Wawatam Lighthouse St Ignace
A modern beacon on the St. Ignace boardwalk, offering stunning views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. Named after Chief Wawatam.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Wawatam Lighthouse St Ignace
Best Time
Golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern beacon on the St. Ignace boardwalk, offering stunning views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. Named after Chief Wawatam.
"The view was absolutely amazing! The surrounding area was super beautiful, and the lake nearby was just perfect."
🛡️ Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitoes and bugs can be intense, especially near the water. Pack strong repellent!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a leisurely walk after dinner or ice cream with beautiful sunset views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wawatam Lighthouse
St. Ignace Boardwalk
An automated, modern beacon guarding the St. Ignace harbor with picturesque views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac.
Human Sundial
Near the lighthouse
A unique and accurate sundial offering a fun, interactive way to tell time and enjoy the outdoors.
St. Ignace Boardwalk
Along the waterfront
A pleasant stroll offering beautiful lake views, perfect for an evening walk or enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Gateway to the UP
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛡️ Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitoes and bugs can be intense, especially near the water. Pack strong repellent!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a leisurely walk after dinner or ice cream with beautiful sunset views.
📸 Capture Aerial Views
Drones offer stunning perspectives of the lighthouse and surrounding waters.
☀️ Visit the Sundial
Don't miss the accurate human sundial for a fun photo op and a unique time-telling experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛡️ Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitoes and bugs can be intense, especially near the water. Pack strong repellent!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy a leisurely walk after dinner or ice cream with beautiful sunset views.
📸 Capture Aerial Views
Drones offer stunning perspectives of the lighthouse and surrounding waters.
☀️ Visit the Sundial
Don't miss the accurate human sundial for a fun photo op and a unique time-telling experience.
🍔 Local Eats Nearby
Try Gateway City Garage for burgers with a lighthouse view or explore downtown breweries. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the amazing and beautiful views of Lake Huron and the surrounding area, highlighting the peaceful and family-friendly vibe. The human sundial and nearby park are popular features. However, a significant drawback mentioned is the intense bug activity, which can detract from the experience.
"The view was absolutely amazing! The surrounding area was super beautiful, and the lake nearby was just perfect. The whole place had such a peaceful and beautiful vibe. An amazing spot to visit great experience overall. Definitely don’t miss it!"
aishwarya raj
"I absolutely loved this place! Gorgeous views, a calm and very family friendly place. There is a splash pad, benches and even a cool sun clock."
Alex and Jessica Lima
"Nice spot to walk to after dinner or ice cream. Our kids enjoyed the park nearby and beautiful sunset!"
Maggie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wawatam Lighthouse is located on the St. Ignace boardwalk, easily accessible by car. Parking is available nearby. It's a short walk from downtown St. Ignace, making it a convenient stop.
Absolutely! St. Ignace is known as the 'Gateway to the Upper Peninsula' and offers easy access to the UP's attractions.
You can drive to St. Ignace via I-75. If coming from Mackinac Island, ferries like Shepler's depart from St. Ignace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Wawatam Lighthouse and walking the boardwalk is free and open to the public.
The lighthouse and boardwalk are generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted hours for public access to the exterior.
The boardwalk and the human sundial are free to access and enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the human sundial, walk the scenic boardwalk, take photos, and admire the views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. 
Yes, the area is family-friendly with a nearby park and splash pad, making it a great spot for kids.
Expect beautiful panoramic views of Lake Huron, the Straits of Mackinac, and the surrounding shoreline.
The Wawatam Lighthouse is an automated, modern lighthouse and is not open for climbing. You can admire it from the boardwalk.
It was named after Chief Wawatam, a ferry chief who worked on the railroad ferry that operated from 1911 to the mid-1980s. The light shines up to 13 miles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gateway City Garage offers burgers with a lighthouse view, and Salty Mac is a downtown brewery with a self-serve tap wall. +1
Yes, St. Ignace has various dining options, including burger joints and casual eateries suitable for families.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Aerial shots with drones can provide unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings. Drones are popular for aerial shots.
The boardwalk offers excellent vantage points. Aerial photography from a drone provides a unique perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a full day of family fun, explore other St. Ignace attractions like Castle Rock or take a ferry to Mackinac Island for more adventures.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The boardwalk offers various angles for capturing the lighthouse against the backdrop of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. For a unique perspective, consider using a drone to capture stunning aerial shots of the lighthouse and its surroundings. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive views. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Wawatam Lighthouse
Interestingly, the lighthouse has a unique origin story. It was originally conceived as a decorative element for a shopping center in Ohio before being relocated and repurposed for its current navigational role. This transformation adds a layer of intrigue to its presence on the Michigan shoreline.
While not an ancient structure, the Wawatam Lighthouse has quickly become an iconic landmark, symbolizing the maritime heritage and the gateway status of St. Ignace to the Upper Peninsula. Its presence enhances the scenic beauty of the waterfront and offers visitors a point of interest beyond the natural landscapes.
+1Exploring St. Ignace: Beyond the Lighthouse
For those seeking adventure, consider a visit to Castle Rock, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area for a small fee.
The area also boasts natural attractions like the St. Ignace State Park under the bridge, and for the more adventurous, snorkeling opportunities near the Wawatam Lighthouse have been explored, hinting at the underwater wonders of the Great Lakes.
Navigating St. Ignace: Travel and Accessibility
The Wawatam Lighthouse itself is situated on a boardwalk, which is generally accessible for walking. However, visitors should be aware of potential environmental factors. As noted in reviews, bug activity can be significant, particularly near the water's edge during warmer months, which might impact the walking experience.
While the lighthouse is an automated structure and not open for climbing, the surrounding boardwalk and nearby park areas are designed for public enjoyment. St. Ignace is also recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, with amenities like a splash pad contributing to its appeal for visitors of all ages.
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