UPPER PENINSULA SEASONS
There is much to enjoy in and around it St. Ignace regardless of the season. The majesty of the Mackinac Bridge, the crystal clear waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron, and the historic waterfront village welcome new and returning visitors alike. Every season is the perfect season to experience the sense of serenity and tranquillity which embraces travellers as they drink in the view of the Straits of Mackinac. No one can visit just once!
Spring
Spring in St. Ignace brings fresh air and bright energy. The forests become green, wildflowers bloom along hiking trails, and skies fill with migratory birds heading north over the Straits of Mackinac. In spring, fishing enthusiasts gather around the area’s cool, clear waters to try their chances with the walleye, trout, perch, and more. With Mackinac Island ferries back in full swing, it’s a splendid time for a day trip before the summer crowds arrive.
In addition to nature’s beauty, spring in St. Ignace brings a multitude of exciting events, beginning with Jeep the Yoop in May. That’s when hundreds of Jeeps and their owners roll into town for a fantastic weekend of live music, great food, and off-roading opportunities.
Later in the season, don’t miss Bronco the Mac, a high-energy bridge-crossing event that really brings the community together. Then in June, the Native American Festival celebrates Anishinaabe traditions with drumming, dancing, crafts, and educational talks. With so much to see and do, spring in St. Ignace is the perfect time to soak in the area’s natural beauty and welcoming community spirit.
Summer
For a quintessential summer escape in the Upper Peninsula, make St. Ignace your number one destination choice. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the rustic shores of area beaches or exploring Lake Michigan sand dunes. And to really relax, you’ll find great accommodations to suit your needs—everything from waterfront hotels with views of the Straits of Mackinac to cozy inns that are just a short walk from downtown shops and eateries. Uncover local history along the way, and don’t miss the Bayside Farmers Market that takes place every Friday afternoon. Cap it all off with a fireworks display over the bay every Saturday night.
Summer events in St. Ignace are an experience in themselves! It all begins in June when classic and custom vehicles steal the spotlight during the ever-popular St.Ignace Car Show Weekend. And if you’re a fan of tiny cars with big personalities, the MINI on the Mac event showcases hundreds of MINIs as they parade across the Mackinac Bridge every other year. In the summer, music lovers can enjoy nightly concerts, while the Intercontinental Indigenous Art Show brings global artwork to the St.Ignace waterfront every August.
Also in August, the public is invited to the Rendezvous at the Straits Powwow, where Native American traditions are shared with drumming, dancing, storytelling, and more. Art lovers will want to stop by Arts Dockside, an event that showcases local and regional artists in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Be sure to check out the St.Ignace Heritage Festival, a celebration of the area’s cultural history, and then there’s the Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk, a one-of-a-kind event where you can stroll across the iconic bridge. With so much to see and do, there’s no better place to experience the season—come to St. Ignace this summer to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Autumn
Visit St. Ignace in Autumn to find the perfect spot for hiking, biking, and scenic drives. Fall in the Upper Peninsula is all about color and chill vibes. In October, hike a local trail to catch the brilliant reds, oranges, and golds that blanket the surrounding hills. With many St. Ignace restaurants and attractions staying open through the end of October, you will thoroughly enjoy the fall season. If you’re looking to experience it all, go on a color tour to see splendor at every new turn.
Fall in St. Ignace brings a lineup of can’t-miss events. Every September, antique tractor lovers come to town for the Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing & Show, closely followed by the St.Ignace Truck Show. Late October brings another fun bridge crossing event with Trek the Mighty Mac. Hiking, biking, or simply having a good time at autumn festivities—enjoy the best of the season in St. Ignace!
Paddle along the shoreline in a kayak, take a scenic ferry ride to Mackinac Island as the leaves begin to turn, and soak in the beauty of the Straits. With so much to see and do, there’s no better place to experience autumn.
Winter
As the temperatures drop, opportunities for winter recreation heat up and that’s when St.Ignace becomes a celebration of the great outdoors. Start your perfect winter’s day with a hike through a snow-kissed forest trail, explore the Silver Mountain Bike Trail on a fat-tire bike, or perhaps try your luck at ice fishing. For an action-packed experience, hit the cross-country ski trails, or lace up your skates at the Little Bear East Arena, where you can enjoy ice skating or a friendly game of hockey.
In December, make sure to check out the Annual Antique Snowmobile Bridge Crossing, where vintage snowmobiles cross the Mackinac Bridge—a must-see event! Winter in St. Ignace also means a chance to snowmobile on some of Michigan’s best trails, which connect to an extensive network across the entire Upper Peninsula.
For hockey fans, the Labatt Blue Up Pond Hockey Championship in February is an annual highlight, where teams battle it out on the ice for some unforgettable action. It’s the perfect culmination of St. Ignace’s winter excitement—come for the thrills, stay for the memories.