It’s the perfect home base for your Upper Peninsula adventures. St. Ignace is conveniently perched at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge, where Lake Michigan meets Huron. Catch the ferry to Mackinac Island, encounter the Mighty Mac (seriously, some of the best photo ops are right here), enjoy access to outdoor activities, festivals, and an extensive trails system—all without too much hustle or bustle.

St. Ignace is always in season! Summer is the busiest time, with festivals, a Friday farmers market, and endless events. Winter brings frosty adventures and quiet escapes; spring and fall bring beautiful displays of color and migrating birds.

Stay where the journey begins! In St. Ignace, you can choose from cozy budget inns to upscale lakeside resorts—all with convenient amenities and some with onsite dining. Many spots are just steps from the ferry docks, so exploring the area is a breeze. Visiting during peak seasons or events? Book early to secure your perfect stay!

You can walk around downtown St. Ignace, and even take a day-trip to the car-less paradise that is Mackinac Island. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas (and we recommend you do!), an automobile will be your friend.

It’s Easy! Ferry Terminals to Mackinac Island are conveniently located in St. Ignace. Simply head to a dock, buy your tickets, and get ready for the short boat ride to Mackinac Island.

Yes! But only during the Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk. (We wouldn’t recommend crossing it on foot any other day—besides being illegal, it’s a long way, and those cars go fast!)

Absolutely! St. Ignace has a variety of attractions, and many of them are fun for kids of all ages. You’ll playgrounds downtown, souvenir shops, easy hiking trails, and kid-friendly accommodations. In summer, check out the splash pad by the Wawatam Lighthouse!

Plenty! Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on scenic trails—there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in winter. Sip hot chocolate, dine on hearty meals at local restaurants, and then get cozy in one of our warm year-round accommodations. Winter in the Straits is downright magical! Plus, it’s the perfect time to try a pasty. (Or two… or three…)

St.Ignace delivers the flavor! From classic diners and burger joints to fish shacks and coffee shops, there’s something for every palate here. We’ve got ice cream, we’ve got microbrews, we’ve got lakeshore restaurants with amazing views. But if you want a truly local experience, you’ve got to try a pasty!

A pasty (or pastie, if you will) is a delicious handheld pastry, filled with all kinds of possibilities! Meat, potatoes, rutabaga, and veggies—some local spots even get creative with twists like dessert pastys, Italian-style, or vegetarian options. Be it drenched in gravy, ketchup, or absolutely nothing at all, you’ll want to try one. And lucky for you, there’s no shortage of places around here ready to serve you up a hearty pocket of goodness.

Maybe! The Upper Peninsula is home to lots of wildlife; moose (and bears) roam around the area. But don’t worry, they’re more likely to be focused on their own lives than on you. Just remember—give them space!

You bet. Self-guided Upper Peninsula color tours in fall, seasonal cruises with views of the Mackinac Bridge, unforgettable trail hikes—you can enjoy the beauty of the Straits area from just about any angle!

St. Ignace offers a unique variety of local shops, from local art galleries to nostalgic souvenir shops and a full-service grocery store. Be sure to check out the Bayside Farmers Market and also local art shows for an opportunity to take home handmade items. Bonus: if you’re visiting during the holidays, you will find gift shops that are open year-round.

There’s always something happening in St. Ignace—from festivals like the Native American Festival and the Car Show Weekend to seasonal events like Jeep the Yoop and Bronco the Mac. Be sure to check the St.Ignace events calendar to stay updated. Want to know more? Be sure to get the St. Ignace Visitors Guide!