Straits State Park

Mailing Address:
720 Church Street
St. Ignace MI, 49781-1729

906-643-8620
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

181 (Acres)

Required

The park is located along Lake Huron and its picnic area, hiking trail and campground feature fantastic views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac. It is located on Church Street in the city of St. Ignace, just south of U.S. 2.
Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

The Father Marquette National Memorial is temporarily closed for a planned enhancement project through July 2026. This project includes the construction of a new learning commons building, improvements to the pow wow grounds and associated utility upgrades. The closure will not impact Straits State Park’s day-use area or modern campground.

More Information

Straits State Park is home to 181 acres of recreation with fantastic views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac. The park features a campground, overnight lodging facilities, picnic areas, viewing platforms, a playground and a waterfront area along Lake Huron. The North Country Trail goes through the park, a portion of which travels along the park’s 1-mile hiking trail.

The park is a destination on the Northern Huron Birding Trail and is especially noteworthy during spring and fall as birds migrate across the narrow straits between the Upper and Lower peninsulas. This location also makes the park a great home base to visit other area attractions, including Mackinac Island, Mackinac State Historic Parks, the Soo Locks and Tahquamenon Falls.

The Father Marquette National Memorial tells the story of the 17th-century missionary-explorer and the meeting of French and Native American cultures deep in the North American wilderness. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center. Visitors will also enjoy an outdoor interpretive trail, picnicking and a panoramic view of the Mackinac Bridge. The site is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The memorial is located within Straits State Park, just west of I-75, off U.S. 2.

Campgrounds

Straits-Mini Cabin
800-447-2757
(2)
Straits-Modern/Semi-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(270)
Straits-Youth Group Use Area
906-643-8620
(2)

Trails

Straits-Main Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

St. Ignace is home to numerous gift shops and restaurants. It is known for its antique auto show on the last weekend in June and the Labor Day Bridge Walk held every Labor Day on the Mackinac Bridge.

Mackinac Island is the featured attraction in the area, located 4 miles across Lake Huron serviced by two ferry lines. Just across the bridge, history comes alive at additional Mackinac State Historic Parks attractions, including Fort Mackinac and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.

The park is a great home base for local attractions as well as regional destinations. Many campers leave their trailers at the park and make day trips up to Tahquamenon Falls (80 miles) and to the Soo Locks (50 miles).

The nearest boat launch is located in downtown St. Ignace, half a mile from the park. Fishing is allowed on the shore of Lake Huron, with the best fishing located west of the Mackinac Bridge (the water is too shallow in front of the park for good shore fishing).

Activities (Display as List)

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing: Roadways and campground loops are track-set groomed for classic cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
History Programs Item is accessible.
History Programs: The park is home to the Father Marquette National Memorial, a self-guided interpretive trail open throughout the summer season. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center. View memorial visitor information.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Explore the Lake Huron shoreline. Carry-in access from the shoreline is located at the end of the road to the lower campground, and a few parking spaces are available.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the Lake Huron shoreline. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing: Roadways and campground loops are groomed for cross-country skiing on one side when conditions allow, with packed snow on the other side. Please avoid groomed cross-country ski tracks.

Facilities (Display as List)

Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area
Mini Cabin Item is accessible.
Mini Cabin
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms: Modern restrooms are located in the day-use area.
Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform: There is an observation platform located in the day-use area that features unique views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Another observation platform overlooking the Mackinac Bridge is located along the park’s hiking trail, about 100 yards from the trailhead.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: There are picnic areas in the day-use area near both the playground and overlook platform. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available first come, first served.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground: A sandy-surfaced playground featuring slides, swings and a sand digger is located in the day-use area.
Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: Sanitation stations are located in the upper and lower campground loops. There is potable water available and in-and-out lanes. For those not camping at Straits State Park, the upper campground loop’s sanitation station can be used for a $10 fee.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

There is a small amount of rocky shoreline within the park along Lake Huron, in addition to Mackinac Bridge Authority shoreline property open to the public and adjacent to the park.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety and high-water safety.