When you cross the Mackinac Bridge going north, the soft, sandy hills of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula give way almost immediately to rocky outcroppings made of sandstone that have eroded over time, leaving a distinctive landscape in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These towering natural monuments, of which local favorites Castle Rock and St. Anthony’s Rock are examples, are a look into the area’s geologic past when lands were shaped by earth, water, and ice as they rearranged themselves after the last ice age.
Foundations of Culture: Indigenous Life Along the Straits
It was amongst these rocky hills, and between two of the greatest of lakes that the Anishinaabe would set up camps, beginning many, many thousands of years ago. ‘Anishinaabe’ describes the peoples of the northern Great Lakes, including the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi, whose connection to the land and waters shaped their way of life, and continues to influence the living culture of the area.
People living in the St.Ignace region in those days were semi-nomadic. In spring, they gathered maple sugar and fished for sturgeon and smelt. Summer, they spread out into settlements surrounded by crops of corn, potatoes and squash, close to the wildlife, fish and berries. When fall arrived, they prepared for winter by hunting and gathering provisions for the cold months ahead. Then, stories and songs would fill the long nights, as families and friends drew close together in winter homes to share in the warmth and to conserve resources as the cold set in.
French Explorers and the Beginnings of St. Ignace
In 1668, French explorers ventured into the Straits of Mackinac, drawn to the area by its strategic location astride Lakes Michigan and Huron. By the late 17th century, the construction of Fort de Buade in St. Ignace cemented their presence, at least militarily. French control in North America continued to expand, and by the early 1700s, St.Ignace had become a part of the colony called “New France”.
A Mission is Born: Marquette’s Founding Legacy
Roman Catholic missionaries arrived with the explorers and fur traders. A French Jesuit Priest and explorer by the name of Jacques Marquette was one such missionary. He established an influential mission in 1671, calling it “Mission de Saint-Ignace” in honor of the founder of the Society of Jesus, St.Ignatius of Loyola.
St. Ignace became a focal point for Roman Catholic missions in Michigan, with the fur trade providing the economic support needed to sustain the efforts. The mission grew into both a religious and cultural center, though conversion efforts met with mixed reactions.
Some Indigenous people embraced elements of Catholicism while maintaining traditional spiritual practices, while others resisted outright. Many continued to live in traditional housing, even as French traders and missionaries established wooden cabins and small outposts. In the present day, the mission grounds are the site of the Museum of Ojibwa Culture.
Following France’s defeat in the French and Indian War in 1763, however, British forces gradually took control of the region, bringing French Colonialism in Michigan to an end.
When St. Ignace Flew the Union Jack
During the British occupation of St. Ignace, which began after the French and Indian War, the British adopted a more authoritarian stance, treating Indigenous peoples as subjects rather than sovereign nations. Despite this shift, the fur trade remained a vital economic activity, and Indigenous peoples continued to play a crucial role. Their extensive knowledge of the land and established trade networks were indispensable to the British, ensuring the success of the fur trade and fostering continued cultural exchange in the region. This era laid the groundwork for St. Ignace’s growth, blending Indigenous traditions with British influence.
When the American Revolution unfolded, it set off a chain of events that reshaped the Great Lakes region. After the Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the war, Britain ceded control of the territory to the newly formed United States, bringing yet another shift in power to the region and paving the way for Michigan to become a state in 1837.
19th Century: Industry, Immigration, and Transportation
As the fur trade declined, the local economy shifted toward logging and fishing. The surrounding waters provided a natural marine highway for transporting lumber and other goods. St. Ignace soon became a center for mill yards, which added to the town’s importance as a commercial hub in the northern Great Lakes area.
The community experienced further industrial expansion in the 1880s when the Martel Furnace began to process iron near what is now the United States Coast Guard station, at the southern end of town. The furnace helped turn raw iron ore into industrial-grade pig iron, supporting both local industry and the broader American manufacturing economy of the late 19th century.
The late 1800s also brought waves of European immigrants to the area who came in search of work in logging camps, iron smelting, and commercial fishing. A railroad to St.Ignace was completed in 1882, connecting the town to the rest of Michigan (with the help of massive car ferries that shuttled both passengers and entire train cars across the Straits of Mackinac!). By the end of the 19th century, the region had also become an incredibly popular destination for travelers.
Vintage Tourism in St. Ignace: Adventure, Oddities, and the Journey North
At the turn of the 20th century, St. Ignace emerged as a quaint yet bustling tourist stop, thanks to its position as the gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The rise of the automobile and highway system made the area more accessible, and travelers flocked to the area for cool summer air, clean lakeshores, and unique roadside attractions—some charming, others downright quirky.
Some of these vintage attractions are still going strong today! Who can forget Paul Bunyan and Babe at Castle Rock? The famous limestone formation still offers visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding area, and the nostalgic gift shop still draws crowds. Not to mention the Mystery Spot, with its mind-bending illusions and gravitational oddities, still has people scratching their heads in wonder!
From Ferries to Freeways: the Mighty Mackinac Bridge
One of the biggest transformations for St. Ignace and the surrounding region came with the completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957. Before the bridge, travelers typically depended on ferries to cross the Straits of Mackinac, a method that, while scenic, could be time-consuming and dependent on weather conditions. The opening of the bridge revolutionized travel, connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, making St. Ignace the “Gateway to the Upper Peninsula.” The finished road brought more visitors, finally able to easily explore the natural beauty of the area, including the landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, historic Mackinac Island, and the small-town atmosphere of St. Ignace itself!
St. Ignace: History You Can Feel, Hospitality You’ll Love
Today, St. Ignace continues to honor its heritage while thriving as a modern tourist destination. Festivals celebrating Native American culture, historical reenactments, and events such as the annual bridge walk bring thousands of visitors each year. The town’s great location between two Great Lakes and its proximity to Mackinac Island ensure that its legacy as a hub for travel and commerce will endure.
What’s next for St. Ignace? That’s a story still being written—with each visitor who crosses the bridge, and every local who calls this historic town home.
St. Ignace: 350 Years of Heritage and Heart
2021 was a proud landmark year in the history of St. Ignace. The community which celebrated its 350th anniversary is the second oldest European-founded city in Michigan.
This video tells the story of St. Ignace, from its Indigenous roots to its evolution as a thriving lakeside community. Through rich visuals and storytelling, it explores Anishinaabe traditions, early European settlement, and the industries that shaped the town—fishing, lumber, and shipping. The film also highlights the transformative impact of the Mackinac Bridge while celebrating St. Ignace’s enduring spirit, historical charm, and welcoming community.
Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour
Step back in time and discover the rich history of St. Ignace with our self-guided Historic Walking Tour. As you walk through downtown and along the waterfront, you’ll find interpretive signs with QR codes that bring the past to life. Simply scan the codes with your smartphone to hear engaging audio stories about the landmarks and events that shaped our community.
Prefer a traditional guide? A 40-page walking tour booklet is available for download or can be picked up at the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce. Whether you’re exploring on foot or following along online, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into St. Ignace’s deep-rooted history.
Experience St. Ignace in a whole new way—one story at a time.
The Huron Boardwalk is a scenic wooden walkway that stretches approximately 6,000 feet along the waterfront of downtown St. Ignace, Michigan. Established in 1984, it offers visitors picturesque views of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island, and the bustling activity of ferry boats navigating the Straits of Mackinac.
Features and Attractions – As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll encounter a series of interpretive signs and historical kiosks that provide insights into the rich history, lifestyles, and industries of the Straits of Mackinac region. Notable open-air displays include:
A rudder from a 1,212-ton wooden steamer that sank in the Straits in the spring of 1894.
A windlass from a shipwreck off the coast dating back to 1891.
An original Mackinaw boat built in the St. Ignace area around 1899.
These exhibits offer a tangible connection to the maritime heritage of the area.
The boardwalk also serves as a connector to unique shops, restaurants, waterfront parks, and museums throughout downtown St. Ignace, making it both a recreational path and a gateway to local attractions.
Historical Sites
Kiwanis Beach
Kiwanis Beach, located in downtown St. Ignace along Moran Bay, is a historic site that once served as the original Native settlement in the area.
Situated across from the Museum of Ojibwa Culture on State Street, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the scenic views of the harbor and Mackinac Island.
The Historic Totem Village, established in the 1950s by Ralph McCarry, a former logger turned woodcarver. The village began as a museum showcasing McCarry’s woodcarvings, paintings, and dioramas depicting the history of the fur trade, logging, and Indigenous cultures of the area. He invited the Chippewa to participate in powwows at the museum, and they honored him with the native name “White Wolf.” McCarry’s museum stands as a unique artistic tribute to local history, distinct from typical roadside gift shops.
City Dock # 3
City Dock #3, also known as Coast Guard Park, is a city-owned park. This park offers a variety of amenities, including a picnic area with shelter, playground, pavilion, fishing pier, boat launch, basketball court, fish cleaning station, restrooms, interpretive signs, and memorial gardens.
Historically, Dock #3 served as a railroad terminus at the Straits of Mackinac and has since been transformed into a viewing pier featuring a working lighthouse. Remnants of the old infrastructure used to raise and lower the train track ramps remain integral to the site, and old rail cars, including an authentic caboose, are displayed nearby.
Wawatam Dock and Lighthouse
The Wawatam Light was originally constructed in 1998 by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The lighthouse was initially situated at a welcome center near Monroe, Michigan, far from any navigable waters. In 2004, during renovations of the welcome center, the structure was deemed obsolete and slated for demolition. However, officials from St. Ignace recognized its potential value and arranged for its relocation. The lighthouse was dismantled into five sections and transported over 330 miles to St. Ignace. It was reassembled on the former railroad pier, previously used by the Chief Wawatam train ferry from 1911 until the mid-1980s. The lighthouse was re-lit on August 20, 2006, and was named Wawatam Lighthouse in honor of the historic ferry.
Local Museums
In keeping with its rich history as the third oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States, St. Ignace honors and celebrates its heritage. History buffs can visit the many museums and historic sites to learn more about the area’s diverse historical legacy.
Father Marquette Mission and Museum of Ojibwa Culture
The Father Marquette Mission Park and Museum of Ojibwa Culture depicts the culture and lifestyle at the time of contact– the time when the French explorers and missionaries met the Ojibwa, Huron, Wyandotte and Odawa Indians who had resided in the area from time immemorial. The site is a National Historic Landmark and Michigan Registered Historical Site. The museum is housed in the Mission Chapel while the grounds include Father Marquette’s grave and an authentic Native long house where historical re-enactments and demonstrations are staged. The museum store features the area’s largest selection of Native American books and music as well as authentic local Native American arts and crafts.
Father Marquette National Memorial and New France Discovery Center
The Father Marquette National Memorial, located within Straits State Park in St. Ignace, Michigan, commemorates the life and legacy of 17th-century missionary-explorer Father Jacques Marquette. He founded Sault Ste. Marie in 1668 and St. Ignace in 1671, playing a pivotal role in the early interactions between French settlers and Native American cultures.
As of now, the Father Marquette National Memorial is closed for construction through July 2026. This closure is part of the “Gchi Mshiikenh Deh Minising/Heart of the Great Turtle Island” project, a collaborative effort aiming to reimagine the memorial. The project seeks to recenter interpretation around the thriving Anishinaabe (Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi) people, providing context to Father Marquette’s experiences and highlighting their enduring cultural significance.
Michilimackinac Historical Society
The Michilimackinac Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the natural history of the Mackinac Straits area. The Society gathers oral histories and genealogies, preserves historic landmarks and homes, and operates the Straits Cultural Center.
Straits Cultural Center
Straits Cultural Center features an extensive collection of Aboriginal pre-contact era artifacts as well as relics of the French, British and early Colonial America eras.
The center is not yet open to the public, but we are making significant progress toward completion. Currently, we’re focused on finishing key public spaces, including exhibits, the Michigan Made Store, and essential facilities. We anticipate opening in Fall 2025, and we’ll continue to keep you updated on our progress. Thank you for your patience as we work to bring this exciting cultural destination to life!
— Jim Draze, President, Michilimackinac Historical Society
Nearby Historic Sites
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is the only museum of its kind, dedicated as it is to the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. It is aptly located at Whitefish Point, site of the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. Dramatic shipwreck legends are immortalized in the life-like displays. Artifacts such as the bell from the famous Edmund Fitzgerald and other exhibits tell stories of sailors and ships who braved the waters of Superior and those who were lost to her menacing waves.