The 17 best things to do with kids in Saint Ignace

Stopping in to check this out was a smart decision! There is no charge to walk the grounds and go through the building, but there is a donation box. I suggest dropping a couple of $20's in the box. Supporting any museum is a good cause in my book. The gift shop area is full of locally handmade items such as dream catchers, knives, jewelry, etc. The ladies behind the counter were very friendly and helpful. The artistry and craftsmanship of the items for sale are amazing! It was well worth stopping by and spending some time here!

I can't say enough about how exceptional this cultural museum is. I was there for hours and could have stayed longer. The information and resources available are wonderful. The book shop selections are extensive. The outdoor gardens and sculpture park are great. I especially liked the medicine wheel garden. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well.

Excellent educational opportunity to learn about both the Ojibwa culture/history and some information about Father Maquette. The indoor exhibits way back need better lighting but the other displays and videos were very very good. The store across the street (on the lake shoreline) has some great views and is stuffed with tshirts and trinkets etc. including a large selection of moccasins.

Excellent museum. Very clean, great displays, a lot of native history and friendly staff. No admission price but accept donations to keep the museum open.

The Museum of Ojibwa Culture is both enlightening and somber. The museum is donation based, self-guided, has some videos to watch, and includes interesting artifacts. It is small but teaches quite a bit. The outside has informational plaques, buildings, metal artwork that explains traditions and several gardens. The first time I went, I wondered why I never learned about this in school. As an adult, I knew the information, but this museum told the story of the Ojibway people in a factual way that I had never heard before. It made me get curious and ask more questions. Later while co-teaching a 7th grade social studies class, we spent 3 days on all things “Indian”; Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act. I can see how I might not remember content from my own 7th grade social studies class. The self-guided aspect of the inside museum and the grounds allows for reflection. Each time I visit, I find something new to learn. This space is wheelchair accessible for the museum. The outside buildings and gardens are spread out without a path.

A good look at what was taken and who was lifted after the genocide of MANY first Nation peoples. None of the atrocious things like cutting out the tongue of any speaking their native language - how many buried at this museum? Left with a heavy heart.

Nicely maintained small museum with informative displays both indoors and on the grounds. They also have a good selection of books for purchase related to the history and cultures of the local native populations. Admission is by donation.

Currently looks like it is being renovated by a new owner. The building has a closed sign on it and they have dumpsters out front that are being filled up.

Not ran good. Wouldn't recommend

Bugs are so bad here- so bad that you cant walk without being in a cloud of them and the closer the the boardwalk then closer to the lighthouse you got the worse it became! Bug spray helps with bites but does nothing for walking directly into the clouds. Unfortunate because it really is a nice walk and beautiful lighthouse.

The view was absolutely amazing! The surrounding area was super beautiful, and the lake nearby was just perfect. The whole place had such a peaceful and beautiful vibe. An amazing spot to visit great experience overall. Definitely don’t miss it!

I absolutely loved this place! Gorgeous views, a calm and very family friendly place. There is a splash pad, benches and even a cool sun clock.

Cute little lighthouse with some information provided on the boardwalk. There is a massive collection of bugs around the base of the lighthouse and the telescope there does not adjust and the lens is dirty.

Our recent visit was a return visit from a couple years ago. Still a great place to walk around with some amazing history, but this year the engine was missing from the tracks and some of the pictures are getting brittle and/or fading from the sunlight. This park presents an important part of our history to the next generations. I hope there is funding to bring the rail car back and re-generate the pictures on display.

A nice lighthouse way Up here in Michigan.

A distinctive and prominent landmark of the area. Well worth a visit if only just to get photos in front of it.

As of July 6, 2024 the park has its entrance blocked off for repairs to the memorial. However, at the Straights State Park ranger station they informed me that it was ok to enter. It is about a quarter of a mile walk to the site. A low frills place even before the museum burned down the memorial could use major renovation, but it is in a wonderful location and the interpretative trial intersects with some great views of the straits and bridge. Likely not worth a trip in itself but if you are in the St. Ignace area it’s nice place to pay respects to one of Michigan’s founders.

Admission here is included with Straits (or any other) State Park though, to be completely honest, we saw one other vehicle in the lot when we pulled up, and they were gone by the time we left about 30 minutes later. There's a couple different places where you can get a pretty decent, unobstructed view of Mighty Mac. We followed what appeared to be a trail at the southern end, but it kind of opened up into a field which didn't entirely feel like it was part of the park, so we turned back around. In hindsight, it looks like you could walk all the way down to Bridge View Park, though you'd have to cross at least one intersection and walk along the road for a short distance. The memorial to Fr. Marquette was also quite informative, discussing the really early history of French exploration in the area, including on down the Mississippi.

This is a nice little park with hiking. There are some historical signs to read in a little pavilion. There is a scenic overlook of the bridge. There are restrooms. There is a cool map where you can see the journeys of Father Marquette.

This park seemed unappreciated. We saw no other cars in the parking lot when we came and left. Walking about 15 or less you get to some great views of the Mackinaw bridge thru the trees.

Learn a little about history. French explorer. He mapped the Mississippi River. Beautiful park, nestled in the nature. Easy trail loop with information signs about native plants, scenic look out. The memorial monument talks about the trip. Benches, picnic tables. A must stop.

Awesome place to visit beautiful walkways awesome parking and the views are spectacular and to us Native American people this is called Turtle back it is where we hold our yearly Pow Wow with the Mac people and salt tribe

Nice small National Park area to learn about Father Marquette and his explorations in the late 1600s. Took us about 1 hr to get through the informational walking trail and to see the memorial. A good place for a quick stop while traveling through. The National Passport book stamp is a short drive to the campsite office while buildings are closed for COVID. Views of the Mackinac bridge at an overlook on the walking trail.

Beautiful park. Has lake access that is safe to swim in. Public toilets, covered event space, gazebo, band stand seating, & a kids playground. I would have rated higher, but the kids' play structure had a swarm of bees around the main play structure. This makes it unsafe, especially if allergic to bees

This was a great park and beach for my kiddos, 5 and 7. It is well maintained and clean and even has an spf dispenser. It was a very welcomed way to keep the kids occupied for about an hour or so. Beautiful views!

The park was very nice and friendly. My family and I had a great time not only was the park area in good shape the view was amazing. It was a awesome view of lake Michigan.

What a fun playground for kids! There is a long ramp for kids to walk up, or there are stairs to get onto the play structure, too. There are a lot of slides, and there is a tic tac toe. There are a couple pavilions, and some bleachers. There is a nice beach area, too.

Nice little "beach" with a park and great views of Mackinac Island and the Wawatam Lighthouse. Took our dog for a leashed paddle in the Lake - wasn't very crowded either of the times we were there. Cute little pitstop before you head further downtown St.Ignace.

Kiwanis beach was closed because of salmonella so we went down the road to American Legion Park. It has a gravel beach with larger stones once you get in the water, but the kids enjoyed it anyway.

Very well maintained park right off the main road. Nice beach area and paved paths to walk along that were with very clean!

My children enjoyed this beautiful beach. It's a nice 1 to go back to.

Cute little park to sit and relax for awhile! The view is very pretty, you can see Mackinac island in the distance, and watch the boats come & go. There is a boardwalk that goes quite a ways, makes for a nice walk👍🏻😊

Great place to see the Saturday night fireworks they set off almost every Saturday during the summer months

Love this little park!! It's right in town so lots going on around you, and you can sit n watch the boats coming from & going to the island. We like to get pasties and come eat them here at a picnic table.. there's also a boardwalk that goes a good distance along the water

It's a nice little sand beach that allows a nice walk-in to the harbor. As with most of the local coastline, the water is so clear you can't believe it. Yes, it's chilly (even at the end of July), but once you get past the initial shock, it's quite pleasant. There's a little kayak rental shop there, too. Not cheap, but $35/3 hours and $10/hour after. If he's not there, just call the number on the stand and he'll be there in 5 minutes. Today, we did a combination of kayaking and swimming.

So much fun. So clean and clear. The beach area itself isn't really big but it doesn't need to be. The water obviously is cold and it's hard to first get in its kind of sharp rocky area but totally worth it.

Cute little beach!!! Great spot for taking photos and enjoying the water for a little while

Small museum in downtown Saint Ignace with a surprisingly good display of regional information and historical artifacts. Well worth the visit. Friendly helpful staff. Free admission. Relies on donations.

Dedicate at least 2 hours to going through and reading the exhibits. I have been to the museum at the crazy horse monument in south dakota and the collection in St. Ignace is on par with theirs. A must see attraction that's great for a rainy day.

It was an interesting place to visit. Since the bridge was closed due to 45 mile an hour winds. I had never been to Michigan to visit. I was visiting everything I could each and everything I could each day.

Hey it's a free museum! Small, a little outdated and has a bit of a church basement smell, but otherwise it was a nice time killer for us! We have never been in before!

Fun place! You'll learn some history and maybe have a few chuckles too!

A small free museum with a very good presentation of the history and artifacts of region. Friendly staff. It is definitely worth visiting.

What an interesting and well put together time line with local artifacts. Can't wait to see what they can do with their new building that is coming.

Bridge View Park is an absolute gem for anyone visiting the area or just looking for a peaceful, well-maintained place to unwind. The biggest highlight is, of course, the breathtaking views of the Mackinac Bridge—you can capture incredible photos from several vantage points across the park. Whether you’re into photography, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with a view, this place delivers. The restrooms were impressively clean and clearly well-maintained, which made our visit even more comfortable. It's something you don’t always find in public parks, and it definitely stood out here. What I really appreciated was how the park blends natural beauty with local history. There are historic buildings and informative markers throughout the area that guide you through the significance of the Straits region. It’s like a walking tour through time—engaging, educational, and perfect for families or curious travelers. There are also plenty of rest areas with benches and shaded spots, so you can relax, picnic, or just sit and watch the freighters pass through. Everything feels thoughtfully laid out and accessible for all ages.

Drove to the Mackinac Bridge for the first time while in northern Michigan. Seen it in the morning darkness, lighted,it was amazing. Stayed until daylight to see it. It was well with the drive. Just an amazing Bridge the main cable masts are much taller than I thought. If you get the oppertunity to go see it go.

Parked here for the 2025 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk. Great close parking for handicapped, and closer than any place else for non-handicapped. No fee. Beautiful weather, and almost everyone was wonderful. Heard 33,000 people participated in the bridge walk this year. I would highly recommend it! I took my rollator and was able to get from St Ignace to the 1st pillar and back (approximately 2 miles, in each direction). The bridge really sways, even in calm weather, so if you have problems with motion, you may want to take your medication before you go. Fun was had by all!

A pleasant stop with a fantastic view of the entire bridge, It was very clean and had plenty of parking. We sat and enjoyed a nice lunch on an incredibly beautiful fall afternoon. It was a perfect break on our drive heading home from Paradise.

Such a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy a closer view of the bridge from! Very clean and well taken care of. Just wish we had visited sooner!

Absolutely loved our time at Bridge View Park! The view of the Mackinac Bridge is breathtaking—truly a sight to behold. The park offers a perfect spot for relaxing by the water, enjoying the scenery, and spending quality time with family or friends. The rocky shoreline and grassy areas are great for picnics and exploration, and the view of the bridge is just stunning. Highly recommend visiting for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Michigan’s Great Lakes and iconic landmarks. We can't wait to come back!

This bridge was truly a sight to see! My children woke up from their naps just in time to soak in the breathtaking view—it felt like perfect timing. We captured some beautiful footage and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge on our way to the island. It was not only scenic but also memorable. We’re already looking forward to visiting again, God willing. A must-see if you’re in Michigan!

The campsites were nicely sized and clean with large, safe, slightly elevated fire pits. It was nice having electricity, as a tent camper it isn't always an option. The bathhouses were very clean and dry, and I like how there was a large utility sink outside so people could wash dishes or anything else. There were a few different trails to take, which were nice and not muddy or overgrown. The beach is very rocky, but that view that close to the Mackinaw Bridge is unforgettable. I will definitely be returning to this park in the future!

Camping in a Boreal Forest - Loved it! Great individual sites. Nice small town feel - could ride bikes into town & almost anywhere. Plenty of trails for hiking. The two Great Lakes of Huron & Michigan made it feel like a coastal town on the ocean. Highly recommend it.

Underrated park, it’s worth the stop! Awesome views of the bridge from the beach and also from atop a hill, they have a wooden staircase leading up to the viewing platform (bring a quarter if you want to use it) and some plaques describing the bridge’s history. There’s a sizable campground, parking for tourists to snap pics, and even some (very) short woodsy hiking trails.

Purely MAGICAL and a must see! This was on my bucket list to see the view of the bridge and that was breathtaking, however, everywhere around there is simply gorgeous. The campground along the beach is amazing and I would stay there for weeks and weeks!

We are all the way from Idaho, this was THE BEST campsite I have ever stayed at. So beautiful, so clean! Full bathrooms and showers! And plenty of them to go around. AMAZING views of Mighty Mac! When back in the UP again, will definitely be staying again!!

Sometimes Mother Nature is all the therapy you need! Steep hills and thick terrain can make hiking or bike riding a bit more challenging at Straits State Park but the views are worth it. Rustic camp sites along the shore of clear Lake Huron with the mighty Mackinac Bridge are truly priceless! If you’re about the lifestyle, you will love it! Peaceful and quiet! Only downsides are some sites are unleveled and prone to flooding and bathrooms are not throughout. Overall a must see!

Nice campground set up nicely for all kinds of campers from tents to big rigs. Electric only. Sanitation dump station and also fresh water fill. Bathrooms and showers are nice. Right on the lake looking at the Mackinaw Bridge.

We took the first ferry of the day! It was cool and the birds were singing! The grounds are absolutely beautiful! The staff are friendly too! We purchased our tickets in advance and were able to get right in line! Very smooth process and we head from St.Ignace to Mackinac Island!

Great Service. Love how they provide shuttle service to almost every hotel/ stay in the area. I would highly recommend asking your hotel if they can contact shepler’s shuttle service to pick you up so that you can save $15 of parking fee. The shuttle services are every 5 minutes and ferry service every 30 minutes. Tickets are 38 per person for adults. You can buy the tickets on site. They also offer a scenic detour under the mackinac bridge at few timings in the morning. Check it out on their website.

Great ferry service! We got an early ride to do the bridge tour, which is so worth it! The crew was helpful and kind. They had a recording play for information & instructions, my kids laughed so much when it mentioned twice to please not forget your children! The ferries are clean, the trip is quick and the ride is fun!

The staff- very professional and friendly. The Ride- smooth on the inside going. Fun and wind whipped on the upper deck coming back. Loved the shuttle service to and from our hotel!

Hands down best Ferry service to the island,took bags right when we pulled in the lot.Asked where were staying on the island checked bags told enjoy your ferry ride we will take it from here. Got bags to the Hotel.Off site parking was a breeze picked me up dropped off right at the boat same when returned back.

Went to Mackinac Island for our 15th anniversary. The ferry ride was great and about 15 minutes long. Had a great view of the Mackinac Bridge from the ferry.

Free shuttle service from RV Campground and roundtrack cost to Mackinac Island was $41. Had many arrival and departure times to choose from which made short wait times each way.

Nice little stroll through st Ignace, next to lake Huron.

The chocolates are soooooo good! My friends and I got many different treats there and everything was so good! The little gift shop area was cute and had some really unique gifts.

This used to be our favorite fudge Shop, never went anywhere else! New owners, no more homemade taffy, caramel corn all hulls and seeds, very commercialized now looks like a lot of the premade commercial shops in Mackinaw City. Miss Cindy and her delicious fudge, taffy and caramel corn. Won't be back.

Great little, friendly chocolate shop. Great selection, and very friendly staff, the 3 cheese popcorn is my favorite, the chocolates are hard to turn down. Again favorites are turtles and coconut clusters. Only place in town to get real soft ice cream. Will be a for sure stop when I am down to visit family..

Who doesn't love pick-your-own-local- Taffy, chocolate seafoam, chocolate bark, fudge and real butter popped popcorn??? My friend and I made this our destination so I could visit the U.P/ cross the bridge for the 1st time with limited time to travel farther while staying on Long Lake. It was amazing and delicious and The woman who runs the little shop is amazing!! There's also a SUPER cool local goods shop next door. Please celebrate delicious local owners... visit, but stuff and share your awesome experiences!!

Great little shop for souvenirs or your sweet tooth. There are a variety of items to choose from. The "Trippleberry" jam is delicious!

Cute locally owned and made fudge and candy store! They have everything you could possibly want for your candy needs. I will definitely be back!

This such a neat shop! We bought some candy and fudge. I highly recommend stopping by!

We waited over an hour and unfortunately got desperate enough to try and chase down the trolley in our vehicle. Unfortunately for our children the trolls blew right through the " trolley stop" points anyhow. How is it if they dont stop at any designated stop locations they are still that far behind? Terrible servser

Trolley pulled in to where the stop is and did a drive by, didn't even stop long enough for me and my toddler to walk 10 ft, then waited over an hour for another, but one never came so we left.

Ridiculous... every 20 minutes ... yeah right... car show weekend and only one trolley going ... and way too far to walk back to our hotel 🤯

The worst service. Close it down. 2 hours and still waiting. If you do not know what you are doing let somebody else do it

Friendly staff. Always a pleasure going in the office.

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