St. Ignace is located on the southeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula and was founded by French explorer, Father Jacques Marquette in 1671. It was named for St. Ignatius Loyola. This small city of 2.69 square miles packs in a number of important landmarks, including the northern terminus of the Mackinac Bridge. St. Ignace is the County seat for Mackinac County and is also home to ferry service to Mackinac Island. Straits State Park, which includes a Father Marquette Memorial, as well as camping facilities, hiking, picnic facilities and other park amenities, is located in St. Ignace.