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 — a great 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 little town is the perfect home base for all of your Upper Peninsula adventures.
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 that the region has to offer.
Stay in St. Ignace, and you’ll be just a short ferry ride away from Mackinac Island. Hike our fabulous local trails, or enjoy a blissful afternoon on the water with a fun fishing trip.
Kayak the peaceful waters around The Les Cheneaux Islands, or take a memorable drive to Tahquamenon Falls. From St. Ignace, exploring the entire Upper Peninsula is a breeze, with natural wonders like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Kitch-iti-kipi just an easy drive away.
The best part? Spending your days exploring the Upper Peninsula, then unwinding in St. Ignace each evening! Wherever you choose, you’ll be steps away from our historical downtown area with amazing dining choices and an enticing selection of shops.
Play on the Water, or in the Woods
While you’re here, make sure to take a stroll along the Huron Boardwalk in downtown St. Ignace. The ever-shifting skies over the Straits never fail to impress, and the beaches along the pathway are super for a swim in the summertime.
And if you’re looking for a photo opportunity along the boardwalk, don’t miss the Wawatam Lighthouse for all the Instagram-worthy scenes!
Then, you can wander the trails at Straits State Park. The pathways lead to simply iconic views of the Mackinac Bridge. Throughout St. Ignace, you’ll find convenient picnic spots for those precious moments of quiet reflection. What’s more, the Hiawatha National Forest sprawls across the Upper Peninsula (and beyond), and you can access a portion right here in St. Ignace!
Explore the Past in St. Ignace
When you visit St. Ignace, you will be able step back in time with the fascinating stories that helped shape Michigan’s history. Learn 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 17th-century Jesuit Mission that was home to Father Jacques Marquette, a missionary and explorer who played a pivotal role in the history of the region. To learn more about Father Marquette and his legacy, you can visit the Father Marquette National Memorial, located at the Straits State Park.
Additionally, Summer Evenings in St. Ignace presents Culture Teachings every Monday and Tuesday evening in summer from 6- 7pm. Come to learn about the traditional ways of the Ojibwa people, and how these teachings continue to be passed down through the generations.
And 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. Open seasonally, the museum offers a close-up look at legendary shipwrecks, including a poignant display dedicated to the terrible tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Just a short drive across the Mackinac Bridge, and you’ll find Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. Visit this 18th-century wooden fort reproduction for an educational peek into Northern Michigan during the colonial era with reenactments, guided tours, and interactive activities.
Fun for the Whole Family
Traveling with kids? There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained in St. Ignace! The Mystery Spot offers quirky, gravity-defying fun that sparks curiosity and plenty of laughs. Try their zip-line if you’re brave!
The GarLyn Zoo, located about 40 minutes west of the Mackinac Bridge, was designed with children in mind. The zoo presents a variety of native and exotic animals, including a few super-fun interactive experiences.
Hop on over to Mackinac Island for the day to experience an automobile-free world full of carriages, historic landmarks, and all that world-famous fudge.
Families love St.Ignace’s town parks and open outdoor spaces that are perfect for picnics, playtime, and burning off energy. Plus, with an incredible 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. 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 — it’s packed with local dining choices, attractions, accommodations, and everything you need to know to plan your next visit to the Upper Peninsula. We can’t wait to welcome you!
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