PARKS & BEACHES
Experiencing the outdoors comes naturally in St. Ignace! Our parks and beaches are the perfect places to swim, wade, picnic, and more. Challenge your crew to a game of beach volleyball, try your hand at horseshoes, or let the kids burn off some energy at one of our local playgrounds. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, paddle along scenic shorelines, take your four-legged friend for a run on the sand, or simply breathe in the fresh northern air as waves lap at the shore. And that’s just the beginning—keep reading to discover where to find the best parks and beaches in St. Ignace, and all the ways to enjoy them!
American Legion Memorial Park
Overview:
This waterfront park honors veterans and offers a peaceful place to relax.
Amenities:
- Picnic areas with grills
- Walking paths with benches
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Veterans memorial
- Scenic views of Mackinac Island
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Huron Boardwalk
- Concert Events
Address:
American Legion Memorial Park: A Waterfront Community Space
Located along the Lake Huron Boardwalk in Downtown St. Ignace, the American Legion Memorial Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. With views of Mackinac Island and the Straits, it offers a special touch to any day. It’s an ideal place to pause and take in the beauty of St. Ignace while staying close to downtown.
Recreational and Public Amenities
The American Legion Memorial Park offers a little something for everyone—a playground for kids, picnic areas, and a pavilion that is used for both casual hangouts and organized events. The well-maintained green space, public restrooms and plenty of seating make it easy to relax and enjoy the park for hours.
A Practical and Purposeful Public Space
The American Legion Memorial Park has the longest stretch of accessible beach in downtown St. Ignace. That means everyone, including visitors with mobility impairments, can experience the beauty of the waterfront up close!
Bridge View Park
Overview:
Bridge View Park offers one of the best vantage points for viewing the Mackinac Bridge, providing visitors with a chance to take in both the majesty of the bridge and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Amenities:
- View of Mackinac Bridge
- Telescope
- Pavilion History of Mackinac Bridge
- Covered Picnic Areas with Grills
- Benches
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Leashed dogs allowed
Bridge View Park: Where the Two Lakes Meet and the Bridge Towers Above
Bridge View Park looks out over the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron come together beneath the towering Mackinac Bridge. Catch a jaw-dropping sunset, soak in the quiet by the water, or snap a photo—no matter how you spend your time here, the views are some of the best in Michigan.
A Space Designed for Visitors
Located just west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority fare plaza, Bridge View Park is designed with accessibility in mind. The observation building has displays about the area’s history and the engineering marvel of the Mackinac Bridge, which has connected Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas since its completion in 1957. With picnic pavilions, plenty of paved parking, and breathtaking views of the bridge, the park offers a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty and significance of this iconic structure.
Chief Wawatam Park
Overview:
Chief Wawatam Park is a public waterfront space in downtown St. Ignace.
Amenities:
- Lighthouse
- Chief Wawatam Statue & Historical Marker
- Fishing Pier
- Seasonal Splash Pad
- Picnic Tables & Benches
- Restrooms — Open seasonally
- Huron Boardwalk Access – Connects you to the rest of downtown St. Ignace
- Historical Marker & Chief Wawatam Statue
- Parking Nearby
- Leashed dogs allowed
Chief Wawatam Park: Waterfront Views, Local History, and Lakeside Fun
Chief Wawatam Park is one of the best waterfront hangouts in St.Ignace. You’ll find postcard-worthy views of Mackinac Island, and it’s a wonderful place to relax, play, or even to dive into a bit of local lore.
Family-Friendly and Fun-Filled
With a splash pad for summer fun, plenty of space to stretch your legs, and access to the Huron Boardwalk, Chief Wawatam Park is the kind of place that will keep you coming back. Families can enjoy a picnic under the trees, kids can cool off in the splash pad, and the fishing pier is always popular.
The Backstory: Chief Wawatam and His Namesake Ferry
The park takes its name from Chief Wawatam, an 18th-century Odawa leader remembered for his bravery and loyalty—particularly for his protection of a British fur trader named Alexander Henry during Pontiac’s Rebellion. That spirit of courage lived on in the SS Chief Wawatam, a car ferry that operated in the Straits of Mackinac from 1911 to 1984.
One of the park’s most eye-catching features is the Wawatam Lighthouse. This colorful, working lighthouse was originally built as a decorative piece in Roseville, Michigan, where it stood for many years in a parking lot. In 2004, it was relocated to the waterfront in St. Ignace, and officially lit in 2006. These days, it functions as a real navigational aid and also makes for a great photo op—especially at sunrise or twilight!
Cut River Bridge Roadside Park
Overview:
Just west of St. Ignace, along US-2, Cut River Bridge Roadside Park is a roadside stop located within the Lake Superior State Forest. It’s best known for its soaring bridge—147 feet above the Cut River Gorge, and if you venture down the 230+ steps beneath it, you’ll discover quiet stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Amenities:
- Picnic tables with charcoal grills
- Vault restrooms
- Hiking trails
- Lake Michigan shoreline access
- Interpretive markers
- Birdwatching opportunities
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Scenic overlooks and photo ops
- Free parking
Address:
US-2, just west of Epoufette, MI (near Naubinway)
One Stop, a Hundred Photo Ops
Cut River Bridge Roadside Park is one of US-2’s most scenic surprises.
The park’s namesake bridge—built in the 1940s—is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan, and its observation points give you sweeping views of the Cut River Gorge, and of Lake Michigan beyond.
A Peaceful Place to Pause
A long stairway leads from down into the shaded valley that was carved by the Cut River. Trails wind beneath the bridge and through dunes, where interpretive signs point out native plants and trees. Picnic tables are scattered around the park, and it’s a great place to pull over for lunch, stretch your legs, or simply enjoy the view. In May, the forest floor blooms with wildflowers like trillium and Dutchman’s breeches. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, especially during spring migration when warblers, hawks, and owls travel along the shoreline.
Father Marquette Mission Park
Overview:
Located adjacent to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, this park honors the legacy of French Jesuit missionary Father Jacques Marquette and sits on the site of his original 1671 mission.
Amenities:
- Historic Father Marquette statue
- Interpretive signage and memorial marker
- Green space
- Picnic tables and benches
- Adjacent to the Museum of Ojibwa Culture (seasonal)
- Access to the Kiwanis Park and Huron Boardwalk (across the street)
- Free parking nearby
A Walk Through History at Father Marquette Mission Park
Just a few steps from the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, this peaceful spot invites you to explore the area’s Native American roots, and to reflect on the legacy of one of Michigan’s most influential figures. At the heart of Father Marquette Mission Park, you’ll find a bronze statue of Father Marquette surrounded by noteworthy exhibits and displays that help to illustrate St. Ignace’s fascinating past.
Uncovering St.Ignace’s History
The real story here is in the details: Marquette’s remains were rediscovered at this spot in 1877, nearly 200 years after his initial burial. Then, after a journey that included being taken to Marquette University, they were finally brought back to St. Ignace in 2022. The reburial ceremony was a powerful moment that featured both Anishinaabe and Jesuit traditions, marking a historic occasion for the entire community.
Know Before You Go
Please note that this site is distinct from the similarly-named Father Marquette Memorial, which is closed for renovations in 2025 and located at Straits State Park.
Kiwanis Beach & Park
Overview:
A local favorite, this beach provides a great place for family time along Lake Huron.
Amenities:
- Sandy beach with swimming access
- Picnic tables and a pavilion
- Free parking
- Huron Boardwalk
Address:
Kiwanis Beach and Park: A Chill Spot with a Cool Historic Vibe
Looking for a great place to unwind? Kiwanis Beach and Park, perched on the edge of Moran Bay, is a local favorite. With a gazebo, picnic tables, and a pavilion, it’s perfect for family picnics or casual hangouts. The grassy areas offer just the right amount of shade, and ample parking makes it super easy. Plus, you can access the Huron Boardwalk directly from Kiwanis Park—this immensely popular wooden trail winds along the shoreline and shopscape of downtown St. Ignace.
But there’s more to Kiwanis Beach than meets the eye: the site holds an important connection to St. Ignace’s history. For centuries, Indigenous communities lived seasonally along these very shores, and in 1671, Father Marquette arrived, establishing a mission for a recently-displaced group of Huron (Wyandot) people, marking the beginning of St. Ignace’s official story.
Fast forward to the early ’60s, and the Kiwanis Club helped to transform the area into the city’s public beach. And with the Museum of Ojibwa Culture located just across the street, visitors are able to learn even more about the history of the area. Make a day of it!
Little Bear East Arena & Grounds
Overview:
Little Bear East is a year-round community hub in St. Ignace—just blocks from the waterfront and downtown. The site includes an indoor ice arena, athletic fields, a fitness center, and multipurpose event spaces that host everything from sports tournaments to car shows.
Amenities:
- Indoor arena with NHL-size ice rink (seasonal)
- Locker rooms and fitness center
- Baseball, softball, and soccer fields
- Pavilion and picnic areas
- Convention and exhibit space
- Walking paths
- Restrooms and ample parking
- Huron Boardwalk Access
- Leashed dogs allowed
Little Bear East: Where St. Ignace Comes to Play
Throughout the year, Little Bear East hosts a full lineup of fun—from hockey tournaments and open skate sessions in the winter to ballgames, local leagues, and community events in the warmer months.
Signature Events & Downtown Access
The outdoor fields and green space behind the arena offer plenty of room to gather, play, and celebrate. Inside, the community center features a convention room and a multipurpose area for meetings, receptions, expos, and even concerts.
It’s also a venue for many of St. Ignace’s most popular annual events, including the Antique Snowmobile Show, Trek the Mac, and the St. Ignace Truck Show. With access to the Huron Boardwalk and walkability to downtown shops and ferry docks, Little Bear is a convenient stop as you explore the area.
Sand Dunes Beach Park
Amenities:
- Beach access
- Limited roadside parking
- No facilities
- Beautiful views
Address:
Sand Dunes Beach: Easy to Get to, Hard to Forget
Located just 12 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge, Sand Dunes Beach offers the perfect spot to unwind and take in the beauty of Lake Michigan. Easily accessible right off US-2, it’s a convenient stop whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay a while. While there are no restrooms or other facilities, the serene atmosphere and stunning views more than make up for it. On windy days, the crashing waves add an exhilarating touch to this peaceful retreat.
Water Wise: Essential Safety Tips for Your Visit
While the beach can be a lot of fun, it’s essential to stay safe. There are no lifeguards on duty, so if you plan to enter the water, make sure you’re aware of the conditions, particularly on windy days when waves can be stronger. Rip currents can be a concern, and the water remains cold, even in late summer. For safety, always keep a close eye on children, and check the weather beforehand and, if possible, go with a buddy.
Keep It Wild, Keep It Clean
The sand dunes are fragile, so please stay on marked paths and avoid driving on them. The Forest Service wants to keep the dunes safe, so no motor vehicles or off-road vehicles are allowed. And don’t forget, pets need to be on a leash to protect the natural space. Your cooperation helps preserve the beauty of this spot for future generations. Tread lightly, respect the environment, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Sand Dunes Beach safely!
Straits State Park
Overview:
This 181-acre park has awesome views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac, and an accessible viewing platform.
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.
Address:
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 upgrades. It is scheduled to reopen in July 2026 with a bright new learning commons, expanded powwow grounds, and an immersive historical experience that will honor the pivotal meeting of French and Native American cultures.