Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
This has been voted the most beautiful State Park in the Nation and is the largest State Park in Michigan. The top visited attraction in this State Park is Lake of the Clouds (pictured above). The lookout to witness this gorgeous scenery is accessible by a wooden boardwalk and many hiking trails. You could spend days hiking and still only cover a small portion of this gigantic park. It’s well known for its rugged beauty, old-growth forests, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and stunning vistas overlooking Lake Superior. Keep your eyes open for wildlife while roaming here, you might see a bear, moose, deer, or a plethora of birds!
Skywatching
As night time falls, keep an eye out for the northern lights and shooting stars. The Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon area are known for their dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and catching glimpses of the aurora borealis, especially during the spring and summer months. Even if you don’t witness these astral events, our sunsets are a real treat every night! Our beaches on Lake Superior are perfect for watching sunsets.
Beach Time
Head to one of our beaches for some relaxation and swimming. Lake Superior’s freshwater shores offer clean sandy beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim in the cool waters, and even do a bit of rockhounding. If you’re interested in collecting unique stones, keep an eye out for agates, fossils, and yooperlites!
Local Events
Check out our local events that will be happening during your stay, or book your stay around our events. We have a Lake Trout Classic fishing event in May, a Log Cabin Day in June, and CopperFest in July. These events, and more, showcase our area’s culture and heritage. Meet some locals at our events to learn about great places to explore nearby. Our community is full of extremely hospitable people who would love to share local information with you.
Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, spend some time casting your line into Lake Superior or one of the many nearby inland lakes or rivers. You can fish right off of the dock at the Ontonagon Marina. We recommend fishing close to a waterfall! You might reel in some trout, salmon, or bass while enjoying the relaxing surroundings. Lake Gogebic is a great lake to reel in jumbo perch and other species of fish.
Scenic Drives
Take leisurely drives through the scenic landscapes of the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon area. The Lake Superior Circle Tour offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The drive along South Boundary Road provides a quick glimpse of the park’s beauty from the comfort of your car. You will find a plethora of places to pull over, take a picture, and maybe even have a picnic!
Relax and Unwind
Don’t forget to carve out some time to simply relax and unwind outdoors. Whether it’s sitting by a campfire, reading a book in a hammock, or enjoying a picnic in nature, take moments to savor the calmness of your surroundings. Listen to a choral of birds chirping on a quick easy hike around Rose Island or the wind rushing through the towering trees. There is no shortage of ways to relax in Ontonagon!
Paddling
Finally, if you’re up for it, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along one of the area’s rivers or inland lakes. Be cautious if you decide to paddle on Lake Superior, the waves can change quickly. Paddling is a fantastic way to explore hidden coves, observe wildlife, and experience the beauty of the Porcupine Mountains from a different perspective. You can also bring a fishing rod with you if you’re hoping to catch some dinner!
With so much to see and do, your summer adventure in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon area is sure to be unforgettable!
Book early and stay long enough to take it all in.