick off in Mackinaw City, cross the Mackinac Bridge, then parade through downtown St. Ignace, finishing at the Little Bear Arena. Children ages 3-12 will be able to join in on the fun with pedal tractors and great games. Check this Facebook page for details and regular updates. This is sure to be a fantastic family event; everyone loves tractors!
Plan Your Stay in St. Ignace
To fully enjoy your visit, why not stick around for a while? St. Ignace has lodging options ranging from charming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels, many with beautiful views and easy access to area attractions. Find the perfect place to stay here. Whether you come for a weekend or for a week, St. Ignace will leave you with memories that will last long after summer fades.
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