St. Ignace Shopping & Gift Guide
The lake breezes may bite your cheeks and nip your nose,
but our small-town charm will warm your heart.
Welcome to St. Ignace!
Winter arrives early here in the Upper Peninsula. One day you’re sipping cider by the harbor admiring all the fall colors, the next you’re warming your hands around a peppermint mocha, ready to check off as many items from your holiday shopping list as you possibly can.
November and December in St. Ignace have a way of slowing you down just enough to really enjoy the specialness of the season. Windows decorated, air smelling like cinnamon and cocoa, and any local shop might hold a gift that someone will totally love!
Local Favorites for Every List
Treasure Hunting Made Easy
Visit St. Ignace soon, and before you know it, you’ll be strolling around with that “I’m actually ahead on my shopping” feeling (super satisfying).
St. Ignace is packed with shops, nooks, and hidden gems. Lucky for you, we’ve picked a few favorites to kickstart your gift-finding adventures. Think of this as a cheat sheet for charming, totally St. Ignace-approved treasures:
A holiday favorite since 1971, Das Gift Haus is overflowing with personal, charming finds. Great Lakes pint glasses, Minnetonka moccasins, Willow Tree figurines, and scented candles all live here, and yes — everything can be gift-wrapped. Perfect for checking items off your list without breaking a sweat.
This is your sparkle stop, offering signature Mackinac Bridge designs, along with fine jewelry items that make timeless gifts, while a massive Polish pottery selection lets you pair all that beauty with practicality. No matter what you pick, you’ll be thrilled to say, “I found it in St. Ignace!”
Up North cabin vibes provide the gift-giving inspiration in this distinctive downtown location (look for the lovely green building on State Street). Don’t miss the delicious treats like maple syrup, smoked fish, and candy. Vintage and antique finds are offered as well as locally-made art, snacks, and there’s even a coffee bar to keep you upbeat while you shop.
This shop offers an ever-changing selection of vintage goods and genuine antiques in addition to ceramics, textiles, and locally crafted art. For something larger, this is your place for unique vintage furniture items. Add a bag of Drummond Island Coffee, and you’ve got a combo that’s sure to be appreciated.
Take a short drive west along Highway 2 for a shopping experience that’s a little bit of a gallery and a little bit of a time capsule. You can share that undeniable Upper Peninsula spirit with thoughtful gifts of Native American–made art, giftable prints, crystals, and many other keepsakes. Can’t make the trip? Their online shop will deliver all that goodness right to your door.
Perk Up in St. Ignace
You know, all that shopping, twinkling lights, and decision-making call for a well-deserved pick-me-up. St. Ignace has you covered with caffeinated options that keep hands warm and tummies happy. Here’s a few to get you started:
Boardwalk Coffee & General Store
Espresso, cocoa, pastries, cozy soups…need we go on? Oh yes—we also love their jams, salsas, and baking mixes. Choose a little something to take home, then grab a seat, sip your drink, and watch St. Ignace do its slow, peaceful thing.
Coffee nerds, rejoice! Every cup here is top-notch—drip, lattes, cappuccinos, chai, you name it. Better yet, they’ve teamed up with local-favorite BC Pizza for a specialty menu that pairs perfectly with any drink you happen to choose. Feeling like something a bit stronger? They also serve Scottish ale and other beverages to keep things interesting.
🫐 Wild Blueberry Bakery: a Sweet Spot on the Straits
Keep an eye out for the colorful sign and follow the scent of fresh pastries inside. This local fave serves breakfast and lunch alongside espresso drinks, bagels, muffins, donuts, and other delectable treats. Most likely, You’ll walk in for coffee and walk out with a dozen (possibly donut-y) reasons to come back.
Taste the Straits from Anywhere
We get it — not everyone can make the journey, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send a little St. Ignace love. Between savory bites and decadent sweets, it’s never been easier to give a gift that actually tastes like the north, even from far away.
Massey’s Fish Company ships smoked whitefish starting in November, and Mackinac Straits Fish Company offers smoked fish, locally infused oils, vinegars, and more. Murdick’s Fudge ships too — though if you’re in town, do stop in to see it all firsthand— there’s just something so festive about fudge. Or, for a taste of hand-held comfort, both Lehto’s and Sposito’s deliver classic beef, chicken, or vegetable pasties to nearby states.
Planning Your St. Ignace Shopping Getaway: What to Expect
First of all, St. Ignace in the late fall and early winter is…mellow. It’s slow enough that you can enjoy wandering downtown, fast enough that you’re sure to stumble upon something new. If you’ve only ever been here in the summer, consider this your invitation to experience St. Ignace in a whole new way!
A Sample Winter Shopping Weekend in St. Ignace
Day 1: Touchdown & Take It In
Check in, drop your bags, and get yourself something warm and delicious that officially says you’ve made it Up North. Take a slow stroll downtown, peek into the shop windows, and watch the harbor lights appear over the Straits as the sun goes down.
When dinner time rolls around, you’ll find places serving everything from pasta to perch. Locals love Jose’s Cantina for lakeside tacos, and also Fred’s Up North Dining & Truck Stop for classics like Whitefish, Country-fried Steak, Pasties, and so much more!
Day 2: Windows, Walks, and Whatever Catches Your Eye
Start your day with a solid breakfast (bonus points if there’s cinnamon or peppermint involved), then head out to explore the shops. Choose a Mackinac Bridge charms, find the perfect hand-thrown pottery piece, or discover something beautifully unexpected—it’s all possible when you shop in St. Ignace.
Make sure to pay a visit to the Historic Totem Village located just off Highway 2, and if you feel like driving even further west, you’ll be treated to more amazing lake views!
After a local lunch of your choosing, grab a cappuccino and then just see where the afternoon takes you. (We’ve got some great trails…)
For evening fun, Kewadin Shores Casino & Hotel (also a great stay choice) has on-site dining, entertainment, and the just-right dose of excitement for a memorable night out. If your mood’s more flannel-than-fanfare, swing by Salty Mac for a tall glass of Scottish Ale and a room packed with local chatter.
Day 3: Sweet Goodbyes
One more coffee, one more cinnamon roll, and a few deep breaths of that crisp northern air before heading home. The lake will be right there, sparkling, and you’ll promise yourself, “Next time, we stay longer.”
👉Seasonal Tip: Many local restaurants and shops close after October, while others stay open right through winter. It’s always best to check ahead to make sure your favorites are open and ready whenever you arrive.
👉Pro Tip: Pack warm layers and waterproof boots. Those lake breezes can be strong, even in early winter; sidewalks can be slushy.
🛏 Sleep Where You Shop
Want to turn holiday shopping into a true getaway? St. Ignace has great stays that offer maximum relaxation. Hampton Inn St. Ignace Lakefront Mackinac has bright rooms and gorgeous harbor views, putting you steps from downtown and all the shops you’ll want to explore. Breakers Resort & Beach Bar gives you lakeside scenery and easy access to town favorites, while Super 8 by Wyndham St. Ignace keeps it simple with comfy rooms and great bridge views. The Voyager Inn is a no-frills, conveniently located choice that allows you to spend more on gifts and treats than on your hotel bill.
If you love a place with personality, the Colonial House Inn is open downtown year-round and is full of historic charm. The Quality Inn offers free breakfast in a location that makes morning drives to downtown easy. The Pines Motel has a low-key vibe just a short walk from many of the different shops. Stay even one night, and you’ll find yourself pacing your day, sipping coffee slowly, and feeling fully wrapped up in the season, St. Ignace style!
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