Straits State Park: Hike, Fish, and Take in the View

Straits State Park spans 181 acres along the Lake Huron shoreline, offering recreation, relaxation and a front-row seat to one of Michigan’s most iconic landmarks—the Mackinac Bridge! From the park’s accessible observation platform, you’ll be able to gaze upon the bridge as it reaches across the Straits of Mackinac to connect Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

At Straits State Park, kids can take advantage of three different playgrounds to have some fun after a long drive. Leashed dogs are welcome here, and fishing is allowed with a license—head to the deeper waters west of the bridge for the best catch. It’s also a great spot for photography, with beautiful views at sunrise, sunset, or anytime!

Hiking and Birdwatching

A section of the North Country Trail winds through Straits State Park, tracing the park’s one-mile hiking loop. There’s also a separate interpretive trail located behind the Father Marquette National Memorial. And if you’re into birdwatching, this place is elite—especially in spring and fall when migrating flocks turn St.Ignace into a birding hotspot.

Father Marquette National Memorial

The Father Marquette National Memorial, located within Straits State Park, is currently closed for upgrades. It is scheduled to reopen in July 2026 with a bright new learning commons, expanded powwow grounds, and an immersive historical experience that will honor the pivotal meeting of French and Native American cultures.