Ontonagon, the only city across the globe with its unique name, is named after the Ontonagon River. This river was well-known for its plethora of copper mines and one large copper deposit known as the Ontonagon Boulder. The Chippewa Indians used this large boulder as a place of worship, while 1600s French trappers saw it as a calling to mine the precious metal. This massive boulder made its way to Detroit, and in 1847, the Ontonagon Boulder was transported to its final resting place at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
The Ontonagon Lighthouse is a must-visit historic landmark that was originally commissioned by Congress in 1850. This lighthouse was constructed just a couple of years after the Minnesota Mine, the most productive copper mine at that time, was dug. While the lighthouse has been renovated over the years, it still houses a plethora of historical items and documents for tourist seekers to enjoy.
Another great place to brush up on your history of the area is at the Ontonagon County Historical Museum. It features exhibits on farming, area mining, social memorabilia, and marine life. Inside this museum, you can enjoy looking at a full-size replica of the Ontonagon Boulder that drew so many prospectors into the region.
If you love the outdoors, then you must visit the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Area. Being one of the largest state parks in the country, it spans many different towns and regions, including Duluth and Marquette. You can opt for taking in Lake Superior's vast beaches, or head to the park's interior to explore its 90 miles of hiking trails alongside hidden lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.
Lake Superior Day - On the third Sunday of July, you can take part in the many festivities that celebrate the largest body of fresh water on Earth.
Hometown Christmas - Enjoy the celebration of Christmas with a concert, dance, lighting contest, and much more!
Ewen Log Jamboree - Celebrate the area's logging history with the Great Lakes Timber Show, Logger 5K Fun Run/Walk, craft show, parade, and other festival activities.
Isle Royale National Park will take you back to the days of seclusion as it's surrounded by Lake Superior. Far from the hustle and bustle of surrounding towns, Isle Royale National Park offers visitors stunning scenic beauty and numerous recreational adventures. The most common are boating, hiking, backpacking, and scuba diving.
Voyageurs National Park comprises 218,055 acres of varying terrain, including wetlands, forests, cliffs, and rock ridges. You can enjoy spending the day hiking through 27 miles of trails, some showcasing hidden waterfalls while others display ancient petroglyphs.
Indiana Dunes National Park covers over 15,000 acres that encompass prairies, rivers, forests, wetlands, and dunes. Enjoy 15 full miles that hug the shores of Lake Michigan. Hikers can enjoy over 50 miles of trails through the various terrains of this national park.
There are three state parks within an hour of the town of Ontonagon. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has over 60,000 acres made up of secluded lakes, virgin timber, wild streams, and roaring waterfalls. You can enjoy hiking over 90 miles of trails in the backcountry and take in unrivaled vistas. Don't forget to stop by the Great Lakes beach, Summit Peak observation tower, 18-hole disc golf course, or the Porkies Ski Area.
McLain State Park is a must if you want to take in the lovely two miles of sandy shores along Lake Superior. The park also offers expansive woodlands and hills alongside a variety of wildlife including deer, squirrels, and various bird species. Enjoy a plethora of recreational activities like windsurfing, fishing, berry picking, hunting, skiing, and hiking.
Bewabic State Park boasts 315 acres of outdoor recreation for all of your favorite activities. Unique to this part is its Civilian Conservation Corps history that is very evident from the various CCC structures located throughout the park. Nestled in this park is a 137-site campground that offers privacy strips for guests.
As you discover more about the Ontonagon region, it becomes very clear that mining is what drove the development of the area into the town it is today. The LaFayette Mine is a great landmark to visit that will share shafts and artifacts from the copper mining scene in the mid-1800s. The mine is only accessible through a remote hiking trail.
The Old White Pine Mine Site and Town is another must-see to understand the mining scene. This attraction contains the ruins of the world's second-largest underground copper mine. You'll get to see the foundation of the rock-crushing ball mill and other artifacts from the early 1900s.
The Ontonagon Historical Museum and Lighthouse sits along Lake Superior and offers a peek into the past. This historical location has many old-time documents and artifacts, complete with informative tours. You can get an up-close view of a replica Ontonagon Boulder, which is the large copper deposit that was found along the Ontonagon River centuries ago.
The Ontonagon Township Park and Campground offers sites starting at $35 per night. River Road RV and Campground is another close location that offers year-round camping and an abundance of fishing opportunities and is always pet-friendly. Another option is the City of Houghton RV Park, which offers covered campsites, an on-site pool and hot tub, and a municipal water park next door.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ontonagon, MI, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ontonagon?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ontonagon from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ontonagon?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
