Mackinaw City or St Ignace

Where would is the best place to stay off the island? Mackinaw City or St Ignace? Traveling with people in late 30%26#39;s and 19 year old daughter and her friends. Looking for best place with things to do while not on the island..re: food, nightlife, tours, etc. Thank you

Mackinaw City or St Ignace

For things to do, Mackinaw City has a solid edge.

St. Ignace would be more for someone who wants it to be quiet.

Mackinaw City or St Ignace

I agree that Mackinaw City would have more things to do than St. Ignace. It is more developed, and you can easily walk around the downtown area.

Totally agree with both previous posters. There are more hotel choices also, and restaurant choices, as well as gift shops, the beautiful park by the bridge, and such. However, one should visit St. Ignace. They have attractions there that are well worth visiting, and you must cross the bridge for the experience/views.

Thank you all. I used to work on the island back when I was in college...um..about 20 years ago..but it has been a long time since I%26#39;ve been up there, so I wasn%26#39;t sure how built up the towns have become. We will definitely stay in Mackinaw city. Other than crossing the bridge for the views, what else should we see in St Ignace? Thanks again

Fellow Mountain Buddy! We love St Ignace as the ';Quiet Side';. As far as activites go the biggest thing would be the casino. Its good size for the UP and Kawadin does allow 19 year olds in. Not sure about 18%26#39;s but for sure 19 year olds as we have taken our son there before. If you have a little time drive US2 west to the sand dunes. It%26#39;s great fun to swim and/or enjoy nature. A great place to eat downtown St Ignace would be The Village Inn. Send me a PM if you need more info about MI. We live downstate but love the UP

Hi Doogy! Thanks for the info!

The Casino is the main thing on the St. Ignace side.

The Father Marquette Memorial is good for a short walk through the woods and a nice view of the Straits. There is also a boardwalk along the waterfront in St. Ignace.

If you are staying in the Straits area long enough to do other things, there are lots of good daytrip opportunities. Soo Locks %26amp; Canada, Tahquamenon Falls %26amp; Whitefish Point, lighthouses, Pictured Rocks, Cross Village, Harbor Springs, and a spectacular drive along a narrow tre covered road on a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan..

We have stayed in both. If its just the two of us we stay in Mackinaw City at one of the hotels. Lots of restuarants and shops. When we go as a family, we take the camper and head to the Straits State park, which is right next to the bridge in St ignace. We use it as our ';launching spot'; on family vacations. its close enough to Taq. Falls and the Soo, Pictured Rocks, etc to make it a good spot, plus its in town. Depends on what your looking for.