Is Castle Rock in St. Ignace Worth the Stop? A Fun Family Roadside Adventure
If you’re crossing the Mackinac Bridge and heading into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, one of the first roadside attractions you’ll see signs for is Castle Rock in St. Ignace. It’s one of those places that might make you wonder—is it really worth pulling over?
For our family, the answer was a definite yes!
Climb Castle Rock for Panoramic Views
What to Expect at Castle Rock
Castle Rock is a tall limestone formation that towers about 200 feet above Lake Huron. After paying a small admission fee, you’ll climb a set of stairs and pathways up to the top. It’s a quick climb, but once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island, and even the bridge on a clear day.
It’s a great place to stretch your legs after a long drive, and kids especially enjoy the adventure of climbing up to the top. There are fun photo ops with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues at the base, making it a classic roadside stop.
Admission Fee $3 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6–12, kids 5 and under free, and even $1 for pets)
Affordable & Fun Gift Shop
Follow the yellow footprints through the gift shop to Castle Rock
At the bottom, you’ll find a gift shop that has that nostalgic, touristy charm. Think quirky souvenirs, affordable trinkets for the kids, and locally themed gifts. It’s one of those shops where everyone finds something fun—without breaking the budget.
Why It’s Worth the Stop
Super affordable admission ($3 adults, $1 kids, $1 pets)
Quick and easy climb—not an all-day commitment
Fun photo opportunities
Great views right over the bridge
Gift shop with unique, inexpensive souvenirs
Yes, Castle Rock is a little touristy—but in the best way. It’s exactly the kind of classic roadside stop that makes a family road trip memorable. We hopped back in the car with smiles, a few silly souvenirs, and some beautiful photos to remember the view.
Tips for Visiting Castle Rock with Kids
The climb is short but steep in spots—hold little hands if you have young kids.
Bring a camera (or just your phone) for those amazing views.
Stop here right after crossing the bridge—it’s a perfect first “welcome to the U.P.” moment.
Allow extra time to find a fun or quirky U.P. souvenir.
A Little History of Castle Rock
Castle Rock is a natural limestone sea stack that was shaped by glacial and water erosion thousands of years ago. It was once surrounded by the ancient waters of Lake Algonquin (a much larger version of Lake Huron during the Ice Age). Locals started calling it “Castle Rock” because its dramatic cliff face looks a bit like a castle tower rising out of the forest.
The attraction opened to the public in the 1920s, making it one of the earliest tourist stops in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For almost a century, it has welcomed families who want to climb up and take in the breathtaking view.
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox
At the base of Castle Rock, you can’t miss the giant statues of Paul Bunyan and his faithful sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox.
Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox at Castle Rock
Paul Bunyan is a legendary lumberjack from American folklore, popularized in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He represents the tall tales of the logging industry that shaped the Great Lakes region.
His companion, Babe, is a giant blue ox who supposedly helped him plow fields, carve out rivers, and even create landmarks across North America.
The statues at Castle Rock make a perfect photo op and are a nod to the Upper Peninsula’s deep connection to logging history and tall-tale storytelling.
Why Are There Locks at the Top of Castle Rock?
If you make the climb to the top of Castle Rock, you’ll notice padlocks clipped to the railings. These are called “love locks”, part of a tradition that started in Europe and spread around the world. Couples, friends, and even families add a lock to symbolize their bond and the memory of their visit.
Locks at Castle Rock
It isn’t something the attraction officially created—it just grew over time as visitors wanted to leave their mark. Now, it’s a fun and quirky part of the Castle Rock experience (and makes for great photos at the summit!).
Did You Know?
From the top of Castle Rock, on a clear day, you can spot Mackinac Island, the Straits of Mackinac, and even both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Castle Rock stands about 195 feet tall, but the climb is only a couple hundred stairs—so it feels more like a short workout than a hike.
At just a few dollars admission, Castle Rock is considered one of the most affordable scenic overlooks in Michigan.
Views of Lake Huron
Nearby Attractions & Restaurants
Mackinac Island- Just a short ferry ride from St. Ignace, this car-free island is a Michigan classic. Families love renting bikes to circle the island, stopping at Arch Rock, and world-famous fudge.
The Narnia Trail (Cedarville) A whimsical little woodland path with lake views in Cedarville that ends in a lampost.
Lehto’s Pasties No trip to the U.P. is complete without a pasty (a traditional meat-and-potato hand pie brought by Cornish miners). Lehto’s, just west of St. Ignace, has been serving them since 1947 and is considered one of the best.
Bridge View Park (St. Ignace) A free stop with fantastic views of the Mackinac Bridge. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, and there’s a small museum about the history of the bridge inside the welcome center.
Clyde’s Drive-In (St. Ignace) A retro drive-in known for its huge, juicy burgers and milkshakes. It’s a budget-friendly, family-friendly place where you can eat in the car or at picnic tables with a view of the water.
Closing Thoughts
Castle Rock might be a quick roadside stop, but it’s one that leaves a big impression. From the climb and sweeping views to the quirky Paul Bunyan statues, love locks, and affordable gift shop, it’s a perfect way to kick off a U.P. adventure right after crossing the Mackinac Bridge. This was one of the first stops on our 10-day Upper Peninsula trip, and our family loved stretching our legs here before hitting the road. Pair it with a stop for pasties, a stroll down the Narnia Trail, or even a ferry to Mackinac Island, and you’ve got the start of a trip your family won’t forget.
