Straits State Park
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 construction through July 2026. The site is part of the Gchi Mshiikenh Deh Minising, or Heart of the Great Turtle Island, project, with a new learning commons, expanded powwow grounds, a community kitchen pavilion, updated exhibits, and new trail interpretation. The project will place greater focus on the history and living cultures of the Anishinaabe people while providing broader context for Father Marquette’s experiences in the region.
Straits State Park spans 181 acres along the Lake Huron shoreline, with wooded trails, a modern campground, picnic areas, and some of the closest public views of the Mackinac Bridge. An accessible observation platform offers a clear look across the Straits of Mackinac, with Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas meeting at the bridge.
The park gives families room to spend time outdoors, with a playground, picnic areas, shoreline access, and space to explore. Leashed dogs are welcome, and licensed fishing is allowed. Sunrise and sunset bring changing views across the water, making the park a popular stop for photography throughout the season.
Hiking and Birdwatching
A portion of the North Country Trail passes through Straits State Park, sharing the park’s one-mile hiking trail. The route winds through a wooded section of the park, with an observation platform located along the trail about 100 yards from the trailhead. Birdwatching is especially popular during spring and fall migration, when the Straits area becomes an important corridor for migrating birds.
Father Marquette National Memorial
The Father Marquette National Memorial, located within Straits State Park, is currently closed for construction through July 2026. The site is part of the Gchi Mshiikenh Deh Minising, or Heart of the Great Turtle Island, project, with a new learning commons, expanded powwow grounds, a community kitchen pavilion, updated exhibits, and new trail interpretation. The project will place greater focus on the history and living cultures of the Anishinaabe people while providing broader context for Father Marquette’s experiences in the region.
Amenities
Picnic areas with grills
Scenic viewing platforms
Playground for kids
Waterfront access along Lake Huron
Hiking trails (includes a segment of the North Country Trail)
Birdwatching opportunities
Leashed dogs allowed
Fishing Opportunities
Campground
Accessible Viewing
Recreation Passport required.
255 Campsites
Open Seasonally
