5 Things to Do in St. Ignace this October

St. Ignace is your gateway to the Upper Peninsula. Experience the beloved small town this October on a fall color tour.

Hop on a Trolley Bar Crawl

Join the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau for the first-ever Tipsy Trolley Bar Crawl! This brand new event on Saturday, October 5 is the perfect start to your U.P. adventure. With beautiful fall foliage, a quaint downtown atmosphere and delicious snacks and beverages at seven different locations, you’ll get a taste for St. Ignace. Your ticket includes a bar crawl T-shirt, food and drink coupons to be redeemed at any restaurant and $10 free slot play at Kewadin Casino.

Go for a Cruise

The Straits of Mackinac is full of gorgeous scenery, historic lighthouses, dreamy islands and so much more. Although the view from land is spectacular on its own, there is no better experience than to see it from the waters themselves on either a Shepler’s or Star Line ferry. Whatever attraction you’re most excited about, there is a cruise to see it best. Lighthouse cruises, sunset cruises and even cruises to view fireworks and night sky patterns are among many exciting ways to get on the straits. Check out the schedules for Shepler’s and Star Line. (Note, most cruises only offered through September, though Shepler’s does offer “Mighty Mac Departures” through October 31. The narrated trip takes about 25 minutes and takes passengers under the Mackinac Bridge on the way to the island.)

North Country Trail

The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching 4,600 miles over seven states from the middle of North Dakota to the Vermont border of New York and passing through St. Ignace. Whether you’re looking to hike just a few miles, or planning an overnight backpacking trip, the North Country Trail offers diverse landscapes and hiking opportunities—something for everyone!

Castle Rock

Considered to be one of the oldest lookout points near the city of St. Ignace, this thrilling attraction was known as “Pontiac’s Lookout” by the Ojibwa Tribe. Clarence Eby opened Castle Rock for tourists in 1929, and it has remained a popular destination ever since. Castle Rock rises an astonishing 195 feet above water level and about 183 feet above I-75. The summit of Castle Rock offers a scenic and inspiring view for up to 20 miles, featuring Mackinac Island, Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace and wildlife habitat. The lookout point is equipped with binoculars for a truly spectacular view of the area.

Look for Beautiful Birds

St. Ignace birding locations are recognized for their contribution to the famous North Huron Birding Trail. With many community birding areas, St. Ignace offers spring and fall sightings of waterfowl including loons, ducks, grebes, sand hill cranes and Canada geese. The St. Ignace area is recognized as an important migratory stop over and resting area for 275 bird species such as LaConte’s sparrow, Scarlet tanager, indigo bunting and a variety of warblers and vireos.