- Q: Where is Ontonagon located?
- A: Ontonagon is a village in Ontonagon Township, Michigan, located at the mouth of the Ontonagon River on Lake Superior and near the Porcupine Mountains.
- Q: What makes Ontonagon a great destination?
- A: Ontonagon is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, making it a great starting point for outdoor adventures.
- Q: What historical site is located near Ontonagon?
- A: Near the village is the historic Ontonagon lighthouse, which was completed in 1853.
- Q: What outdoor activity is popular near Ontonagon?
- A: Ontonagon Township Park, a popular local camping area on Lake Superior, offers great outdoor activities.
- Q: What kind of cultural attractions can visitors find in Ontonagon?
- A: The village has several art and craft galleries where local artists can showcase and sell their products. The most well-known are The Nonesuch Gallery and Living the UP Dream.
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1. Ontonagon Lighthouse
The Ontonagon Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse completed in 1853 on Lake Superior near Ontonagon, Michigan. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site. The Ontonagon light is a one and half story rectangular, brick keeper's house built on a stone foundation. Attached to it is a three-story, 34-foot tall tower, a design used on a number of Michigan lighthouses. The tower has a polygonal iron beacon on its top. A spiral stair inside of the tower reaches the light, the basement and upper floor of the main house. The lighthouse was first equipped with Lewis lamps, which were replaced in 1857 with a fifth-order Fresnel lens.
422 River St, Ontonagon, MI 49953-1614
2. Ontonagon Township Park
The Ontonagon Township Park is a popular camping area on the Lake Superior’s south shore. The campground is located close to the Porcupine Mountains and many other local attractions. Camping along the clear waters of Lake Superior is an incredible experience, especially at sunset. There is a range of different campsites in the campground. The premium sites are large and offer beach access. The main part of the campground is more social, while the sites across the road are fairly secluded and private. There are also two rental cabins within the campground. On the west side of the campground is a large kids’ playground.
700 Lakeshore Dr, Ontonagon, MI 49953, Phone: 906-884-2930
3. Living the UP Dream
Tiny jewel box of a shop in Ontonagon, Michigan, Living the UP Dream started as a creativity outlet for artist Elizabeth Peterson and for any artist or craftperson in the Upper Western Peninsula of Michigan who needed a place to sell their artworks and handcrafted items or who wanted to learn a new skill. Since the opening, many artists from the area have brought in their works to sell and Elizabeth held a number of classes and lessons on many skills. She thought jewelry making, producing essential oils, making soaps and offered music lessons. Living the UP Dream became an unique shop where visitors can find a special gift, a piece of hand-made jewelry, locally handmade furniture, stationary, gift cards and much more.
201 River St, Ontonagon, MI 49953, Phone: 906-884-2199
4. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Porcupine Mountains State Park is a 60,000-acre wilderness area and the largest state park in Michigan. About 35,000 acres are covered by old-growth forest, spectacular waterfalls, miles of streams, brooks and rivers. There are more than 90 miles of hiking and walking trails. Spectacular Lake Superior shoreline offers vistas that take breath away. The park includes Lake of the Clouds viewing area, the scenic Presque Isle River and the Summit Peak observation tower. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course and the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area. The Wilderness Visitor Center offers information on trail conditions and includes interpretive programs, exhibit hall, wifi and a gift shop.
33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953
5. Bond Falls
Bond Falls is a pretty place where you can get a little closer to nature and enjoy a walk and a picnic surrounded by lovely scenery. You will find the falls on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River, where it rolls and tumbles over several rocky ridges which break the water up into a series of small waterfalls. To best admire the falls you will need to take a walk along the boardwalk which runs from the small parking area at the top of the falls to a series of 6 lookout points. There are tables near the top parking area where you can enjoy a picnic.
Bond Falls Rd, Paulding, MI 49912
6. Ontonagon County Historical Museum
The Ontonagon Country Historical Society invites all visitors to come and take a step back in time at the Historical Museum where you can learn much about the early days in Ontonagon County. Ontonagon is the oldest permanently settled village on the south shores of Lake Superior and dates back to 1843. The village’s strategic location at the mouth of the Ontonagon River is responsible for the county’s rich culture of trading, mining, farming and fishing. The museum is set in the heart of the village and is well worth a visit and a browse around - it is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Ontonagon County Historical Museum, 422 River Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953, 906 884 6165
7. Syl’s Cafe
Conveniently located on River Street, Syl’s Cafe is a popular meeting place for Ontonagon locals and visitors. Syl’s offers a large menu which more than covers everyone’s favorite American snacks and meals, including a range of pizzas, burgers and sandwiches with a long list of sides. However, it is their pasties which seem to be the most popular items on the menu. Pasties are practically a staple in Finland, and since many of the Ontonagon residents originally hailed from Finland, pasties are still very popular. So popular, in fact, that you can buy a cooler box full of frozen pasties to take home with you.
713 River Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953, 906 884 2522
Map:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures and blooming forests.
Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins – A cozy lakeside retreat with rustic charm.
Visit Bond Falls – A stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Superior Shores Resort – A scenic stay along the shores of Lake Superior.
Explore Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Hike, fish, and take in breathtaking lake views.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage.
Mountain View Lodges – A peaceful cabin-style retreat with nature views.
Drive the Lake Superior Scenic Byway – Experience stunning fall colors along the shoreline.
Plan Your Trip
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