Winter in St. Ignace: it’s cold, it’s windy, and it’s strangely energizing. For winter visitors to the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace stands out for one simple reason: after a day enjoying the great outdoors, you can enjoy pure relaxation when you return to winter-ready lodging, making it easy to recharge and plan your next outing.
Heads Up in St. Ignace: This Town Has Style! (Hats Encouraged)
Some places sell winter hats.
Others give those hats a reason to exist…
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula between Lakes Michigan and Huron, St. Ignace falls into both categories; winter is everyday life (for at least part of each year). All season long shops and restaurants invite locals and visitors alike. Area trails see footsteps even as the snow drifts accumulate. That’s why a good hat isn’t optional here; indeed, hats allow you to enjoy St. Ignace without letting the weather harsh your vibe. We think that UP-made Stormy Kromer hats and apparel fit the bill rather nicely, having a well-deserved reputation as a true Straits of Mackinac classic.
The Story of the Stormy Kromer
In St. Ignace, winter isn’t a reason to stay inside, but it is definitely a reason to dress warmly.
Among winter staples, hats fit right in, right alongside boots, coats, mittens, and all the other gear that help you survive these cold northern days. The Stormy Kromer is one such hat, with a story that goes all the way back to the early 1900s in Wisconsin with a railroad engineer by the name of George Kromer, called “Stormy” for his famously volatile temper…
Stormy desperately needed a hat that could hold up against the relentless wind that would blast through open locomotive cabs. A former semi-pro baseball player, he was no stranger to challenges, but every hat he owned seemed determined to fly away on the train.
Kromer’s wife, Ida Kromer had a solution: she reimagined a simple wool baseball cap to include a built-in earband that could be pulled down for warmth, or tied up when not needed. The result was a snug, practical hat made from heavy wool and flannel that was durable, reliable, and perfectly suited for life in the north.
In its early years, the cap went by several names, including the Kromer Klean Kloth Kabin Kap and the Kromer Cabin Cap, eventually gaining a loyal following among railroad workers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kromer cap manufacturing began in Wisconsin, but production moved to Ironwood, Michigan in 2001 when a local company invested in keeping the brand alive. From the rails of Wisconsin to the trails of St. Ignace, the Stormy Kromer remains the ultimate winter companion, and our shops make it super easy to gear up for your life’s adventures.
A Souvenir You’ll Use
Let the Straits of Mackinac follow you home: take a Stormy Kromer, a U.P.-made candle, a local snack, or a handcrafted item purchased right here in St. Ignace. Some souvenirs sit on a shelf. Others become part of daily life. Here, you’ll find both, everything from fun trinkets to locally made art, and tasty treats!
Pro tip: many of our downtown shops operate seasonally, so hours can shift outside peak travel months. (some may close entirely come winter) The good news is, there are still easy ways to shop and bring something Michigan-made home:
Adventure Up North is our downtown go-to for cold-weather gear that gets used here, and it’s open year-round with winter hours. Alongside a nice Stormy Kromer cap selection, you’ll find layering pieces, Smartwool socks, unique mittens, and trusted outdoor brands like KAVU, Kühl, and Cotopaxi.
Just a few doors down, the seasonally-open Das Gift Haus offers gifts that feel right for a northern weekend, including Naked Bee products for wind-chapped winter skin and official Lake Superior State University merch. If you’re visiting the area outside of the store’s St. Ignace season (generally through the holidays), it’s worth knowing that there is a year-round location in Sault Ste.Marie.
For more Michigan-made goods, Mackinac General Store stocks candles, snacks, and souvenirs that travel well, and as a bonus you can shop online when the physical store is closed for the season.
Nearby, Boardwalk Coffee & General Store is a great stop for specialty coffee drinks, pastries, breakfast burritos, snacks, Michigan-made cheeses, and other items to bring right along while you explore St. Ignace!
The Historic Totem Village features Indigenous-crafted art and one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the cultural roots of the Upper Peninsula, and even if it’s closed for the season, you can visit their website to request to purchase items.
What will you do this Winter in St. Ignace?
In St. Ignace, a good hat and a pair of waterproof boots can take you far. Wear them while you try fishing along the shoreline or when cavorting down one of our fabulous local trails. You’ll certainly need them while experiencing the snowmobile ride of your life or taking part in a friendly game of ice hockey. Your hat’s on, your boots are laced—now go make winter yours!
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