Out the Door by Ten, Back by Dinner: Our Three Favorite Day Trips from St. Ignace
Where the Roads Are Scenic and the Stops Are Sweet
When you visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, think of St. Ignace not as merely a stopover, but as the best starting point for so many unforgettable day trips!
Stay in St. Ignace, and soon you’ll be chasing waterfalls, cruising coastal highways, and simply enjoying the stillness of nature. It all begins right here, where two Great Lakes meet and the pace slows just enough for you to catch your breath. And really, you could spend weeks exploring in every direction, but keep on reading for tree day-trips from St. Ignace that we know you’ll love!
But first—where to stay?
Where to Rest Your Head
St. Ignace offers a splendid mix of accommodations that are suitable for any travel style. The brand-new Hampton Inn by Hilton brings a fresh, modern feel with water views, a heated indoor pool, fast Wi-Fi, and rooms that feel like a little vacation all on their own.
For something with historic flair, the Colonial House Inn, a cheerful yellow Victorian, offers themed B&B rooms (with breakfast included!), or you can choose to stay at the budget-friendly motel option that is located on the same grounds.
Seeking a stay with style? Check into the newly-renovated Boardwalk Hotel, a 1920s gem with a lounge, downtown location, and stories built right into the walls.
Before any drive, we love to get the day started with a bite from one of St. Ignace’s culinary hot spots! Grab a latte from Boardwalk Coffee & General Store, something perky from the new Salty Mac Brewing Company (coffee in the morning, then come back for craft ale later in the day), or go all out at The Wild Blueberry Bakery & Breakfast, where the cinnamon rolls and blueberry donuts are basically edible souvenirs. Now, on to the day-tripping adventures!
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park – For the Nature-Lover’s Bucket List
Distance from St. Ignace: 1.5 hours, one way
This is the kind of place that sticks with you. The Upper Falls at Tahquamenon is among the largest east of the Mississippi, and you can feel the rumble in your very bones. Wander the well-kept trails, follow the boardwalk to beautiful viewpoints, and breathe in all the fresh Upper Peninsula air.
The park also boasts its own craft brewery (yes, really) where you can toast your trek with a pint and a hearty lunch. Have time and more energy to spare? The Lower Falls offers a quieter, hands-on experience—and a rowboat rental for those who want to paddle their way to the island in the middle of the river.
Quick stop suggestion: Pause at Trout Lake along the way to check out the historic train depot and stretch your legs. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town is one of those hidden gems that rewards the curious.
Highway 2: Smoked Fish, Sky-High Views & Scenic Vibes
Distance from St. Ignace: Up to 1.5 hours, depending on how far you drive.
Heading west from St. Ignace along U.S. Highway 2 is like slipping into a beautiful dream. The road hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering sweeping views, roadside beaches, and picnic-perfect pull-offs all the way to the charming outpost of Naubinway.
This stretch includes the highest point along Lake Michigan’s entire shoreline—it’s subtle, but the view? Anything but!
Pro tip: Pack a picnic and take your time. Skim stones, hunt for Michigan rocks, and let the kids (or your inner child) run barefoot on the beach.
Quick Stops Along the Way:
Gustafson’s Smoked Fish in Brevort
Just 20 minutes outside St. Ignace, you’ll spot a Sunoco gas station with big yellow letters forming the word “Gustafsons”—that’s your sign to pull over!
This place is a true local legend that’s known for smoked whitefish, jerky, cheese curds, and all the road-trip snacking goodness your cooler can handle.
Naubinway Scenic Rest Area
This roadside pull-off marks the highest point along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. While the elevation change is gentle, the panoramic views are anything but. Informative placards provide context, and amenities like restrooms make it a convenient and educational stop.
Cut River Bridge Scenic Overlook, Epoufette
Just 26 miles west of St. Ignace, the Cut River Bridge along U.S. 2 offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the deep Cut River Gorge below. Built in 1947, this 641-foot cantilevered deck truss bridge towers 147 feet above the valley—and it’s one of only two of its kind in Michigan. Stop at the roadside park for a picnic or head down the stairway to explore the gorge.
3. Les Cheneaux Islands – For Art, Quiet, and That Laid-Back Lake Life
Distance from St. Ignace: 45 minutes, one way
Travel east from St. Ignace and you’ll find the communities of Cedarville and Hessel, gateway towns to the Les Cheneaux Islands—a collection of 36 islands tucked into protected Lake Huron waters. This is a quieter kind of beauty.
Stop into local art galleries, visit the Les Cheneaux Historical Museum, and don’t miss the hand-carved wooden boats that still bob in the marinas. You can rent a kayak to explore the islands, poke around shoreline shops, or just enjoy a peaceful lunch by the docks.
🛶 Craftsmanship on the Coast
In the coastal hamlet of Hessel, the art of boat-building is alive and well at the Marine Trades Institute (formerly known as the Great Lakes Boat Building School). The only accredited program of its kind in the Great Lakes, it occasionally invites visitors to witness tradition in action.
And If you’ve got extra time, keep cruising all the way to De Tour Village, 58 miles from St. Ignace. The town may be small, but it’s packed with character, and there’s an opportunity to watch the impressively large Great Lakes Freighters pass by. Grab a bite, stroll the shoreline, or just soak in the slow pace of life at the eastern edge of Lake Huron.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Each of these day trips is close enough to be easy and far enough to feel like an escape. And at the end of the day, you’ll come back to St. Ignace—where that cozy bed is waiting for you.
To find more inspiration for your Upper Peninsula getaway, check out our St. Ignace events calendar, follow us on social, and start planning your Upper Peninsula adventure today!
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