There’s something special about St. Ignace! This is a town that invites you to slow down, stretch your legs, and literally drink it all in. That’s what a day on the St. Ignace Huron Boardwalk is all about—easy strolls, scenic lake views, and the kind of shops, snacks, and drinks that can turn a simple walk into an adventure!
When you visit St. Ignace, give yourself permission to wander aimlessly (with purpose). Because guess what? Your next favorite vacation moment might be as simple as grabbing a to-go margarita and strolling along the waterfront! In St. Ignace, you can now do just that—thanks to the St. Ignace Social District.
The designated Social District area stretches from American Legion Park on one end of town to Kiwanis Beach on the other. Participating bars and restaurants serve drinks to go, allowing you to sip while you stroll.
Simply order your favorite cocktail (or mocktail) from one of the district’s participating establishments, and then take the official cup with you. It’s basically a portable patio, with Lake Huron on one side and friendly faces on the other. Cue the clinking ice, the warm breeze, and that unmistakable Up North feeling!
What to do along the Huron Boardwalk in St. Ignace
Begin With a Coffee, then Let the Day Unfold
Every good boardwalk story starts with caffeine, and Boardwalk Coffee & General Store really delivers. Think excellent coffee drinks with a wide variety of flavors, paired with shelves stocked with local treats and unique gifts. It’s the kind of place where you’ll say “we’ll just grab something quick,” and 20 minutes later you’re chatting about vanilla syrup with the barista.
Grab a Bite (and Maybe Something to Drink)
Once hunger kicks in (and it will!,), you’ve got some great options on or close to the Huron Boardwalk. First up, there’s Buoys by the Bay serving up all the casual eats you crave. Or, if you need pizza, BC Pizza is reliable, tasty, and just what you want when you’re on the move.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t even try to resist Zac and Mac’s Chocolate Haus. Their walking strawberries? An absolute must! (They have ice cream as well!) Additionally, St. ignace is home to the original Murdicks Fudge, which had long been considered a must-eat for any fudge-seeker.
Additionally, Dusty’s Dogs dishes out seriously crave-worthy hot dogs and smash burgers that hit the spot after a long Huron Boardwalk stroll—no frills—just pure, satisfying flavor.
Stop, Drop, and Play
Got big energy? There are plenty of places to run and play along the Huron Boardwalk. Follow the trail from the large playground at the American Legion Park to Chief Wawatam Park where there’s a seasonal splash pad, picnic-perfect grass, and epic views of the ferry boats and Mackinac Island. Further on down the line, Kiwanis Park offers fascinating things to look at, as well as open space to run.
Make It a Scavenger Hunt
Challenge your crew to spot the Mackinac Island ferries gliding across the water and the Wawatam Lighthouse standing proud at the harbor’s edge. Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious St. Anthony’s Rock, a natural oddity with serious photo opportunities.
Now here’s where it gets fun:
Start counting historic artifacts tucked along the boardwalk—old anchors, cannons, plaques, and pieces of maritime history that tell the story of St. Ignace’s roots. Think of it as a pop-up museum with waves as your soundtrack.
If you’re lucky, you might spot a bald eagle soaring overhead or hear the haunting call of a loon out on the lake. Birders and casual observers alike will appreciate the wildlife moments—especially if you’re strolling early or near dusk.
Walking along part of the North Country Trail? Yup—the NCT stretches all the way from Vermont to North Dakota, and the Huron Boardwalk St. Ignace is right on the route. Extra points if you capture a little hiker pose next to the sign!
Don’t forget to add fudge samples to the scavenger hunt checklist (because that is very serious business), and award points for spotting the cutest dog on the boardwalk. Bonus if it’s wearing sunglasses. Double bonus if the dog’s in a stroller!
Retail Therapy, St. Ignace Style
This stretch of St. Ignace that follows the Huron Boardwalk is a shopper’s playground. Wolfe’s Emporium & Simply Sweets offers a carefully curated mix of Michigan-made home décor, handcrafted gourmet candies, fine art prints, and other one-of-a-kind finds. Perfect for gifts—or a treat for yourself. Northern Shirt Company brings that soft tee game, while Straits of Mackinac Gifts is always a good idea.
Want to bring home something truly local? Step into Mackinac Straits Photography —it’s all beauty shots and frame-worthy views. Tropic North is great for lakeside fashion, and for a vacation wardrobe that you’ll want to wear back home. And don’t forget Gold Mine Jewelry! It’s a veritable sparkle zone, and even if you’re just browsing, you’re sure to leave with heart-eyes. 😍
Don’t Worry—St. Ignace Has That
If you forgot any vacation essentials (and there’s always something), you can rest easy with the knowledge that Bay Pharmacy is located just across the street from the boardwalk, and is fully stocked with sunscreen, medicines, band-aids, and all the other “oh shoot, I forgot that!” items. Very real, very necessary!
Ace Hardware and St. Ignace True Value Hardware are both conveniently located along State Street, easily accessible from the Huron Boardwalk. (If you don’t believe that a hardware store can be part of your vacation plans, just wait until you realize you forgot your beach chairs and they totally have them!
Rooted in History
Just past the snack stands and souvenir shops, the Museum of Ojibwa Culture brings you to the roots of this place. It’s small, unassuming, and deeply moving. Inside, you’ll find stories that go way beyond vacation brochures—stories of the Anishinaabe people, of treaties and displacement, of survival. The building itself has a complicated past, once a Catholic mission. Outside, the longhouse, sacred garden, and Father Marquette gravesite invite you to listen a little closer.
Stay the Night to Keep the Fun Going
No need to shorten your stroll when you stay in St. Ignace—you’ll find accommodations that allow a walkable stay. The Bayside Inn offers tidy rooms just steps from the boardwalk, and if you’re more into history and porch-sitting, check out the Colonial House Inn, where rooms come with great stories, and an even better location. Last but not least, The Boardwalk Hotel & Bar is a study in vintage charm meets modern indulgence—think crisp linens, bay views, and even a cocktail lounge (Fireworx Bar) that occasionally turns into the town’s hippest live music venue after dark.
Wrap It Up With a Bow (Or a Beer)
Before you call it a day, swing by St. Ignace in Bloom—this cheery little flower shop that’s full of feel-good florals and gifts. Got kids in tow? KC Hobbies and Toys will keep their eyes wide and hands busy.
And for your well-earned nightcap? Salty Mac Brewing Company is your golden hour go-to. Local beer. Chill vibe and lake views. (Note: Salty Mac is also a great choice for morning coffee!)
At the end of the day, who knew that wandering around with a cold drink in hand, a fudge sample in the other, could feel this much like hitting the vacation jackpot? And with those spectacular views, it’s no wonder—welcome to St. Ignace, where the simple things often steal the whole show!
P.S. Don’t forget—many of our favorite events and the Bayside Farmers Market happen right by the boardwalk! That means lake views, fresh finds, and community fun all in one place. Be sure to check out our Events Page to see what’s happening while you’re in town!
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