A winter getaway to St. Ignace will remind you that this area is gorgeous any time of year. Ample outdoor opportunities await you here, along with tempting year-round dining choices and abundant lodging. The coldest season is a great time to choose your own adventure in St. Ignace. Keep reading to discover all of the possibilities!
Are you into Biking? Fat-Tire Biking Rocks in St. Ignace!
Fat-tire bikes have really hit the scene in recent years, sporting tires that measure at least 3.8 inches in width, able to glide with ease over snow, ice, and sand. Riding on oversized tires provides enhanced stability, allowing cyclists to explore terrains that would be challenging for regular bikes. The feeling of gliding through snowy trails, forests, or along frozen landscapes can be both exhilarating and serene.
Try biking the sand dunes along Lake Huron on a sunny winter day, or hit one of the many bike trails that you will find right around St Ignace. We caught the action on the Silver Mountain Bike Trail in a fun-filled video.
Step Outside and Into a Winter Wonderland.
Do you love a winter walk as much as we do? With some simple cold-weather gear and an adventurous spirit, you will find that getting outside in the winter is easy and enjoyable in St. Ignace with our many convenient trails. A hike along the beach or a stroll through a snowy forest may be just the thing you need to chase away those winter blues. If the snow is deep, bring your snowshoes for unstoppable fun! Find out more about local snowshoe trails.
Speaking of trails, St. Ignace is a stop along the epic North Country Trail (NCT), a footpath meandering over 4,600 miles through 7 different states. The local Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore section of the North Country Trail begins at the St. Ignace Welcome Center. The trail leads you through Straits State Park, and then hits downtown St. Ignace, following the Lake Huron shore-line. If you are really ambitious, you can hike that same trail all the way to the shores of Lake Superior!
If you have never experienced the NCT in winter, now is your chance! Hike this trail to see for yourself why St. Ignace has been given the prestigious “Trail Town” designation.
Love Food? Come on UP!
Are you hungry after all that exploring? A variety of eateries remain open throughout the year in St. Ignace. Here are just a few of our favorites:
The Village Inn Restaurant and Lounge, conveniently located right off of State Street downtown is a local favorite, famous for their planked whitefish. With a varied menu that includes plenty of unique burger options, steaks, pasta, and even chimichangas, satisfaction awaits at The Village Inn.
Enjoy entertainment, good food, and year-round lodging under one roof at the Kewadin Casino and Hotel in St. Ignace. Try your luck at gaming or even catch a concert. While you’re there, swing by Horseshoe Bay Restaurant where the views of Lake Huron will knock your socks off. In addition to beer, wine and cocktails, menu highlights include burgers, sandwiches, salad, and even poutine!
Buoys by the Bay is an exciting new dining option in St. Ignace. Find this gem downtown, and prepare yourself for a tasty treat. Where else will you find pickle-topped pizza? Other popular dishes include the Whitefish BLT and the Buoy Black Bean Burger. If you are in the mood for spice, try the owner’s favorite — Bayou Pasta with its zesty creamy Cajun sauce.
Is Ice Skating your thing? Do You Play Hockey? Check out Open Skate and Drop-in hockey at Little Bear East Arena and Community Center!
Over the years, St. Ignace has become famous for hosting the yearly Labatt Blue Pond Hockey Championship. But, the skating opportunities don’t end there!
The Little Bear East Arena & Community Center hosts open skates as well as drop-in hockey from October to March. A gym and an indoor walking track offer more ways to stay active, even in winter. Little Bears’ website has regular updates and times.
Have you tried Snowmobiling in the UP?
Michigan’s state-designated snowmobiling trails are open from Dec.1 to March 31. Trail grooming takes place whenever enough snow blankets the ground, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the extensive network of snowmobile trails across the Yoop. You can download trail maps onto your smartphone for access even in areas where cell phone reception may be unreliable.
St. Ignace is home to the Straits Area Snowmobiling Club, a wonderful community resource providing reports on trail conditions and more. Find convenient trailhead parking in downtown St. Ignace near Little Bear East Arena. From there, you can join the UP-2 Route heading north, with seamless connections to an array of additional trails.
How about Cross-Country Skiing?
The renowned Sand Dune Cross Country Ski Trail, situated just 11 miles west of St. Ignace, offers seven meticulously groomed trails, ranging from 1.5 to 7.6 miles in length. This trail caters to cross country skiers of all levels, and is exclusively groomed for classic style cross country skiing.
Convenient amenities include parking, an outhouse, and a cozy log warming cabin with a wood stove. Set within the breathtaking landscape of the Hiawatha National Forest, these trails promise a spectacular experience.
So, When Will You Get Here?
From the thrill of snowshoeing along the shores of Lake Huron to the warmth of community gatherings, St. Ignace offers a winter experience like no other. With plenty of winter lodging choices, a winter trip has never been easier. Savor the chill in St. Ignace! Visit our events calendar, sign up for our seasonal newsletter, or request a visitors guide to stay updated on the latest happenings.
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