Historic Cities & Towns
North of St. Ignace
Sault Ste. Marie Michigan - where Michigan was born, just 55 miles north of St. Ignace. Follow I-75 north for the quickest trip; follow Mackinac Trail for the old scenic route. This vibrant northern city is located along the rapids of the St. Mary's River. The Soo Locks allow cargo ship transports from high on Lake Superior to access lower Lake Huron. The city is also home to Lake Superior State University and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Brimley, Michigan - a village community situated where the Waiska (Whiskey) River flows into Whitefish Bay on Lake Superior, some 50 miles north-west. M-221 is a short spur route connecting Brimley with M-28 three miles to the south. The Bay Mills Indian Community owns land nearby, and Brimley is part of a tax-agreement area with the tribe. It was founded in 1887 as Superior and was renamed for a local postal official in 1896. Today it is home to Bay Mills Community College and tribally owned casinos.
Rudyard, Michigan - a village community located on Mackinac Trail north of M-48, 30 miles north. The community was originally named "Pine River", however, because there was already another town in Michigan with that name, it was changed in 1890 to Rudyard. The name was suggested by Fred Underwood, an executive with the Soo Line Railroad because of his great admiration for Rudyard Kipling. Today it is a small farming town on the interior plains of the eastern Upper Peninsula.
Pickford, Michigan - a village community on M-129 about two miles south of M-48, 40 miles north-east. Charles W. Pickford from Ontario, Canada first settled here on the Munuscong River in 1877. Today it is a small farming town on the interior plains of the eastern Upper Peninsula.
South of St. Ignace
Mackinaw City, Michigan - Five miles away, at the south end of the Mackinac Bridge, the local village is called Mackinaw City, spelled with a "w" at the end. This spelling is to distinguish it from Mackinac Island. The small village swells in summer as the tourist shops open and travelers pass through. Fort Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Lighthouse, and Mackinac Millcreek are the state park sites to visit.
Cheboygan, Michigan - Just twenty miles away, traveling south-east, a town on Lake Huron at the mouth of the Cheboygan River. Originally a native settlement, the town today is home port of the ferry to Bois Blanc Island and is the Huron entry to the Inland Waterways of northern Michigan. The town holds an historic theater, The Opera House, where musical and dramatic presentations are given.
Petoskey, Michigan - Forty-two miles away, traveling south-west, a small city on Lake Michigan between Grand Traverse and the Straits of Mackinac situated on Little Traverse Bay at the mouth of Bear River. Petoskey is named for Chief Petosega, who founded the settlement. Today the city boasts a beautiful gaslight district with distinct shops and a medical complex that includes a full service hospital with many specialties.
East of St. Ignace
Cedarville and Hessel, Michigan - the Les Cheneaux islands archipelago and area include the two villages of Cedarville and Hessel providing excellent tourism support and marina services. Located on M-134 just 15 miles east of I-75 along the north shore of Lake Huron.
Detour Village, Michigan - a village community on Lake Huron at the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, on M-134, 25 miles east of Les Cheneaux. A car ferry offers passage from here to Drummond Island. North of the village the waters are part of the North Channel that connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Watch the freighters passsing through!
Drummond Island - is comprised of 83,000 acres, miles of shoreline, forested lanscape, and 34 inland lakes and a small village. Golf, ATV / ORV trails, kayaking, birding, hiking, biking. With 53 outlying Islands, groomed snowmobile trails, cross country skiing, great fishing year around and sunsets unmatched anywhere! Accessible by car ferry from Detour Village.
West of St. Ignace
Newberry, Michigan - The Moose Capitol of Michigan! Newberry is surrounded by thousands of miles of forest and rivers. The village is reached from St. Ignace through M-123 north to M-28 west some 60 miles. Tahquamenon Falls, Oswald's Bear Ranch, Logging Museum and the Riverboat Cruises are just some of the fine attractions here.
Naubinway, Michigan - A village 40 miles west of St. Ignace on US-2. The Indian name is believed to translate, "Place of Echoes". This former lumbering settlement and commercial fishing village is now home to the Garlyn Park Zoo, a popular attraction for vacationing families.
Engadine, Michigan - A village 48 miles west of St. Ignace on US-2. The lumbering settlement was originally named Kennedy Siding but was later named after a beautiful Swiss valley by the postmaster. Today, Engadine is home to the Hiawatha Club where a pristine golf course is snuggled in the forest.