Michigan Roadside Attractions: Castle Rock in St. Ignace

Michigan Roadside Attractions is a periodic feature on Travel the Mitten that will explore the many interesting things that can be found on the highways, byways and back roads of Michigan, ranging from the interesting to unusual.

As far as Roadside Attractions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula go, Castle Rock is as close to a “must-stop” as there is. Conveniently located next to I-75 three miles north of St. Ignace, this limestone breccia sea stack rises nearly 200 feet above Lake Huron. Post-glacial melt off left behind this fascinating landmark that was possibly used as a lookout by early native peoples. A trip to the top is somewhat strenuous but incredibly rewarding as it offers amazing views of the surrounding area. This has been a family-owned tourist attraction for more than 80 years, and it remains affordable and memorable.

Visitors to Castle Rock can stop and pose for pictures with large statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. A gift shop full of Upper Peninsula souvenirs is also where you pay admission and gain access to Castle Rock.

Stairs lead up to the top for views of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island, I-75, and even the Mackinac Bridge. It’s a trip that definitely feels more like a workout, but keep in mind that the view from the top more than justifies the journey to get there.

You can find more information about Castle Rock at: http://www.castlerockmi.com/#!. Be sure to check out our list of 10 Things to See and Do in St. Ignace for other ideas while you’re in the area. You can also check out a full list of other Paul Bunyan statues in Michigan that we previously featured. Castle Rock can be reached by taking exit 348 from I-75. The physical address is N2690 Castle Rock Rd. if you’re using a GPS. We’d once again like to thank Russell Katje for sharing his photos with us.