Directions
From the intersection of US-2 and I-75 in St. Ignace head west on US-2 six miles to the Gros Cap Roadside Park on the shoreline side of the road.
Gros Cap Roadside Park
Naubinway - St. Ignace
Birding Information
Each spring and fall the Straits of Mackinac are a gathering area for migratory bald eagles, turkey vultures and large rafts of diving ducks. The bluffs west of Saint Ignace create an upwelling of air from Lake Michigan where dozens of eagles and vultures can be seen soaring on the wind currents, often at tree level. Other raptors, such as broad-winged, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks can also be seen. Falcons such as American kestrels and merlin are also frequently spotted. Large rafts of redheads, greater and lesser scaup, scoters and other diving ducks may be seen by looking south towards Saint Helena Island.
Area Information
Gros Cap Roadside Park is named for the Gros Cap limestone breccia sea stack. These sea stacks occur all around the Saint Ignace area and tower hundreds of feet above the Great Lakes. The most well-known is Castle Rock, just north of Saint Ignace on Hwy 75. St. Ignace was founded in 1674 by Father Marquette and is the second oldest community founded by European immigrants in Michigan. It also has the natural beauty of miles of beaches and dunes. A fifteen-minute ferry ride can take you to Mackinac Island.
Bathrooms
Yes
Parking
Yes
Road Birding
No
Hiking Trails
No
Viewing Platform
Natural Bluff
Winter Access
No