Gros Cap roadside park and St. Helena Island overlook

The U.S. 2 roadside park at Gros Cap, just west of St. Ignace, affords a good view west down the Lake Michigan shoreline to Point aux Pins. Look south to see St. Helena Island and lighthouse. Ships are visible entering and leaving the Straits of Mackinac.

This blufftop park and picnic spot take in a fine view of St. Helena Island two miles offshore. (Note: the local pronunciation is "St. Helene.") French fishermen from Gros Cap ("GROW cap," the shoreline village that once stood below the bluff here) established a prosperous fishing village on St. Helena in the 19th century. It grew to around 225 people. The natural harbor on the beautiful island's north shore made it an ideal fueling stop for wood-fired steamships.

Later St. Helena Island became a pleasant destination for outings by boat or sleigh. In bad weather it remains a harbor of refuge—and weather can get so bad, so suddenly, that a number of St. Ignace people today have memories of pleasure trips to the island where their stay was extended involuntarily.

On the southeast shore is a classic, tapered lighthouse with a brick keeper's dwelling, built in 1873 and abandoned by the Coast Guard in 1923. Since 1986 ongoing restoration and site improvements by scouts and other volunteers have been directed by GLLKA (GLLKA.com), Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, based in Mackinaw City. This is GLLKA's flagship project.

6.3 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge, 1/2 mile east of Cheeseman Rd.
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Return to U.S. 2 from the Bridge

U.S. 2 FROM THE BRIDGE
POINTS OF INTEREST

Deer Ranch. Behind all the Minnetonka moccasins and deerskin accessories, large pens in a cedar grove have been fenced off for placid-looking, relaxed deer—26 adults and some 27 fawns. ... more

Father Marquette Memorial. Interpretive panels focus on how native people used plants and animals, and Marquette and Jolliet's 1673 journey from St. Ignace to the Missisippi. ... more

Totem Village. A disabled logger's 1950s folk art environment and museum paId tribute to Native Americans when mainstream culture looked down on them. Classic crafts, toys, books and music. Outside: a small woodland zoo. ... more

Souvenir Barn. A bridge-viewing site on the roof of an old-timey souvenir shop. Outstanding view of Mackinac Bridge, Straits, and possibly freighters. ... more

Curio Fair. Another nostalgic tourist trinket shop, adorned by seashells. An 8-story high tower gives views of both the Mackinac Bridge to the south and forests to the north ... more

Mystery Spot. Endless billboards build traveling kids' excitement for this classic roadside attraction, fun for adults and kids alike ... more

Gros Cap roadside park and St. Helena Island overlook. Take in a fine view, while picnicking, of St. Helena Island and its lighthouse 2 miles offshore ... more

Hiawatha National Forest/St. Ignace Info Center and administrative unit. A picnic spot and native plant garden outside. Inside, handouts and good advice about camping, fishing, berry-picking spots, and wilderness areas ... more

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