Coming into St. Ignace from the west along US-2, travelers are tempted by a number of “scenic overlooks” west of town, all proffering a chance to stretch and view the often fog-shrouded Mackinac Bridge over blue Lake Michigan. Picturesque St. Ignace (pop. 2,678; IG-nus) lies east of, and down a hill from, the concrete river of the I-75 freeway. This little town, at one time 70 percent French-Canadian, is more important than its obviously tourism-contrived loveliness would indicate, situated as it is at the crossroads of the upper and lower regions of Michigan, with Mackinac Island just across the bay. The town is busy and cheerful, in places gentrified and meticulously maintained; downtown you can stroll along a bright lake promenade lined with gift shops, motels, and restaurants.
Downtown, the city-run Museum of Ojibwa Culture (daily May–Oct.; $2) traces over three centuries of life along the Straits of Mackinac, detailing the native Ojibwa and Huron lifeways. The museum, on the site of Father Marquette’s original mission, also hosts a number of summer powwows; the largest takes place over Labor Day weekend, and attending one is an unforgettable way to experience the tribe’s heritage.
