Ontonagon County: Nature, Waterfalls, and Copper Country History
Accommodation in Ontonagon County
Ontonagon County combines the vast landscapes of the Porcupine Mountains with waterfalls, Lake Superior, and a distinctive history of copper mining.
Forests, Mountains, and Waterways
The Porcupine Mountains are located in Ontonagon and Gogebic Counties and are managed as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The park offers camping, hiking, snowmobiling, and fishing. Approximately 35,000 acres of primary forest without logging are considered, according to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, to be “the largest and finest stand of undisturbed northern hardwoods in North America.”
One of the impressive scenic highlights is Lake of the Clouds on the inland-facing side of the escarpment of the Porcupine Mountains. In clear weather, the view extends more than 25 miles to the west. At the Presque Isle River Scenic Site, the river passes through a series of low falls and cascades that cut deeply into the bedrock. The surrounding forest is characterized by old sugar maples, hemlocks, and eastern white pines.
Waterfalls for Different Outing Plans
Bond Falls in southern Ontonagon County drops approximately 50 feet in total over numerous small cascades. An accessible boardwalk leads to six viewing areas; parking lots and picnic tables are also available along the road. At Agate Falls, a 0.5-mile trail leads to an observation platform and passes through a tunnel beneath M-28.
The Presque Isle River Scenic Site is suitable for hiking, backpacking, photography, non-motorized fishing, and wildlife observation. Planning your trip around your preferred activity can help you distinguish between short scenic stops, longer nature experiences, and river landscapes of particular photographic interest.
Copper Country and Living History
The area from Ontonagon to the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula is known as Copper Country. A copper mine operated at Adventure Mine from 1850 to 1920; during that time, more than 11 million pounds of native copper were extracted. Today, offerings include rappelling into a mine shaft, underground workshops on drilling and blasting, and a simple guided hike. An underground lunch with a pasty is included.
The Ontonagon County Historical Museum presents collections on mining, logging, agriculture, maritime history, and everyday life. Exhibits include pre-Columbian copper and stone tools, a fifth-order Fresnel lens, copper-mining tools, and a model of the 3,708-pound Ontonagon Boulder. The museum is a Heritage Site of Keweenaw National Historical Park and is accessible to wheelchair users.
The Ontonagon Lighthouse is also part of the region’s history: It is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the mainland of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Tours pass through all three levels, including the tower and lantern room. They are available daily from mid-May through mid-October between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; group and individual tours can also be arranged by appointment.
The Right Location for Your Trip Planning
When searching for accommodation in Ontonagon County, you can consider what you want your trip to focus on: forest and waterfall experiences, cultural history, or days on Lake Superior. Lakeshore Park offers beach access at the end of Trap Street and Lake Street, as well as views of the sunset over Ontonagon Pier. The sandy Lake Superior beaches in Ontonagon offer additional perspectives on the lake.
For active days, options also include the Peter Wolfe Chapter of the North Country Trail, the 13.5-mile Firesteel River water trail rated Class II, and the Ontonagon-Rockland route. The latter is 13 miles long and connects Ontonagon with Rockland through the forest. The Courtney Equestrian Trails lie on both sides of the West Branch Firesteel River; their northeastern loops are used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers and intersect with hiking trails.
Places for Further Orientation
To choose your destinations in the county, you can also visit the pages for Ontonagon and Ewen. This allows you to combine your search for a vacation rental or vacation home with the landscapes, attractions, and historic sites that interest you most.
For the higher-level travel overview: Michigan.
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