Winter Fun
St. Ignace is a Winter Wonderland!
Winter is an adventure. One day it snows furiously and blankets the trees and land with white. The next day brings sunshine and a glorious translucent blue sky that fills you with the desire to be outdoors.
Can you hear the swish of your cross-country or downhill skis as they cut through the crisp snow? Or feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face as you speed through the woods on your snowmobile?
In the evening enjoy cozy dining, the camaraderie of a Northwoods gathering place, and accommodations suited to your needs.
Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country, downhill skiing, and tubing – winter is an adventure in the St. Ignace area.
Little Bear East Arena
Little Bear East Arena and the St. Ignace Recreation Department have put together a great lineup of events for the winter months. Please see their website for more information and updates.
Mondays: Fitness Center, Walking Track, Open Skate, Stick & Puck, Fundamental Fitness
Tuesdays: Fitness Center, Walking Track, Open Skate, Stick & Puck, Kids Fit, Drop-in Hockey
Wednesdays: Fitness Center, Walking Track, Open Skate, Stick & Puck, Fundamental Fitness, Game Nights
Thursdays: Fitness Center, Walking Track, Open Skate, Stick & Puck, Fundamental Fitness, Champion Force Cheer, Drop-in Hockey
Fridays: Fitness Center, Walking Track, Monthly Fab Fridays
Saturdays: Fitness Center, Walking Track
Sundays: Fitness Center, Walking Track
Please watch the Little Bear’s Facebook page for updates and cancellations.
North Country Trail – St. Ignace
This national scenic trail extends from New York to North Dakota. Approximately 35 miles of the trail lie within the St. Ignace District. The trail is for hikers, snowshoes and cross-country skiing. No horses, bikes, or motorized vehicles are allowed. Phone: (906) 643-7900
Sand Dune Cross Country Ski Trail
Sand Dunes Cross-Country Ski Trail is in a great location off US 2 and Brevoort Lake Road. Sand Dunes is a complex of trail loops ranging from beginner to expert level and from one mile to several depending on the course you chose. The trail is groomed for classic-style cross-country skiing.
Directions
From the intersection of US-2 and I-75 drive west 12 miles on US-2 to Brevoort Lake Road. Turn right (north) and drive 0.4 miles north to the trailhead on the left (west) side of the road.
For more information, click here.
Snowmobiling
St. Ignace is the trailhead to hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails crisscrossing the entire Upper Peninsula. Click here for snowmobile trail conditions by the Straits Area Snowmobile Club. Trails are directly accessed from area motels. For a unique experience, snowmobile across the “Ice Bridge” to Mackinac Island, or follow the trails to the frozen beauty of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. (Travel across the “Ice Bridge” is at your own risk.)
Snowmobile Maintenance Items can be found at:
Lynn Auto/NAPA (906) 643-7850
E.U.P. Snowmobile Trail Maps are available for $7.00 (includes S&H). Send a check or money order to St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce, 560 N. State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781.
Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship
February 15 – 18, 2024
2024 marks the 17th year of our tournament which began back in 2007. For our first year, 24 teams participated, doubling each of the next two years, and we now have an average of 150 teams participating each year. Teams come from as far away as Florida and Texas! Teams are guaranteed to play 3 games over Friday and Saturday, with championship games on Sunday.
For more information: click here
Other Recommendations
There are other outdoor activities in the winter. You can hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski at the following:
- Straits State Park
- Town Cross Country Ski Trail
- Gros Cap Trail (US Forest Service Office)
- Little Bear East Arena Ice Skating Rink
- Moran Bay/Lake Huron
