Father Marquette National Memorial

Address:720 Church St.
St Ignace, Michigan
Tel: (906) 643-8620

Honor the Jesuit priest who established Michigan's first permanent settlement, Father Jacques Marquette. Today he is known as one of the great explorers of North America!

The Father Marquette National Memorial tells the story of the 17th century missionary-explorer who established Michigan's earliest European settlements and founded a Jesuit mission in 1671. There he lived only seven years until his death, where he learned the language of the Native Americans, lived among the lakes, and explored huge regions of land that led to the discovery of the Mississippi River. Father Marquette helped Louis Jolliet to map a route to the Pacific Coast and was involved in other expeditions and explorations of the area. Visitors to the Memorial are invited to hike along the 15 station outdoor interpretive trail. Definitely bring a lunch and picnic while enjoying awesome, panoramic views of the Mackinac Bridge. Plan to allow about one hour to explore the memorial and site (the museum was destroyed in a fire in 2000.)

The Father Marquette National Memorial is located at St. Ignace in Straits State Park and overlooks the Straits of Mackinac, just west of I-75 off U.S. 2. Pay tribute to one of America's first great explorers and religious leaders. Bring comfortable shoes, a picnic, and a spirit for adventure!