The Upper Peninsula Begins Here!
Are you dreaming of a getaway that’s practically effortless yet feels extraordinary? Craving a laid-back escape surrounded by incomparable natural beauty? Welcome to St. Ignace — the perfect place to unwind or explore!
St. Ignace has been a popular destination for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. With a central location, amazing attractions, and oh-so-inviting accommodations, this is the perfect home base for all those Upper Peninsula adventures. Keep reading to get the real scoop on staying in St. Ignace!
In the Center of it all, St. Ignace
Journeys begin in St. Ignace. As the northern anchor of the Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace is ideally positioned to serve as a gateway to all the region has to offer. Stay in St. Ignace, and you’ll be just a short ferry ride away from Mackinac Island. You can hike the fabulous local trails or enjoy an afternoon on the water with a fun fishing trip.
Kayak the nearby waters around The Les Cheneaux Islands, or take a drive to Tahquamenon Falls. From here, it’s easy to plan day trips to natural wonders like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or Kitch-iti-kipi.
The best part? Spending your days exploring the Upper Peninsula, then unwinding in St. Ignace each evening! Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, when you stay in St. Ignace, you’ll be just steps away from our beautiful downtown with amazing dining choices and a superb selection of shops to explore.
Play in the Water or in the Woods
For a peaceful escape, walk along the Huron Boardwalk in downtown St. Ignace where you will witness ever-shifting skies over the Straits that never fail to impress. Looking for a photo opportunity along the boardwalk? Check out the Wawatam Lighthouse for spectacular instagram-worthy views.
Then, wander the trails at Straits State Park. The pathways there lead to iconic views of the Mackinac Bridge, and beyond. Throughout town, you’ll find numerous picnic spots for precious moments of quiet reflection. What’s more, the Hiawatha National Forest sprawls across the Upper Peninsula, and you can access some of its hiking trails right here in St. Ignace!
Explore the Past in St. Ignace
When you visit St. Ignace, you step back in time to uncover stories that helped shape Michigan’s history. Learn all about the traditions and history of the Ojibwa people at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, located right downtown. The museum sits on the historic site of an early French Jesuit Mission that was once home to the renowned missionary Father Jacques Marquette.
Summer Evenings in St. Ignace presents Culture Teachings every Monday and Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00. Come to the museum to learn about the traditional ways of the Ojibwa people and how these teachings continue to be passed down through the generations.
If maritime history piques your interest, check out the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located about an hour’s drive from St. Ignace in Paradise, Michigan. It is open seasonally, and offers a close-up look at legendary shipwrecks, including a poignant display dedicated to the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Just a short drive across the Mackinac Bridge, you’ll find Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. This 18th-century fort reproduction offers a peek into life in the Great Lakes region during the colonial era with reenactments, guided tours, and interactive activities.
Fun for the Whole Family in St. Ignace
Traveling with kids? There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained here! The Mystery Spot In St. Ignace offers quirky, gravity-defying fun that sparks curiosity and plenty of laughs. Hop on over to Mackinac Island for the day to experience an automobile-free world full of horse-drawn carriages, historic landmarks, and, of course, that world-famous fudge.
Families love St.Ignace’s town parks and open outdoor spaces that are perfect for picnics, playtime, and burning off some energy. Plus, with a great selection of family-friendly accommodations, your stay will be as relaxing as it is fun.
St. Ignace Awaits: Plan your Escape
Ready for your next adventure? Be sure to check out our blog for even more St. Ignace stories. Sign up to receive the official St. Ignace Visitors Guide — it’s packed with everything you need to know about local dining, attractions, accommodations, and everything else you need to make your visit a great one!
The St. Ignace Visitors Bureau is here to help every step of the way. Visit our website today to start planning your journey — we can’t wait to welcome you!
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