FUN ON SNOW AND ICE
Experience Winter Adventures in St. Ignace, Michigan
Whether you’re strapping on snowshoes, gliding across ice skating rinks, or carving through fresh powder on skis or snowmobiles, St. Ignace is your ultimate winter playground! With over 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails winding through stunning winter landscapes, adventure awaits at every turn. Explore scenic cross-country skiing trails, ice skating spots, and snowshoeing routes, all while surrounded by breathtaking winter views. Looking for the best snowmobile routes, ski trails, or insider tips? Check out our Trails Blog for expert advice on the top spots to explore this winter season. Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure in St. Ignace!
Fat-tire Biking
St. Ignace is the ideal hub for fat tire bike adventures, due to its proximity to some of the top fat tire biking spots in the UP. Trails include:
Silver Mountain Bike Trail
W1931 Cheeseman Road
- Easy access for riders traveling to the U.P. Just over the Mackinac Bridge and 3 miles west on US2 with ample parking
- The trail is 1.58 miles of exposed dolomite bedrock
- Features approximately 120 feet of vertical relief
- A beginner/intermediate flow trail loop and climbing trail that features berms, jumps, rock features and beautiful views of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan
- The 4-Season Trail is being groomed weekly for fat-tire biking during the winter months
St. Ignace To Trout Lake Trail - 26 Miles
The trail runs along an abandoned rail corridor that was formerly a railroad grade. It passes through the Hiawatha National Forest. The St. Ignace trailhead is in the Little Bear East Arena park on Marquette street.
Hiawatha National Forest Sand Dunes Trail
Located a short 11 miles west of St. Ignace. The approximate 10-mile series of loops are located on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan near Moran and Saint Ignace.
Soo Strong Trail - 32 Miles
Sault Ste. Marie (Soo) is just a 51-mile drive from St. Ignace making it the perfect day trip. The Soo Strong Trail is situated between The Soo and the small community of Eckerman. The trail follows an abandoned rail corridor. The trailhead is off Foss Street in Sault Ste Marie or SR 123 at Sheldon Rd in Eckerman.
Grand Marais Trail - 41.7 Miles
The Grand Marais Trail is located south of Deer Park, Michigan. This trail runs through Grand Marais, ending in Shingleton. This trail offers natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and some rural, remote spots for the budding photographer.
Skiing
Cross Country Skiing
St. Ignace is home to the Sand Dune Cross Country Ski Trail. Just 11 miles west of St. Ignace, seven groomed trails, varying in length from 1.5 to 7.6 miles, offer a skiing experience for every skier from the beginner to the expert. This scenic trail winds through the ancient dunes of Lake Michigan. The trails are groomed for classic style cross country skiing. There is ample parking, an outhouse, and a log warming cabin with a wood stove. The scenery is spectacular and the trails are fun for everyone! The Sand Dune Cross Country Ski Trail is part of the Hiawatha National Forest, St. Ignace Ranger District.
Snowshoeing
When there’s no snow elsewhere, winter outdoor enthusiasts look to the U.P. With 200 inches of snowfall yearly in some areas, it’s no wonder! The Hiawatha National Forest, positioned in the “lake effect snow” shadows of Lakes Superior and Michigan, is in the heart of a true winter sports wonderland.
The U.S. Forest Service St. Ignace Ranger Station is located about 7 miles west of St. Ignace on US-2. They have a small network of trails called the Gros Cap Trails.
As well, the North Country Trail system in Mackinac County covers over 40 miles. These trails are not groomed in the winter and make for great snowshoeing!
Snowmobiling
The Straits Area Snowmobile Club maintains over 100 miles of snowmobile trails in Mackinac County. Visit their website to get the latest trail conditions and join their forum/blog!
Hockey And Ice Skating
St. Ignace is home to hockey players and fans of all ages. The local ice arena, Little Bear East Arena and Event Center, provides an indoor ice facility for both skaters and hockey players. The arena hosts hockey events from October through March each year. The facility offers skate rental and skate sharpening at a reasonable rate. The City of St. Ignace supports the St. Ignace Youth Hockey Association in order to make it possible for girls and boys from kindergarten through senior high school to play hockey.
Adult Pond Hockey Tournament
Each February, St. Ignace hosts the annual Labatt Blue U.P. Pond Hockey Championships. The tournaments are held over a 4-day weekend. Pond hockey is played on outdoor rinks with no goalies and four-on-four play action.