Quirky, Classic, Legendary: The 10 St. Ignace Discoveries You Can’t Miss
Known for generations as the gateway into the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace is also a great destination all on its own. Visitors enjoy unbelievable lakeside views, forest trails, historic landmarks, and an abundance of small-town charm. Think you’ve seen it all? Think again! St. Ignace always has a few tricks up its sleeve.
Hikes and dunes, fudge shops and bridges—St.Ignace has something for everyone! Keep reading for a roundup of the St. Ignace classics that will keep you coming back year after year.
1. Straits State Park’s Bridge View
The best Mackinac Bridge view in Straits State Park isn’t at the main parking lot—it’s along a short trail just past the picnic area that is adjacent to the parking lot (look for the signs).
The first viewing platform is wheelchair-accessible and offers a lovely view of the bridge. Keep following the pathway for a few hundred feet to reach that sweet spot where you can look right down the middle of Michigan’s most iconic bridge. The lookout also preserves a historic surveyor’s point that marked the bridge’s exact center during its construction. Views here are beautiful any time of day, making Straits State Park the perfect first stop in St. Ignace for anyone chasing that famous photo.
2. Lake Michigan Sand Dunes along Highway 2
A short drive west from St. Ignace along Highway 2 leads to some of Michigan’s most beautiful sand dunes. Even better—they’re located temptingly close to the road; and—what a thrill! It’s the very top of Lake Michigan. Just try to resist that urge to pull right over and gleefully run across soft sugar sand that goes on for miles. Lucky for you—multiple pull-off choices let you stop, kick off your shoes, and wander the sandy shoreline.
Between shore frolics, pop into Gustafson’s for smoked fish, jerky, or perhaps a little homemade fudge. A few miles further down the road, the Cut River Bridge is not to be missed. It soars high above a scenic gorge, and both sides of the highway have gorgeous trails if you’re up for a hike. Bring layers, because winds off Lake Michigan can be strong, even in the summer.
Find this route and other super-cool day-trip ideas here.
3. Castle Rock
Rising nearly 200 feet above Lake Huron, Castle Rock has been a St. Ignace landmark for centuries. Today, visitors are able to climb steps to reach the summit for sweeping views of Mackinac Island, the Mackinac Bridge, and downtown St. Ignace on a clear day.
After all these years, a climb up Castle Rock still only costs $1.00! Just make sure to bring water for the climb and try to visit early or later in the day if you want to avoid crowds at the summit.
And don’t forget to check out the gift shop and its original birch bark ceiling—one of those vintage details that gives the space a true woodland feel.
4. Mystery Spot – Gravity, Zip Lines & Really Cool T-Shirts
The Mystery Spot (open seasonally) has been surprising visitors since the 1950s, famous for tilted rooms where balls seem to roll uphill and for making your sense of balance go a bit haywire. Guided tours walk you through the optical illusions and gravitational quirks for a good dose of roadside attraction fun. Outside, the adventure continues with two zip lines, a miniature golf course, and a maze, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon here!
Before you leave, make sure to swing in the gift shop, and maybe grab one of the recognizable Mystery Spot T-shirts, and you’ll also find an amazing selection of quirky souvenirs to take home.
5. St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail
The St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail stretches 26 miles through the Hiawatha National Forest, tracing the strait path of a former railroad. This trail is great for getting to know the natural lans ape of the area as It takes you over cedar swamps, through dense forests, and over open glades,
The first five miles share a path with the North Country Trail before branching off all on its own. Along the way, keep an eye out for deer, sandhill cranes, and other wildlife. Made up mostly of crushed gravel, the trail’s surface is ideal for summer hiking or biking, then in winter it opens to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling (when snow conditions cooperate).
For easy access, begin your on-trail adventure at Little Bear East Arena right in St. Ignace. Or, jump on near Moran to experience an entirely different (but just as fabulous) stretch. Linger at Chain Lake for a picnic, or explore near the Fred Dye Nature Sanctuary (sturdy shoes recommended). Even a few miles on the St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail gives you a great introduction (or re-introduction) to the natural world of the Upper Peninsula.
6. Eat Your Way Through Town
In St. Ignace, you’ll find a food scene bursting with small-town charm and all the big flavors you crave. Get started at Molly Moo’s, famous for ice cream cones, homemade fudge, shakes, and ice-cream floats! For a classic experience, Clyde’s Drive-In has been serving burgers and fries in car-hop style since the 1950s.
If you seek something deliciously different, the brand-new Kingston Kitchen (located in the former Village Inn building) offers delicious Caribbean-inspired dishes, while Jose’s Cantina is a local favorite for tacos and other south-of-the-border plates. Salty Mac Brewing Company offers a pub-style menu along with a self-serve tap wall featuring unique brews. And that’s just the beginning! There’s something here for every appetite: your next favorite St. Ignace restaurant.
What’s more, in downtown St. Ignace, the Social District means that you can carry a drink with you as you explore the waterfront and browse shops. It’s a food scene that’s casual, welcoming, and full of fun!
7. The Historic Totem Village
The Historic Totem Village first began with one Ralph McCarry who moved to the Upper Peninsula with his wife Violet in 1938. After working as a woodsman with local Odawa tribesmen, Ralph grew fascinated with Native traditions and culture, and eventually became an honorary chief.
He purchased land in Point aux Chenes in the early 1940s and started building what became known as the Chippewa Totem Village. He eventually left logging completely behind and devoted himself to sculpture. Perhaps his best-known work is the “Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox” statue that has greeted visitors at Castle Rock for generations.
Today, you will find Historic Totem Village in its newer location along US-2 just a little west of St. Ignace. The shop features many items that you will never find anywhere else; beadwork, textiles, and original artwork are offered alongside blacksmith-forged items, antiques, herbal teas, and crystals.
8. Museum of Ojibwa Culture & Gift Shop
The Museum of Ojibwa Culture sits on one of the region’s oldest gathering sites and highlights Ojibwa, Huron, and French history over the last 300+ years. Outdoor exhibits include a reconstructed longhouse, spirit gardens, and carved clan sculptures, while indoor displays showcase artifacts and storytelling.
Warm months are the best time for outdoor exploration, and reading the interpretive signs takes only a few minutes but adds a lot to the visit. The museum is also kid-friendly, with displays that keep younger visitors engaged.
9. Little Bear East Arena & Community Center
Little Bear East Arena & Sports Park in St. Ignace is a hub for outdoor fun, ice sports, and community events all year long. Located at 275 Marquette Street in St. Ignace, Little Bear is a year-round spot for fun and community events. The NHL-sized ice rink hosts youth hockey, tournaments, and public skating in the winter, and in the warmer months the arena opens up for trade shows, concerts, and other events.
Outside, Little Bear Sports Park has softball diamonds, a fitness trail around a stocked pond, picnic spots, and a fishing dock. The arena also hosts annual events such as the Antique Snowmobile Show, Trek the Mac, and the St. Ignace Truck Show, making it a lively place for families and visitors of all ages.
10. Wildlife Parks and Ranches
The area is home to several wildlife attractions where you can see everything from lions and tigers to rescued black bears.
Located just off US-2, four miles west of the Mackinac Bridge in St. Ignace, the Deer Ranch has been a beloved stop since 1950. Visitors can stroll along a nature trail, and have the chance to feed and photograph dozens of native Michigan whitetail deer, including rare white and albino varieties. It’s a hands-on experience that brings you up close to these graceful animals in a natural setting. The Deer Ranch is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.
The Gar-Lyn Zoo, open seasonally near Naubinway along US-2, offers shaded walking paths and a wide variety of animals, from cougars and wolves to river otters, exotic birds, and even kangaroos!
Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry is open from Memorial Day Weekend through early October. This is the largest bear-only sanctuary in the U.S., and is home to rescued black bears living in spacious habitats. Guests can observe the bears safely from elevated platforms, learn about their care and conservation.
Seasonal Notes
Many local attractions, shops, and restaurants operate seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall. Some spots, like Jose’s Cantina, stay open year-round, but others close during the colder months, so it’s always wise to check ahead. Animal experiences are also typically seasonal—be sure to check websites for the latest hours.
Little Bear East Arena offers programs throughout the year, while the Museum of Ojibwa Culture and Historic Totem Village are open seasonally. Many hiking trails in the area are accessible in both winter and summer, including all the ones featured here, so outdoor adventures aren’t limited to just the warmer months.
Sleep Well, Explore Better
Climb a rock, chase a hidden viewpoint, stroll the dunes, grab fudge, and snap photos of the Mackinac Bridge—St. Ignace blends quirky roadside stops with classic Upper Peninsula experiences. Take your time with these ten spots, and you’ll see why visitors choose St. Ignace. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead and check out available rooms at local hotels, inns, and B&Bs so you can stay close to the action and enjoy everything the area has to offer.