The Saint Ignace center point is around 2 miles northeast of Mackinac County Airport and 3 miles north of Father Marquette National.
There's something to do every season in Saint Ignace. If you want to enjoy fun on the water, beautiful beaches, and local festivals, visit in the summer. Saint Ignace provides free concerts and a wide variety of themed events throughout these warm months. Many of the resorts also offer private beaches or are close to a local beach, and the ferry to Mackinac Island runs several times a day during the summer. While the town may be more crowded, the sunny season has the most recreational activities, including movies and music in the park several times a week.
If you want to visit during a less crowded time of year but still experience many of the entertainment options fall provides, consider visiting in September or October. As the leaves change, St. Ignace transitions into a more casual pace, and the cooler weather is perfect for a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk or a hike in Hiawatha National Forest. It's also a great time to visit the many museums and historical sites located in and around Saint Ignace because there are fewer people visiting the city.
Winter brings its own fun in St. Ignace. The city hosts a leg of the MSXRA snow-cross races each February, inviting snowmobile racers to fly through an incredibly difficult course. Cross-country skiing is available just a few miles away, and Silver Mountain Hill is open for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. Winter also has its own festivals and celebrations, including events for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Because winter is popular in Saint Ignace, hotel prices likely won't be discounted, but there are still a variety of great options for your stay.
While not directly in Saint Ignace, the Hamilton Inn Select Beachfront in Mackinaw City is less than 10 miles away. The beachfront hotel offers both AAA and AARP discounts as well as a credit to your account if you choose to decline room service and help with their conservation efforts. In addition to a private beach, the Hamilton Inn Select has an indoor pool and spa area, unlimited access to three indoor waterparks, and a deluxe fitness center with a tanning capsule. The hotel also has a free 25-foot breakfast buffet every morning.
Another excellent hotel option is the Super 8 St. Ignace. This hotel offers discounts of up to 15 percent for AARP members, AAA members, government employees and their family members, and seniors. The Super 8 also offers great group rates if you book 10 or more hotel rooms, so this hotel is an ideal place for a family get-together or a wedding group. The hotel has a free breakfast, an indoor pool and spa area, and rooms with balconies and views of the Mackinac Bridge. The location is also convenient; the hotel is just minutes from the ferries to Mackinac Island, Lake Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls, and more.
If you're looking for value in your hotel, the Voyager Inn in St. Ignace is a good option. This affordable hotel still provides some high-end amenities, such as an indoor pool and spa area and free breakfast. The Voyager Inn also provides a free casino and ferry shuttle with discounted ferry tickets. If you're coming in the winter months, you can enjoy the convenience of their on-site ATV and snowmobile rental service to hit the trails for some relaxation and sightseeing.
Another quality option in Saint Ignace is the Quality Inn Lakefront Hotel. You're just a few steps away from the beach on Lake Huron and only a 15-minute ferry ride to Mackinac Island. Many of the hotel's guest rooms have lake views and you can enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers a shuttle to the nearby Pellston Regional Airport for a small fee. If the beach isn't your thing, the indoor pool and sauna area offers another opportunity for relaxation and comfort.
St. Ignace has a huge variety of attractions that anyone can enjoy, from the solo traveler to the family group. If you're interested in a unique view of the history and natural features of the area, try the Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tour. Operating from May through October, this two-hour tour visits two unique shipwrecks, including a fully intact wooden sailing ship, and also visits several natural and historic landmarks.
For a stunning view of Lake Huron and Mackinac Island, visit Castle Rock. One of the oldest lookout points near St. Ignace, Castle Rock has been open to the public since 1929. The lookout is family- and pet-friendly, and you can explore the attached gift shop that has a birch bark ceiling and walls crafted by Native Americans in the 1950s. You can also visit one of the many Straits of Mackinac lighthouses. Tours are available to explore both active and historic sites.
If you're looking for a little more adventure, consider exploring one of the local trails and parks. St. Ignace is conveniently located close to Hiawatha National Forest and the North Country Trail, which both offer stunning views and educational opportunities throughout the majority of the year. Hiawatha National Forest, in particular, is home to a unique ecosystem that gives visitors the ability to experience a wide array of habitats. Their education center is a must-see stop, and six local lighthouses provide hikers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the maritime culture of the area.
Whether you're headed to St. Ignace for a relaxing summer vacation or a sport-filled winter getaway, you'll find events and destinations that everyone will love. Conveniently located close to Mackinac Island, with a wide variety of recreational options, food choices, and beaches, St. Ignace is an ideal spot to enjoy the natural world. This popular spot has fun-filled activities no matter what time of year you choose to visit the town. And with a ton of lodging options, from practical and affordable to luxury resorts with private beaches, there's something for everyone in St. Ignace!
Below are reviews of the city of Saint Ignace, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
Clyde's Drive In had great cheeseburgers, fries and malts.
We went to Mackinaw Island nearby. Great location.