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.
Located inside the park, 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. The site is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Roadways and campground loops are track-set groomed for classic cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
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.
Modern restrooms are located in the day-use area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A sandy-surfaced playground featuring slides, swings and a sand digger is located in the day-use area.
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.
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.
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.
The campground is divided into three loops, including the upper loop, lower east loop and lower west loop. A variety of sites are available throughout the campground, and some have the potential for views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac, even those set back from the water. Modern toilet and shower buildings and sanitation stations are available seasonally.
The upper campground loop sits on top of a bluff and generally has larger, more open sites, including some pull-throughs. All sites in the upper campground loop have 20/30-amp electrical service, with some 50-amp sites available.
In the lower campground loops, sites are generally smaller and best suited for small trailers and tent camping, although some larger sites are available. Toilet and shower buildings in the lower campground loops are accessible and typically open later in the season, mid-May to mid-October. Nonwaterfront sites in the lower campground loops have 20/30-amp electrical service, with some 50-amp sites available. Sites located along the waterfront feature views of the Mackinac Bridge and are considered semi-modern as they do not have electric hookups but have access to modern toilet and shower buildings, in season. Generators and power cords are not permitted on waterfront sites.
The physical address for mapping purposes is 1036 Church Street, St. Ignace MI, 49781.
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There are two accessible mini cabins located in the park's lower east campground loop. Each cabin sleeps four people and includes two sets of single bunkbeds, one with a full-size bed lower bunk. You'll find a table and chairs, mini refrigerator, electric lighting and electrical outlets. There is no fan or heat. A picnic table, a fire pit and charcoal grill can be found outdoors. An accessible modern toilet and shower building is located nearby within the campground. You must provide your own linens. Pets are not allowed.
The physical address for mapping purposes is 1036 Church Street, St. Ignace MI, 49781.
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Two tent-only, rustic campgrounds are available for youth groups of up to 50 people. The Hollow youth-group-use campground is located behind a bluff, separate from the surrounding day-use area. The Ball Diamond youth-group-use campground is more open and adjacent to the day-use area. There is a modern restroom in the day-use area with toilets and cold running water, including a spigot outside for filling water jugs. Campers are also welcome to use the toilet and shower buildings in modern campground when in season.
To make a reservation, call the park.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
