Ontonagon County

Ontonagon County is a county in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Located along the southern shore of Lake Superior, the county is known for its wilderness landscapes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, mining history, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The county seat is Ontonagon, a community situated at the mouth of the Ontonagon River on Lake Superior.

Ontonagon County is home to some of Michigan's most significant natural attractions, including portions of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and extensive public forestlands.

Ontonagon County was established in 1843 and organized in 1848.

The county takes its name from the Ontonagon River, a major waterway that has historically served as a transportation and settlement corridor.

During the nineteenth century, the county's economy developed through:

• Copper mining
• Logging
• Commercial fishing
• Great Lakes shipping
• Forestry

The region became known for both its mineral resources and its vast wilderness areas.

Ontonagon County played an important role in Michigan's early copper mining industry.

Historic mining operations included:

• Copper Mining in Michigan
• The Ontonagon Boulder
• Nineteenth-century copper exploration
• Regional mining settlements

Mining activity contributed significantly to the development of western Upper Michigan.

Ontonagon County occupies a large portion of Michigan's western Lake Superior shoreline.

Major geographic features include:

• Lake Superior
• Ontonagon River
• Porcupine Mountains
• Presque Isle River
• Ottawa National Forest
• Extensive wilderness areas

The county contains some of the most remote and scenic landscapes in the Great Lakes region.

• Ontonagon

• Bergland Township
• Carp Lake Township
• Ewen Township
• Greenland Township
• Interior Township
• McMillan Township
• Matchwood Township
• Ontonagon Township
• Rockland Township
• Stannard Township

The county's most famous attraction is:

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Known as the “Porkies,” the park contains:

• Old-growth forests
• Mountain ridges
• Waterfalls
• Hiking trails
• Scenic overlooks
• Lake Superior shoreline

The park is among Michigan's largest and most visited state parks.

One of Michigan's most iconic scenic destinations is:

• Lake of the Clouds

Located within the Porcupine Mountains, the overlook is widely regarded as one of the most photographed natural locations in Michigan.

Major industries include:

• Tourism
• Forestry
• Government services
• Healthcare
• Outdoor recreation
• Small business

Tourism centered on the county's natural resources plays a major role in the local economy.

Ontonagon County is a premier destination for outdoor recreation.

Popular activities include:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Snowmobiling
• Skiing
• Wildlife observation

Visitors are attracted by the county's wilderness character and extensive public lands.

Protected lands include:

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
• Ottawa National Forest
• Bond Falls
• State forests and recreation areas

These areas support conservation, recreation, and tourism.

Major transportation routes include:

• U.S. Highway 45
• M-28
• M-64
• M-38

These highways provide access to communities throughout western Upper Michigan.

Ontonagon County's culture reflects influences from:

• Copper mining heritage
• Finnish-American communities
• Scandinavian traditions
• Great Lakes history
• Outdoor recreation

Community events and historical organizations preserve the county's unique identity.

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
• Lake of the Clouds
• Bond Falls
• Ontonagon Lighthouse
• Presque Isle River

Ontonagon County is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners and provides county services including:

• Law enforcement
• Courts
• Public health
• Emergency management
• Property records
• Community services

County government offices are located in Ontonagon.

• Ontonagon
• Gogebic County
• Houghton County
• Western Upper Peninsula
• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

• United States Census Bureau
• Ontonagon County Government
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Michigan History publications
• State of Michigan records

counties upper_peninsula ontonagon_county ontonagon porcupine_mountains lake_superior western_upper_peninsula