St. Ignace, on the Upper Peninsula, is joined to the Lower Peninsula by the 5-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, which links the town with Mackinaw City. It opened in 1957 and is one of the longest suspension spans in the world. The passenger vehicle toll is $2 per axle or $4 per car. All other vehicles are $5 per axle. Bicycles and snowmobiles are not permitted on the bridge, but transport services are provided. Pedestrians and drivers who prefer not to drive across the bridge may take advantage of this driver assistance program as well. Drivers are available daily 24 hours, and snowmobile transportation is available daily 8-8. A fee is charged for bicyclists ($5), pedestrians ($3.50) and snowmobilers ($15). To request a driver, phone (906) 643-7600 or use the phone located at the south entrance to the bridge; if you're entering from the north, a toll collector can assist. Each Labor Day morning thousands participate in the Mackinac Bridge Walk, from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City.
Ferry service to Mackinac Island is available from the downtown harbor until ice forms on Moran Bay and the Straits of Mackinac, usually in late December or early January.
Scenic US 2, heading west from St. Ignace, winds down to the sand dunes and up into the wooded hills along Lake Michigan to Escanaba . Castle Rock, 4 miles north, was an ancient lookout of the Algonquin Indians and offers a scenic view.
St. Ignace is home to what is reportedly one of the world's largest all-category auto shows the last weekend in June.
Visitor Centers
St. Ignace Area Chamber of Commerce 560 N. State St. St. Ignace, MI 49781. Phone:(906)643-8717 or (800)970-8717
Things to Do
Father Marquette National Memorial