Start your vacation with a little relaxation at the Bridge View Park, where you can relax and unwind, bring a picnic and have a sweeping view of the Mackinac Bridge. Go at sunset for an even more beautiful display.After enjoying the bridge, you can get an even better view of it by taking the Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry: certain trips take you under the bridge on your way out to the island. One traveler remarked the ferry’s rooster-tail made them feel like James Bond!If you were wondering where the name Mackinac came from, you can learn about it and more at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture and Marquette Mission Park. The museum provides an in-depth look at the Ojibwa, the Huron refugees who later came to the area; and finally the French settlers, who came with the missionary Father Marquette. Admission is free; the gift shop carries only native-made handicrafts.After the museum you may want to try something more strenuous, so it is time to visit Castle Rock, a fairly steep climb—but with stops to rest along the way—and a terrific view at the top where you can also have your photograph taken with the oversized figures of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
If you did not get enough history at the Ojibwa museum, then head over to the Fort de Baude Museum downtown, where Michigan’s past is tied together with that of Ontario and Québec. Here an extensive native collection is on display. Admission is free, but donations are requested.Your children, especially the youngest ones, will thank you for adding a visit to Deer Ranch to your itinerary. Crackers and carrots are for sale, and kids love feeding the deer—who can resist a fawn’s soulful eyes? Once they have grown bored with that, a play area awaits.
Michigan is a state alive with history and natural wonders, and there is so much to see and do that St. Ignace, Michigan Choice Hotels are a vacationing family’s best friend. Enjoy the outdoors, see the museums, and stay where you will be the most comfortable—so you can be ready for the next day’s sightseeing.