Museums & Historic Places in St. Ignace
ST. IGNACE LOCATIONS
Father Marquette Mission Park and Museum of Ojibwa Culture – portraying life over 300 years ago when Ojibwa, Huron, Wyandotte and Odawa Indians and French lifestyles met here. The site is a National Historic Landmark and Michigan Registered Historical Site with the museum housed in the Mission Chapel. Grounds include Father Marquette’s grave and an authentic Native longhouse where historical reenactments and demonstrations are held. The museum store features the area’s largest selection of Native American books, music and local certified Native American arts and crafts.
Fort de Buade - the gem of museums in the Mackinac region, featuring over 6,700 square feet of pre-contact era artifacts and relics of the French, British and early Colonial America eras. Large Native and military weapons collection from 1600’s through 1900’s on display. Be sure to check the 'Calendar of Events' for special activities at the museum such as guided tours, movie showings, and research meetings.
Father Marquette National Memorial and New France Discover Center – overlooking the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge with interpretive trail showcasing the period of European contact with the Native Americans in the Great Lakes region.
Mackinac Bridge View Park – located on the shore of the Straits of Mackinac with the park just west of the Mackinac Bridge Authority toll plaza. The observation center contains interpretive presentations of the Bridge and its history or the picnic pavilion offers a spectacular view of the Bridge for photo opportunities
St. Ignace Waterfront Huron Boardwalk – this planked wooden walkway traverses the waterfront north to south and has educational historic markers along the route. It begins at Kiwanis Beach behind the Indian Village and terminates at American Legion Memorial Park.
Kiwanis Beach – site of the original Native settlement on Moran Bay, downtown St. Ignace. It now features a sand beach and picnic area and pavilion overlooking the harbor and Mackinac Island.
Wawatam Dock and Lighthouse – the old railroad termination point at the Straits of Mackinac is now a viewing pier with a working lighthouse. The remains of the old structures used to raise and lower the train track ramps, the counter weights for balance, are part of this shoreline location. Old rail cars, including an authentic caboose, are adjoined to local business buildings.
City Dock #3 – the former car ferry terminal in St. Ignace is now host to the United States Coast Guard Station and the freight dock for Mackinac Island. A city park there features a large playground, viewing pier, pavilion, picnic area, and boat launch overlooking Mackinac Island.
Michilimackinac Historic Society - We are a non-profit organization who mission is to preserve the natural history in the Michilimackinac Area. We work to gather oral histories, genealogies, preserve historic landmarks and homes, and operate the Fort de Buade Museum.
Totem Village – holds a collection of totem poles and other artifacts in an indoor display. Unique hand-carved collection of lumbering industry exhibits. Adjoining zoo and shop.
OTHER HISTORIC PLACES NEARBY
Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island – part of the Michigan State Historic Parks sites, the fort was constructed by the British during the American Revolution. Fort Mackinac served as an imposing sentinel in the Straits of Mackinac for 115 years. Within its 14 original buildings, you'll enjoy informative and interactive exhibits, a children's play area, and a Victorian-themed museum store. Outside, our 1880s soldier/interpreters play concerts of military music, fire rifles on the parade ground, and deliver a cannon salute over the harbor.
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum - the only one of its kind dedicated to the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. It is fittingly located at Whitefish Point, Michigan, site of the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior. See dramatic shipwreck legends come to life. Artifacts such as the bell of the famous Edmund Fitzgerald and other exhibits tell stories of sailors and ships who braved the waters of Superior and those who were lost to her menacing waves.