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St. Ignace is a lake-lover’s dream, with waterfront hotel rooms for travelers of every stripe.
For those of us who love Northern Michigan, waking up to water views is the epitome of quiet luxury. And since numerous studies show that gazing at nature has feel-good effects on mood, stress levels and even self-esteem, it’s no wonder St. Ignace sees so many smiling visitors. This little town boasts big views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac (not to mention the mighty Mackinac Bridge). So go ahead, dream of a stay where you can throw open the curtains to see the morning sun glistening on the water, and where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves caressing the shore. St. Ignace has these hotels, and more, to make your dreams come true.
Dine Shoreside at Breakers Resort & Beach Bar
How to take in the unparalleled views at Breakers Resort? First, from your guest room: nearly all 100 of them delight with vistas of Moran Bay, which you can admire from your bed, private balcony or Jacuzzi tub.
Next, head to The Club at Breakers, the only hotel lakefront restaurant in St. Ignace. It’s a stunning setting, whether you gawk at Lake Huron from inside—through the restaurant’s windows—or from the beachside patio. Either way, you won’t go wrong ordering the local sauteed whitefish and a starter of lightly fried Brussels sprouts. (This is one serving of cruciferous vegetables you’ll never forget—dressed in balsamic glaze, 100-percent Michigan maple syrup, bacon and parmesan!)
Cue dusk, when nightly beach bonfires blaze and, on weekends, live music hums. Pull up an Adirondack chair, and with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand, let those life-is-good feels wash over you. This may be the best way of all to enjoy all that lake.
Photo by St. Ignace Visitors Bureau
Behold the Bridge from Super 8 by Wyndham
Seeing the Mighty Mac is goosebump-making under any circumstance. But imagine the thrill—and convenience—of admiring the engineering marvel from your private balcony. Perched on the southwest side of St. Ignace, Super 8 has views of the Mackinac Bridge that would have dazzled Father Marquette himself. No wonder so many patrons return to the hotel year after year, often in conjunction with one of St. Ignace’s big events—such as the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show or the Bridge Walk, both in September.
Due to some trees, most but not all rooms have a bridge view. Management suggests you call directly if your heart is set on one—and also shares this intel on where to bag some of the most heart-soaring scenes: Rooms 100 and 200, on the west end, have both a balcony and a west-facing window, so you’ll be treated to incredible sunsets and bridge views. The third floor, too, includes king suites that each serve up Instagram-worthy perspectives.
Another insider tip: Find equally heart-stopping panoramas at points around town—including nearby Bridge View Park or from the zip line at quirky Mystery Spot.
Slumber to the Sound of Waves at Quality Inn Lakefront
You can’t stay much closer to the water than here. At about 15 feet from Lake Huron, the inn serves up transportive, sea-like views. “I’ve had people tell me that if you’re on the second or third floor, it feels like being on a cruise ship,” says front-desk manager Paul Matelski. “You look out your window and see nothing but water.”
Early risers at this east-facing hotel can watch the sunrise paint the sky pink and gold. On the other hand, it’s easy to miss the dawn: The sound of the waves may just lull you into a late-morning lie-in. Not to worry—the view is spectacular all day long, with passing freighters, yachts and seabirds adding to the Great Lakes tableau.
When the fresh air stirs your appetite, stroll to Jose’s Cantina to refuel on delicious Mexican food and the signature margarita flight. Or, head a quarter-mile the opposite way to Java Joe’s Cafe, a beloved breakfast/brunch place.
Enjoy Year-Round Views at Bavarian Haus Lakefront Inn
While it rocks a 1950s vintage vibe, this lakeside hotel will please even the most modern travelers. Every room has a balcony showing off delicious, shore-to-horizon vistas. Steps away on the private beach, a lineup of kayaks in every color of the rainbow awaits those who fancy a paddle. (The less ambitious among us can stretch out in the hammocks.) And the lakeside gazebo is a great place to bring in pasties from Lehto’s for an al fresco dinner.
Uniquely motorcycle-friendly, Bavarian Haus also delights bikers who find a fresh white hand towel draped over their handlebars on wet mornings, from staff eager to ensure their guests start the day out dry.
Photo by St. Ignace Visitors Bureau
Go Retro at Bayview Lakefront Motel
This old-school spot is sure to awaken anyone’s inner hipster, and comes with a wonderful lakeside setting. The rooms are newly renovated, but, happily, the knotty pine walls survived, so each room feels like a Northwoods cabin (albeit one with cable TV and free Wi-Fi). Because the motel is situated perpendicular to the lake, only some rooms have views—but just steps away, you can drink them in from the private, sandy beach that beckons guests to chill on an Adirondack chair or plunge into the water for a swim.
Explore the Island from Best Western Harbour Pointe Lakefront
If you’ve got Mackinac Island on your mind, this is a great place to stay. Plot your day trip from the east-facing balcony rooms—the best views are from the Ontario and Huron buildings, where you can see the gentle hump of the island five miles off shore. (It’s quickly apparent why the island got its name: The Anishinaabe likened its shape to the shell of a turtle and called it mishi-mikinaak, meaning “big turtle.”)
And while most St. Ignace hotels offer a free shuttle to the ferries, from here it’s an easy stroll to the docks. Travelers can buy their Shepler ferry tickets at the front desk to save time and make boarding quicker.
After a day on the island, there’s plenty of room to relax on the property’s 11 landscaped acres. Order from BC Pizza or bring in burgers from Clyde’s (a local fave), then mosey down to the beach area for a cozy bonfire and s’mores roast. Don’t forget to look up at Northern Michigan’s star-speckled sky—and thank the cosmos that you’re here.
Photo by St. Ignace Visitors Bureau
Plan Your St. Ignace Getaway
If you’re ready to experience a room with a true blue or Mackinac Bridge view, head to the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau website to explore all the lodging, dining and attractions to start planning your perfect getaway.