About Mackinac County
Back in St. Ignace, you will find lakeside dining, quaint shops, the historic waterfront boardwalk and docks of Moran Bay on Lake Huron including the new Wawatam Lighthouse and Park. Explore our rich history at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture and see the artifacts collection at Fort de Buade. Play golf on the bluff with magnificent views of the Mackinac Bridge. Kewadin Shores Casino provides gaming excitement 24-7. Nature lovers will enjoy swimming at the sand dunes on Lake Michigan or hiking and biking the trails through the Hiawatha Nat’l Forest.
Bordered by the Great Lakes, Mackinac County is graced with many inland lakes and streams for great fishing opportunities. Boaters are welcomed at public boat launches and marinas. Experience the thrill of sailing, para-sailing, kayaking, windsurfing or the peacefulness of a quiet stream; our water activities are endless.
Thirty miles northeast of the Mackinac Bridge, discover the beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands. “Les Cheneaux” is French in origin and means “the channels”. This series of 36 islands along 12 miles of Lake Huron shoreline houses many sheltered channels, ideal for sailing and boating. The one-time fishing villages of Cedarville and Hessel offer preferred amenities for a quiet family getaway.
When the air becomes cool and crisp, autumn is soon to come. As you travel the lake shorelines, or cut through the National Forest to Manistique Lakes, the woods blaze with the colors of red, orange and yellow, showcasing an array of natural beauty. Hunters gear up for small and large game during bow and firearms seasons.
Mother Nature then works magic and we are covered in a blanket of snow! Winter fun is here! Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails crisscross the U.P. Skiers also enjoy the winter and the deep silence of the Sand Dunes Cross-Country Ski trails. The Silver Mountain hosts skiers, boards and tubing with a return tow-rope that delights the youngsters.
Maple syrup, smelt dripping and mushroom hunting herald spring in the north. Travelers might see black bears, woodchucks, and squirrels awake from hibernation, roaming the woods and backcountry.