As winter settles in, St. Ignace can get pretty quiet. Snow rests along the shoreline, and the Mackinac Bridge stands like a citadel on the horizon, unfazed by the season. Step inside the Little Bear East Arena & Community Center, though, and watch all that calm give way to motion as skates scrape, pucks snap, and the thrill of hockey fills the air.
If you are visiting St. Ignace in winter, this is where the action is.
Adjacent to downtown, Little Bear serves as a hub of winter activities in St. Ignace. Visitors can stay active on either the ice rink or in the on-site fitness center, which is open seven days a week. Visitors may purchase day passes, weekly passes, or even monthly passes during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Community Center Rentals: The community center located within the Little Bear is available to rent for group events and private gatherings, making it a great spot for team celebrations, meetings, or winter get-togethers.
Tournament Weekends in St. Ignace
Youth hockey tournaments bring winter visitors to St. Ignace, with great events like the Winter Classic, Northern Lights Faceoff, and Shamrock Shootout draw teams from across Michigan and beyond, keeping downtown lively throughout the season.
On tournament weekends, the energy extends well beyond the rink. For many visiting families, these tournaments provide their first introduction to St. Ignace. Restaurants fill with families between games, downtown shops see new faces, and lodging stays busy all weekend. Despite the activity, St. Ignace remains easy to navigate, with the arena being conveniently close to lodging, dining, and trails.
Open Skate / Stick & Puck Sessions
Little Bear East Arena isn’t just for tournaments, either. Open skate and stick-and-puck sessions are offered at different times throughout the season (check the Little Bear Schedule), and are open to both visitors and locals alike.
Come for a tournament, an open skate, or just to soak in the lively atmosphere — the arena welcomes anyone looking for winter fun! Pack your skates (skate rental and skate sharpening are available on-site, for a fee), check the schedule, and step into a season that’s full of fun. Rentals, open sessions, and spectator-friendly spaces make it easy to jump in, even if hockey is new to your family.
Open skate offers a classic winter activity that fits easily into your getaway. Families visiting during school breaks or long weekends appreciate having an indoor option that fills an afternoon, burns off energy, and doesn’t require a packed schedule.
Stick-and-puck sessions provide time for skaters to practice shots, pass, and move at their own pace. Recreational hockey players traveling through the area enjoy staying connected to the sport, while locals rely on these sessions as part of their regular winter routine.
For families visiting St. Ignace in winter, Little Bear offers a familiar rhythm: time on the ice, easy meals nearby, and a warm place to gather between activities.
Beyond the Bear. Downtown St. Ignace.
A day in St. Ignace often includes more than one stop. After skating or watching a game, visitors like to head downtown to warm up, grab something to eat, or browse local shops.
For families and groups looking for a different type of indoor activity, Alley Yoops Bowling Center is a popular choice. Try bowling for a quirky-fun time that can be enjoyed between tournaments, or in the evening. Bowling pairs easily with dinner plans, and at Alley Yoops, you don’t even have to leave the building: they have an extensive menu!
When conditions allow, a short walk along the waterfront adds a seasonal highlight. Crisp air, quiet snow, and views of the Mackinac Bridge create a winter atmosphere that feels peaceful without being isolated.
A Winter Escape that Feels Like Home
Whether you come to St. Ignace for a hockey tournament, a snowy weekend, or just a reason to escape, St. Ignace has a winter stay that fits! Hotels near Little Bear East Arena are perfect for families in the thick of the action, while downtown and lakeshore stays put you close to shops, bites, and winter (or summer!) strolls.
With so many options, planning your next trip (any time of year) is sup. No matter the season, St. Ignace is ready to be your cozy, lively home base for exploring the Straits and all its little surprises.
Learn more by visiting the Little Bear East Arena website.