Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail

The Mackinac Straits area from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island is steeped in history. Great Lakes fisheries have threaded throughout the region's rich history, and are reflected in the active recreational and commercial fisheries still actively fishing waters of the Straits areas. From either side of the Mackinaw Bridge - and even from Mackinac Island - this tour explores fisheries history, current day fisheries, and even a few places where you can literally get a taste of locally caught fish either fresh or ready to eat.

A stop along the coastal St. Ignace Historic Walking Tour interprets the areas Commercial Fishing and Whitefish, as follows:

The A-di-ka-mig, or whitefish, once swam through these waters in great numbers. Native American legend tells that Nanabozho* got the idea of how to catch whitefish while observing a spider weaving a web to catch flies. 

Native Americans survived the winters here because hundreds of whitefish could be caught through the ice with gill nets. Alexander Henry, who wintered here in 1763, reported that whitefish exceeded trout as a delicious and nutritive food and were her in astonishing numbers.

After the fur trade died out, the Native Americans and French, long skilled in fishing these waters, joined the growing commercial fishing industry. Many Swedish fisherman came her from the Aland Islands and lent their skills to the business as well. Some of the old buildings along the walk are their fish houses. The white building, Superior Floorcovering, was once the Halberg Fishery. Just ahead where this boardwalk ends, you will see a historic dock and will detour around the "Old Fish House." The walk resumes on the other side of the old fishery.

Great Lakes commercial fishing is no easy task. The currents and winds are unpredictable and dangerous. Many fishermen have lost their lives here. A monument is placed near the city marina in honor of them. Today, commercial fishermen are Native Americans and great numbers of fish are still shipped out daily. Bags of fresh whitefish are brought directly to local restaurants as they are caught.

- courtesy of the Historic St. Ignace Walking Tour, published by Michilimackinac Historical Society (2009).

Fossilized Whitefish unearthed in the Straits Area

Mackinac State Historic Parks

Straits Area Watershed Map

The 'Mighty Mac' Mackinac Bridge

Michigan Sea Grant

What you can do here

Access Environmental ResearchAccess Fishing History & Culture ResearchBoat RidesBoat ViewingBuy FishCatch & CookCatch FishEat FishGift Shop or Fisheries Items for PurchaseSchool or Group ToursView Active FisheryView Exhibits