5 Best Things to Do in Ontonagon, MI

By VI Staff on September 5, 2019

Ontonagon is a village in the Ontonagon Township, Michigan, at the mouth of the Ontonagon River on Lake Superior and near Procupine Mountains. Surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, the village is great starting point for great outdoor adventures. Near the village is a historic Ontonagon lighthouse completed in 1853. Ontonagon Township Park is a popular local camping area on the Lake Superior. The village has several fascinating art and craft galleries where local artists can show and sell their products. The best known are The Nonesuch Gallery and Living the UP Dream.

1.Ontonagon Lighthouse

The Ontonagon Light 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.Nonesuch Gallery

The Nonesuch Gallery is a shop in Ontonagan, Michigan showcasing handcrafted items created by Upper Michigan artists. The charming shop is located in an historic building near the mouth of the Ontonagon River and the shore of Lake Superior.The shop is owned and operated by artists Edna and Brad Yonker. The main floor exhibits Edna's quilts and other pieces of textile art, as well as rustic handmade furniture, antler chandeliers, jewelry and locally made legendary Amish caps known as Stormy Kromers. The shop also carries Michigan-grown Blueberry products and locally roasted coffee beans from Twin Lakes Java. There are also handcrafted dips, lotions, soaps, boxes and more. Downstairs Brad showcases unique handcrafted antler furniture, other furniture, a large collection of new and used acoustic instruments and Brad's handmade guitars made from local woods.

638 River St, Ontonagon, MI 49953, Phone: 906-884-2279

4.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

5.Porcupine Mountains State Park

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness 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