Where is the Best Day Trip from St Ignace, Michigan?

Tourists often use St. Ignace, Michigan as home base for their travel around the Straits of Mackinac and Eastern Upper Michigan. Conveniently poised on the north end of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge, most visitors head directly to Mackinac Island, or take the opportunity to re-cross the Bridge for a visit to the many shops and eateries in Mackinaw City. On an off-day, or facing adverse weather, my husband and I are often approached by families wondering what to do with themselves. Sometimes, after seeing the ferry ticket prices and costs associated with going to Mackinac Island, young families try to find something a little less expensive. Our best recommendation is an easy road trip to Tahquamenon Falls, with stops at the nearby town of Paradise, Whitefish Point's Shipwreck Museum, and a leisurely drive home along the scenic Lake Michigan lake shore. Here's a step-by-step guide for the most beautiful day trip out of St. Ignace and southern Mackinac County.

Since our store, Fort Algonquin, is located North of town, near the St Ignace-based Kewadin Shores Casino, we direct people another four miles north on Mackinac Trail, to the southernmost point of state highway M123. An hour's scenic drive on an outstanding, well-maintained road, takes you through the small towns of Moran, Trout Lake, and the aptly-named village of Paradise, which lies on the shores of Lake Superior. In season, Paradise is well-known for their Wild Blueberry Festival in August, Whitefish Boil at Summer's End, and Sled-Dog Races in Winter. For a special treat, enjoy the Haunted Trail sponsored in mid-October as part of their Harvest Fest, or attend the November 10th Memorial Service for the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald the following month. At Paradise, you might stop for lunch at the Red Flannel Saloon, Yukon Inn or buy picnic supplies at the well-stocked IGA Grocery. Check out the the Paradise Website Calendar for what's happening during your visit.

At this point, visitors can head directly north, staying to the lake shore on North Whitefish Point Drive until it ends at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. This is a favorite stop for everyone, with an outstanding display of artifacts from the area around this point. The crown-jewel of their display is the bell from the Wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, but you'll be amazed by the number of items found at this museum. Listening to their presentation, I feel like Whitefish Point is some extremely dangerous intersection with so many casualties over the centuries. There's also a wonderful old lighthouse, where you can climb the stairs and see how families lived at this remote location. Family rates range from $25-$35, depending on discounts, which is just slightly more than the cost of a single ferry ticket to Mackinac Island. Check out the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Website for details. The tour is interesting, comprehensive and educational as well. Looking out into Lake Superior, it's easy to imagine tragic sinking of the great iron-ore carrier, the Edmund Fitzgerald, which lies about 15 miles offshore. About 200 major shipwrecks lie in the vicinity of Whitefish Point.

Following this stop, head back south and turn right at Paradise, continuing along M123 as it loops south toward the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. For the reasonable price of a Visitor Pass, you can spend the day enjoying both the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls, hikes between the two substations, and even a gourmet lunch at The Taquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub. They have an outstanding variety of micro brewed beers, and even a unique and thirst-quenching root beer. Pick up one of their souvenir jugs on the way out, it's an excellent keepsake from your visit. Trying to save money? Remember to bring your picnic supplies and you can enjoy a terrific barbecue lunch, with a large number of grills and picnic tables available in the park. One of the most enjoyable trips I've made included a jaunt along the trails between the two sets of falls. Be advised that this is a fairly lengthy 4 mile hike, up and down some hills, and it's a good idea to take some water and mosquito repellent on your journey. Stop and pick raspberries in season, rest on a few benches, and enjoy some views that very few people ever see. It's easy to imagine the first explorers and local Native Americans who came across the magnificent falls, known as the second largest (next to Niagra) east of the Mississippi.

Once you've had your fill of Tahquamenon, continue south along M123 to Oswald's Bear Ranch, located just North of Newberry. About 30 black bear roam in four huge enclosures and habitats. There's perimeter trails ranging from a quarter to a half mile in distance, and The Oswald Family offers accommodations for handicapped with their new golf cart assistance. I've taken countless people up there over the years, and it appeals to all ages. The habitats are exceptionally well-maintained and it's obvious the bears are content and treated like Kings of the Forest. I'm especially impressed with the owner, Dean Oswald, and his family for rescuing many abused bears. It's obvious they love these animals and the animals love their home. This is a licensed DNR facility designed to provide the residents with a natural, yet protected home. Be sure to ask the owners questions and enjoy a peek at their souvenir shop, filled with bear-themed items. Pick up a few picture postcards of the bears while you're there. Each bear has a name and most are described in detail on the posters hung around the habitats. Walk the perimeter and bears come up near the fence to escort guests around the property.

At this point, most people are fairly tired and ready to head home. Continue south on M-123 through Newberry to the highway's base along M-28, turning right (west) along toward highway M-117. At this point, you'll turn left and head south down to the intersection with US-2, lying along the north shore of Lake Michigan. It's a beautiful ride home, with the sun at your back as evening falls. This road passes through several small towns, including Brevort. You can stop for drinks, jerky, or an outstanding sample of smoked fish at Gustafson's, on the right side of the highway. Hot and sweaty after all that activity? Take a swim at the Hiawatha National Forest Sand Dunes by just pulling off the road and climbing down the sand, or the steps provided. It's free and fun, just be sure to mind the youngsters and watch for cross-currents and riptides.

Back in St Ignace, enjoy a great meal at Timmy Lee's Pub on the west side of town. There's family dining, or the newly-remodeled, smoke free bar area for adults. I recommend the Whitefish Nibbets appetizer, or a main meal of whitefish or perch, fried, baked, or planked. Their Ribs and made-to-order hamburgers are outstanding. The atmosphere is upbeat and service is superlative, just ask Roseville Joe. Be sure to see his picture attached to my article. A bit closer to town, Clyde's Drive Inn is another local favorite. If you forget any of my tips, start your day off at Java Joe's Cafe, where the owner himself is renowned for guiding tourist along the most scenic "hidden gems" of the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hope to see you there soon!