Looking for a gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula filled with lakeside charm, ferry rides, and outdoor adventure? Head to St. Ignace! Located right at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace offers stunning waterfront views, Native American history, and easy access to Mackinac Island. Whether you're into lighthouses, fishing, or scenic drives, St. Ignace is a perfect starting point for your UP adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St. Ignace is from late spring through early fall (May through October). Summer is ideal for ferry rides, hiking, and festivals, while fall showcases brilliant foliage along the lakeshore. Winters can be snowy and quiet, ideal for those seeking solitude or snowmobiling adventures.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: St. Ignace is located at the northern end of I-75, just across the Mackinac Bridge, about 4–5 hours north of Detroit.
- By Air: Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) near Sault Ste. Marie is the nearest regional airport, about an hour away.
- By Ferry: Ferry services from St. Ignace offer quick access to Mackinac Island, making it a popular hub for island day-trippers.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront – Comfortable hotel right on the water with beautiful views, an outdoor pool, and ferry shuttle service.
- Bayside Hotel of St. Ignace – Lakeside hotel offering cozy accommodations with easy ferry access and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Cedar Hill Lodge – Family-friendly lodging with spacious rooms, a pool, and great access to town and outdoor recreation areas.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Marvel at the Mighty Mackinac Bridge
Walk, drive, or snap a photo of one of the longest suspension bridges in the world
The Mackinac Bridge or Big Mac is a suspension bridge over the Straits of Mackinac, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Until the bridge was completed, the peninsulas were connected by ferries. The 26,372-foot-long bridge opened in 1957 and is the 22nd-longest main span in the world and the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
The Mackinac Bridge is part of Interstate 75. It is also the Lakes Michigan and Huron components of the Great Lakes Circle Tour and a segment of the U.S. North Country National Scenic Trail. The bridge connects the village of Mackinaw City on its south end with the city of St. Ignace on the north end.
Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace, Michigan, Map
⮕ Camp, Hike, and Unwind at Straits State Park
Scenic trails, bridge views, and family-friendly campsites just steps from Lake Huron’s shore
Straits State Park is located in St. Ignace, Mackinac County, Michigan, on the northern shore of the Straits of Mackinac. The Father Marquette National Memorial and park is located within the park. The park is great place for viewing the Mackinac Bridge. Straits State Park was established in 1924 as a day park.
The park was redesigned in the mid-1940s to include 32 tent campsites on the shores of the Straits of Mackinac. There are three playgrounds in the park. Swimming is allowed in the park, but there is no actual beach area and the coast is quite rocky. The two picnic areas are located near the parking area and playground, and the bridge overlook and they both have several grills, picnic tables, and water fountains. There are several hiking trails through the park.
Straits State Park , 720 Church St, St Ignace, MI 49781, Phone: 906-643-8620, Map
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Shine a Light on Adventure at Wawatam Lighthouse
A charming lakeside beacon with panoramic views and a perfect picnic stop
Wawatam Lighthouse is a modern automated lighthouse in the Straits of Mackinac guarding the harbor of St. Ignace, Michigan. It was originally built in 1998 near Monroe, Michigan as an iconic roadside attraction. it was built as a functional lighthouse structure but far away from navigational waters. When the Michigan Department of Transportation decided to demolish it as obsolete, the state government decided to dismantle it and move to a more useful location.
St. Ignace civic leaders learned of its availability and applied to have it installed in St. Ignace. The lighthouse was disassembled into five pieces and moved more than 330 miles by truck, from Monroe to East Moran Bay in St. Ignace. It was first lit in St. Ignace as an aid to navigation in August 2006.
Wawatam Lighthouse, St Ignace, MI 49781, Phone: 906-643-8717, Map
⮕ Defy Gravity at the Mystery Spot
Tilted rooms, mind-bending fun, and a dose of roadside weirdness you won’t forget
Mystery Spot is an area of about 300 feet in diameter near St. Ignace, Michigan, where gravity seems to be not acting as anywhere else. It all started in the early 1950s when surveyors who were exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula noticed that their equipment did not work properly in one particular area.
They called it ‘mystery spot.” The owners of the property realized the great potential this ‘mysterious spot’ presents, so they started offering tours, built a maze, zip lines, mini golf and a gift shop and tourists started coming in thousands. Some reported that they looked shorter inside of the ‘mystery area’ than outside. Others said that they felt queasy and light-headed inside. Nobody could resist mystery where gravity does not work. The explanation, which was quite simple, did not interest anyone. There are no supernatural forces at work and no spacecraft buried underground. It is just shifted, angled earth that makes the surroundings, when seen from the area, appear to defy gravity.
Mystery Spot, N916 Martin Lake Rd, St Ignace, MI 49781, Phone: 906-643-8322, Map
⮕ Play Big at Kewadin Casinos - St. Ignace
Slot machines, table games, and live entertainment with an unmistakably Northern Michigan vibe
Kewadin Casinos and Hotel near St. Ignace, Michigan, is located at the Gateway to the Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Huron. The casino is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and it offers a range of Vegas-style gaming, including Blackjack, Poker, Let It Ride, Roulette, Craps, 3-Card Poker, Live Keno and over 900 slot machines. The casino includes a 25,000-square foot gaming floor with slots and table games, a 30,000-square foot entertainment area, an 81-room hotel, the large upscale Horseshoe Bay Restaurant, the Whitetail Sports bar, the Northern Pines Lounge, and the Campfire Deli. The casino is owned by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Kewadin Casinos , 3015 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace, MI 49781, Phone: 906-643-7071, Map
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Take a ferry to Mackinac Island – Ride a ferry from downtown St. Ignace to visit the famous car-free island full of historic sites and horse-drawn carriages.
- Visit Castle Rock – Climb the stairs to this natural limestone tower for sweeping views of Mackinac Island and Lake Huron.
- Learn at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture – Discover the deep Native American roots of the region through exhibits and cultural programs.
- Stroll the St. Ignace Boardwalk – Enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront with views of the harbor, lighthouses, and passing ferries.
Where to Eat
- B.C. Pizza – Family-friendly spot known for hearty pizzas, subs, and a casual atmosphere right near the waterfront.
- Java Joe’s Café – Quirky local favorite for hearty breakfasts, great coffee, and fun décor — perfect for a laid-back morning.
- The Galley Restaurant – Classic diner-style restaurant offering fresh fish, homemade pies, and hearty comfort food.
If you are interested in local events:
- St. Ignace Car Show Weekend (June) – One of the largest antique, custom, and classic car shows in the Midwest with parades, cruises, and exhibitions.
- Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk (September) – Join thousands walking the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge with stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac.
- Fish Feast (August) – Celebrate fresh fish, music, games, and family fun along the waterfront downtown.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of St. Ignace, Michigan:
- Mackinac Island (20 min ferry) – Visit this car-free island to explore Fort Mackinac, bike the shoreline, and savor famous fudge.
- Whitefish Point and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (1 hour) – Learn about maritime history and view dramatic Lake Superior shores.
- Les Cheneaux Islands (45 min) – Explore beautiful channels and islands by kayak or boat near Cedarville and Hessel.
- Mill Creek Discovery Park (20–25 min) – Hike scenic trails, tour a historic sawmill, or try ziplining adventures just outside Mackinaw City.
- Cheboygan (45 min) – Stroll riverfront parks, visit lighthouses, or enjoy local breweries and cafes in this charming lakeside town.
- Brevoort Lake and Recreation Area (30 min) – Fish, swim, or camp at this peaceful inland lake surrounded by forest beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is St. Ignace located?
- St. Ignace is a city near the tip of the Michigan Upper Peninsula, on the northern side of the Straits of Mackinac.
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What body of water is St. Ignace located on?
- The city is located on the shore of Lake Huron at one end of the Mackinac Bridge, serving as the gateway to exploring the Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island.
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What Native American tribe has its headquarters in St. Ignace?
- The Mackinac Band of Chippewa Indians has headquarters in St. Ignace and owns Kewadin Casinos and Hotel.
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What is significant about the Mackinac Bridge?
- The Mackinac Bridge, which connects St. Ignace with Mackinaw City, is one of the longest bridges in the world.
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Where is the best place to view the Mackinac Bridge?
- The best place to see the bridge is Straits State Park, located on the northern shore of the Straits of Mackinac.
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What lighthouse is in St. Ignace?
- The Wawatam Lighthouse is guarding the harbor of St. Ignace in the Straits of Mackinac.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures with fewer crowds.
Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn – A charming stay with views of Lake Huron.
Visit Castle Rock – Climb for a panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for island trips.
Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront – A top-rated stay with stunning waterfront views.
Take a ferry to Mackinac Island – Enjoy biking, fudge shops, and horse-drawn carriages.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant autumn colors.
Sunset Motel on the Bay – A cozy lakefront option with beautiful sunset views.
Drive the Tunnel of Trees – Experience breathtaking fall foliage along M-119.
Winter (December-February) – Cold and great for winter sports.
K Royale Lakefront Inn – A budget-friendly stay with easy access to winter activities.
Snowmobile in the Upper Peninsula – Explore scenic trails through snow-covered forests.
Map:
Plan Your Trip