Drives Michigan Michigan's Upper Peninsula
US-2: St. Ignace to Naubinway
US 2 · St. Ignace → Naubinway
The drive
US 2 leaves St. Ignace, turns inland just west of town, then rejoins the Lake Michigan shoreline. It runs between the lake and Brevoort Lake near Brevort, enters the eastern unit of the Hiawatha National Forest, and continues past Epoufette to Naubinway. The state moved this stretch to its current lakeshore alignment in 1941.
The Cut River Bridge carries US 2 over the Cut River, 641 feet long and 147 feet above the river, between Epoufette and Brevort. It is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan. Picnic areas and trails down to the river are on either side.
The stretch from Thompson to St. Ignace is the Top of the Lake Scenic Byway, designated in 2017, and US 2 here is part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The drive is 41 miles and takes about 40 minutes.
Along the way
- St. Ignace (I-75)
- Naubinway
Good to know
- In 2020 MDOT announced a slight relocation of the highway just west of the Cut River Bridge because of sinkholes and shoreline erosion.
- The Cut River Bridge has picnic areas and trails down to the river on either side.
- For current closures, use MiDrive.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check MDOT MiDrive.
Questions about this drive
How long does US 2 from St. Ignace to Naubinway take?
US 2 from St. Ignace to Naubinway is 41 miles and takes about 40 minutes.
How high is the Cut River Bridge on US 2?
The Cut River Bridge is 641 feet long and 147 feet above the river.
Is US 2 along Lake Michigan a scenic byway?
The stretch from Thompson to St. Ignace is the Top of the Lake Scenic Byway, designated in 2017.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.