For 350 years, St. Ignace has been the gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located just over the famous Mackinac Bridge, the city boasts a rich history, gorgeous views of Mackinac Island, and some of the top spots in northern Michigan. The heritage of the area reaches back to the earliest inhabitant of the Great Lakes. This year, we celebrate the rich 350-year history of the area.
Here is everything you need to know about St. Ignace’s 350th Celebration festivities this August 19-22, 2021!
Day 1: Thursday August 19th
- 4 – 7pm: Start your weekend out by wandering the Farmer’s Market & Craft Fair that’s full of local vendors located at the Ignace Marina
- 1-5pm: Head to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture to participate in native workshops and teachings like corn husk doll making and dreamcatcher workshops.
- 4-8:30: Next, head to the Music by the Bay at the American Legion Park
- Outdoor Concert; Wrap up the first day at the Kewadin Casino to experience the Goo Goo Dolls and Cheap Trick live! Get your tickets
Day 2: Friday August 20th
1-5pm; Dive into more native workshops and teachings at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture of storytelling, hand drumming, and beam loom bracelet making. You will also be able to get a first look at Lois Beardslee’s new book Words of Thunder.
- 5:30-9p: Join in on the celebration at the official opening ceremony of St. Ignace’s 350th Birthday Party! At the opening event, you will have the chance to indulge in the craft beer brewed specifically for St. Ignace’s birthday from Bière de Mac Brew Works, the Wawatam Thimbleberry Wheat beer.
The opening ceremony party will also include a cornhole tournament, live music, beer tent and food trucks, and with games for the kids – all at Coast Guard Park.
- 7-8:30: Wrap up the opening ceremonies with a Night at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture.
- Ceremony Tour; To celebrate the 350th birthday, participate in a 1-hour curated-led walking tour of the museum. For more information and to reserve your spot HERE.
Day 3: Saturday August 21st
- 12pm & 3pm: If you’ve ever wanted to see real life Lumberjack’s in person, now is your chance! There are two opportunities to experience the Lumber Jack Shows at Little Bear East Arena – 12p and 3p!
- 1p-3p: Bring the family to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture for more native workshops and teachings. Learn how to make medicine pouches and nature-inspired paintings for youth.
- 1p-3p: Head to the Favorite Dock for fishing demonstrations.
- 4pm; Celebrate St. Ignace’s 350th birthday with the Grand Parade! This parade will happen right downtown St. Ignace. Don’t miss this celebratory parade!
- 6p: After the parade – head to the Beach Bash & Boat Party for live music, kid’s fun, food trucks, and a Father Marquette and Louis Jolliet portrayals at American Legion Park.
- Ceremony Tour; To celebrate the 350th birthday, participate in a 1-hour curated-led walking tour of the museum. For more information and to reserve your spot HERE.
- Dusk: Grab a chair or a blanket to watch the fireworks.
Day 4: Sunday August 22nd
- 10a-12p: Bring your furry best friend to Bark in the Park at American Legion Park.
- 1p-5p: Head to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture for another chance to experience first-hand native workshops and teachings of hand drum making and porcupine quill work demonstration workshops.
- All Day: Participate in the first-ever Yooker Yak Race! Separated into two divisions, Junior (ages 14-18) and Adult (age 18+) so the race can be enjoyed by everyone. For more information and to sign-up, visit Yooper Yak Race.
- 12p-8p: During the afternoon at American Legion Park, venture around and enjoy the Monster Mural, more kid’s fun, and food trucks.
- 2p: A Michigan tradition and must-have when visiting the state, is a pasty! During the 350th Birthday celebration, participate in a pasty competition in American Legion Park.
- Ceremony Tour; To celebrate the 350th birthday, participate in a 1-hour curated-led walking tour of the museum. For more information and to reserve your spot HERE.
- 4p-7p: After your day of exploring and learning the rich heritage of the city, head to the Beach Bash & Boat Party for live music and food trucks at American Legion Park.
- 7p: At the end of the Beach Bash & Boat Party, stay around to enjoy the music styling of La Compagnie Musical Troupe at the American Legion Park.
- Dusk: To wrap up your 350th Birthday celebration, grab a chair and a blanket and enjoy a Movie by the Bay at the American Legion Park.
There is no shortage of places to stay to make your trip to St. Ignace comfortable and accommodating. For a full list of places to stay, check out this blog. St. Ignace’s 350th Birthday Celebration is loaded with fun-filled heritage learning opportunities, water activities, competitions and more. This birthday only comes around once so don’t miss out on your chance to experience it! Before planning your trip, request our visitors guide to receive all the necessary information.