Father Marquette National Memorial in St. Ignace, MI

The Father Marquette National Memorial pays tribute to the life and work of Father Jacques Marquette. The historic state park honors the priest who established Michigan's first two permanent settlements.

Today Father Marquette is recognized as one of the great explorers of the North American continent. On a rise overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, the Memorial pays homage to this 17th-century missionary and the meeting of French and Native American cultures deep in the continental wilderness. Current attractions include the National Memorial pavilion, an outdoor 15-station interpretive trail, park pavilion, picnic area with public restrooms, and a panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac spanned by the mighty Mackinac Bridge.