Fall brings a different pace to St. Ignace. Cooler mornings settle over the Straits, the surrounding forests begin to change, and familiar roads take on an entirely different look.
It is a good season to spend time along the waterfront, explore downtown, head out for a scenic drive, or follow a trail through the changing woods. St. Ignace also puts some of the eastern Upper Peninsula’s best-known fall destinations within an easy day trip.
Here are a few ways to enjoy fall in and around St. Ignace.
Take a Fall Color Drive
St. Ignace gives you plenty of directions to explore once the color begins to change.
Head west along US-2 for Lake Michigan shoreline, dunes and long stretches of forest. Continue toward the Cut River Bridge, where you can stop for views into the wooded gorge and follow trails toward overlooks above the lake.
A shorter drive around Brevort Lake offers another look at the changing landscape, while longer trips can take you north toward Tahquamenon Falls or east through the Les Cheneaux area.
If you want to make a day of it, our Fall Color Tours offer several suggested routes beginning in the St. Ignace area.
Spend Some Time Along the Waterfront
You do not have to leave town to find good fall views.
Walk the Huron Boardwalk along East Moran Bay, visit Wawatam Park and Wawatam Lighthouse, or simply find a bench near the water and spend some time overlooking the Straits.
Ferries continue crossing between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island, boats move through the harbor, and the cooler days of fall give the waterfront a quieter feel than the middle of summer.
Downtown restaurants and shops are close by, so it is easy to combine a waterfront walk with lunch, coffee or a little exploring along State Street.
Make a Stop for a Pasty
A warm pasty fits naturally into a fall day in the Upper Peninsula.
St. Ignace has several places where you can find this longtime U.P. favorite.
Pick one up before heading out on a scenic drive or stop for lunch after a morning outside. Around town you will also find smoked fish, baked goods and other Upper Peninsula favorites to add to the day.
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.
Find more places to get a pasty in our Dining listings.
Visit Mackinac Island
Fall can be a beautiful time to take the ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island.
Changing leaves frame the island’s roads and trails, and walking or biking gives you plenty of opportunities to explore beyond downtown. The trip across the Straits also adds another view of the season from the water.
Ferry schedules change as fall progresses, so check current departure times before heading over.
Get Out on a Trail
Cooler temperatures make fall a comfortable time for hiking and exploring the forests around St. Ignace.
Castle Rock offers a short climb with broad views over the surrounding woods and Straits. You will also find trails throughout the area where hardwood forests provide some of the region’s best fall color.
You do not need to plan a long hike. Even a short walk through the woods can be worth the stop when the leaves are changing.
Take Your Time Downtown
Fall mornings are a good excuse to start slowly.
Grab coffee or breakfast, browse the shops along State Street, or wander between downtown and the waterfront without needing much of a plan.
You will find locally made gifts, Native-made artwork, outdoor goods, souvenirs and plenty of places to stop for something to eat along the way.
Check the Fall Calendar
Fall in St. Ignace is about more than changing leaves.
September remains a busy month, with major events and community activities continuing well beyond the traditional summer travel season. Depending on when you visit, your weekend might include a festival, live entertainment, a car or truck event, or something happening along the waterfront.
Check the St. Ignace Events Calendar before your trip to see what is happening while you are here.
Stay a Little Longer
St. Ignace makes it easy to build a fall trip around whatever kind of day sounds good.
Spend time along the shoreline. Take a drive through the color. Ride the ferry to Mackinac Island. Head farther into the eastern Upper Peninsula, then come back to St. Ignace for dinner and another walk by the water.
A few days gives you time to explore without trying to fit everything into one afternoon.
Find a Place to Stay in St. Ignace and start planning your fall getaway.
