PAID CONTENT
Miles of trails, colorful history and lively local events make St. Ignace, Michigan, your ideal snowmobile stomping grounds.
When it comes to fast-moving winter fun, there aren’t many places that can boast a more impressive pedigree than St. Ignace. As the gateway to the Upper Peninsula’s mighty network of snowmobile trails, St. Ignace takes its status as your snowmobiling basecamp seriously: Hotels and restaurants cater to snowmobilers, you’ll find regular snowmobiling events and scheduled rides on the calendar, and there’s a museum dedicated to snowmobiling history. St. Ignace was even the birthplace of the 1940s-era Wing Aero Sleigh, the predecessor to what later became the snowmobile we know and love today.
Here’s everything you need to know to make St. Ignace your snowmobiling home base this year:
Plan Your Adventure
- Scope out the trails: St. Ignace and the surrounding areas offer plenty of terrain to explore for both newbie riders and serious sledders. There are more than 100 miles of groomed trails in Mackinac County alone, which expand outward to the 3,000 miles spread across the U.P. If the Straits of Mackinac freeze over, experienced snowmobilers also cross the “Ice Bridge” to Mackinac Island (conditions are hazardous as the ice constantly changes; this is not for the casual rider). Find detailed trail information and maps at stignace.com/snowmobile.
- Find a spot to park: Overnight parking is available at the downtown St. Ignace trailhead, across the street from Little Bear East Arena and Community Center on Marquette Street for $10/day including overnight use. From the St. Ignace trailhead, connect to the EB Route to Trout Lake, which links you to a series of trails. Some local motels also offer direct trail access right from the door.
- Know the rules: State-designated snowmobile trails are open December 1 through March 31, weather permitting, and you’ll need to purchase a snowmobile trail permit from the DNR as well as register your snowmobile with the Secretary of State. Coming from out of state and want to ride without the paperwork? The Michigan DNR also waives registration and trail permits during Free Snowmobiling Weekend every February; 2025 dates are to be announced.
Photo by St. Ignace Visitors Bureau
Watch Old-Timers Cross the Mighty Mac (Or Ride it Yourself!)
Have a classic sled? Consider riding it across the Mackinac Bridge during the annual Mackinac Bridge Snowmobile Crossing. Since its inauguration in 2016, this event has been open to snowmobiles that are at least 25 years old (participants must have a wheel kit installed). This year’s crossing is set for Saturday, December 14. Don’t have an older sled? It’s still a great time to visit St. Ignace on the chance that you’ll get to cozy up on a bar stool next to one of the characters who turned out for the ride. “Like classic cars, the older sleds have class and were made to handle rough terrain and serious storms and keep on ticking. The old timers can tell you stories until the cows come home, and their love of the outdoors and their sleds is obvious,” says Jim Hopper, a photographer who has relished the chance to get up close and personal with these unforgettable characters.
Learn More About Snowmobiling’s Storied History
While it’ll no doubt be difficult to tear yourself away from the trails, be sure to plan time to visit the Top Of The Lake Snowmobile Museum in nearby Naubinway. It’s a must-see for serious snowmobilers and history lovers, featuring more than 80 antique and vintage snowmobiles, as well as hosting multiple events and rides each season.
Eat, Sleep and Warm Up
After a long day of sledding, you’re going to have two things on your mind: a good meal and a warm bed. Here are some favorite St. Ignace spots where you can fuel up or wind down after (or during!) your trail adventure:
The Driftwood Restaurant & Sports Bar
This newly updated snowmobile-friendly restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round and hosts overnight guests at the on-site Driftwood Motel. The Driftwood Motel offers direct access to snowmobile trails.
590 N. State St., St. Ignace // 906.643.7744
Lehto’s Pasties
Pull up to this classic U.P. eatery to enjoy the most classically U.P. dish: the pasty. This handheld meat-and-vegetable pie has been beloved in the Upper Peninsula since the 1800s, and Lehto’s has been making them right since 1947. Great for eating on the go so you can get back to the trails.
626 N. State St., St. Ignace // 906.984.2144
Hampton Inn
With its convenient Lake Huron location, Mackinac Island views, and—best yet—large, outdoor hot tub that’s open year-round, the Hampton Inn St. Ignace is a favorite spot to warm up after a day on the trails.
1141 N. State St., St. Ignace // 906.298.6500