Snowmobile America’s Most Beautiful State Park Located in Northern Michigan
By Jay Haven, Keweenaw Trailblazer
Winter is closing in on us faster than we know. In just a short two months (or sooner), snowbound motorheads will be getting their sleds out of storage and firing up longing engines for their passion sport. Snowy hills, lake-effect powder storms and that unbeatable northwoods hospitality are calling your name. If you’re looking for solid trails to ride for days and don’t like crowds – you should snowmobile the Ontonagon area in Northern Michigan. Enjoy backcountry vibes on forged snowmobile trails that tick every box on your riding list. In Ontonagon County and the Porcupine Mountains there are over 350 miles of snowmobile trails waiting to be explored.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Ontonagon – pronounced “ahn-tuh-NAH-gun” – boasts a population of around 1,200 people and is a port town on the waters of Lake Superior. The old style village is a social hub of the county offering some fun downtown eats and drinks, shops and fuel. A bridge in town goes over the Ontonagon River, which mouths into Lake Superior just a few blocks away. The county’s snowmobile trails run like a grid connecting north, south, east and west – generally speaking.
You can make many loops, out and backs or hop from one town to the next on your perfect snowmobile adventure. Ontonagon is about 25 minutes from the Porcupine Mountains, which was recently proclaimed as the Nation’s Most Beautiful State Park by Travel Lens and USA Today. Lake of the Clouds, a scenic point in the park, is a diamond when it comes to Midwest views in winter and never fails to disappoint.
CRISS CROSS APPLESAUCE
From Wakefield to Twin Lakes and down past Trout Creek, there are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails. You should download a map from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before heading out, as cell signal is limited and towns are far between. Ontonagon is a great starting point, as you can take either Trail 12 or 137 to 3 and begin to fork off toward your destinations. A few fun day loops would be heading down toward Bruce Crossing from Ontonagon, or taking a U curve over to Lake of the Clouds past Silver City along Lake Superior. Lake of the Clouds Overlook is reached by vehicle or hiking in summer, but snowmobiles can go to this scenic spot in winter for remarkable views of Lake of the Clouds. The small inland lake is peaceful, tucked between ridges of the Porcupine Mountains. It’s not uncommon to see deer or other critters making their way through the frozen winter valley.
Go to Lake of the Clouds on your snowmobile this winter and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. At around 450 feet above Lake Superior, enjoy the calm, quiet and crisp air as you take off your helmet to take a look. Disclaimer: it’s a short walk uphill up a ramp and in winter this can be slippery. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring cleats for your boots if the region has been getting pounded with fresh snow.
A LOCAL TAKE
Joshua Scott, owner of Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins in Ontonagon rides the area himself and shared a few recommendations. He says his guests often return to his hotel after riding and share their satisfaction with the area’s trails. The rugged terrain of Ontonagon County is striking and is some of the most undisturbed woods of Upper Michigan. Full of rivers, lakes and tall forests, Ontonagon County’s frozen landscape glistens under winter’s sunlight.
“We’re a mile from Ontonagon,” said Scott. “Our trail system goes right into town so we’re close to food and gas. A lot of people like to stay here because I’m right on Trail 12. You can hit the corner here and head to the Porcupine Mountains and Bergland area west, or head east and north to the Keweenaw from right here.”
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has tall mountains for the Midwest, and the western end is particularly hilly. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views at every turn as you cruise through cold, rocky ridges. The trails in Ontonagon County have many bridges, and the twists and turns can be relentless on your arms so take it easy!
“There’s Trail 137 that connects to 13 and goes up and down the Ontonagon RIver Valley, it’s just a beautiful area,” said Scott. “Trail 13 cuts over to Bergland and is one of my favorite trails in the whole world. It’s just a winding trail that cuts through these big old bluffs and there’s some rivers and waterfalls you can see. The trail takes you right to Bond Falls, which some liken to Tahquamenon Falls.”
It’s fair to say anyone who’s set their eyes on Northern Michigan has read about Tahquamenon Falls. However, Bond Falls is a comparable experience and is much closer for Wisconsin and Minnesota folks considering the trek to snowmobile Upper Michigan and see some of its frozen waterfalls. In winter, they turn into solid sheets of white and light blue as the water freezes over the dark rocks. You can usually still see and hear rushing water beneath the solid mass. Bond Falls is a crashing point of the Ontonagon River, which extends a few of its branches across the region.
WORKING UP AN APPETITE
Most of the destination towns on the DNR map will have gas stations for fueling up, but there’s a few hot spots you should hit when you’re feeling hungry.
The Konteka Black Bear Resort (White Pine): Stop in White Pine to check out the Konteka Black Bear Resort for hot sandwiches, steaks and ribs. They offer lodging if you’re getting weary and have gas. If you’re riding with kids, take a fun break and bowl some lanes at their indoor alley. Warm up and get cozy in between your riding at the Konteka on your way back to Ontonagon.
Bruce Crossing (An Underrated Social Hub): At the crossroads of M-28 and US-45 you’ll find Bruce Crossing. This small town has a lot to offer for snowmobilers. Settler’s Co-Op Inc is a full grocery store with great take and go food from the deli: both hot and cold. You can get gas, gloves and other odds and ends at Settler’s. Just across the street you can take your pick of Logger’s Alley (it has bowling), Twilly’s or Char’s for tasty mom ‘n’ pop eats.
Porkies Outpost (Ontonagon): Slinging some of the best looking plates in the Western UP, Porkies Outpost will crush your mighty appetite. Some of their best specials are the pizza burger, homemade lasagna and walleye sandwiches. The Outpost is just outside the Porcupine Mountains and will give you a warm welcome.
FOOD & LODGING
Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins (Ontonagon): If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the full snowmobile experience, book at Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins. Quoted above, Joshua Scott is the owner and is full of great recommendations for more sight seeing and things to do around Ontonagon. Stay in the Inn or have a more private experience at the cabins. Scott’s is a mile from Ontonagon and right on Trail 12.
Americ Inn (Silver City): If you’re a Wyndham fan, there’s an Americ Inn in Silver City very close to the Porcupine Mountains. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking to see more of the Porcupine Mountains through snowshoeing, skiing or hiking in addition to your snowmobiling. The hotel has great parking for snowmobile trailers. You’ll also get a free breakfast and fast wifi.
AJ’s Walleye Lodge (Bergland): Another great restaurant and lodging combo, AJ’s is known for it’s tasty menu and friendly atmosphere. It sits on Lake Gogebic, one of the largest inland lakes in Upper Michigan. AJ’s is a pre-prohibition bar and has great lakeside views. It’s a good spot to trailer in from lower part of Wisconsin if you don’t want to make it as far north.
ONTONAGON COUNTY: YOUR NEXT SNOWMOBILE DESTINATION THIS WINTER
As winter draws near, Ontonagon County emerges as a new snowmobile playground, where the thrill of the ride meets the serene beauty of the Northwoods. Picture yourself carving through over 350 miles of pristine trails, with each turn offering a new, breathtaking vista of frozen landscapes and towering pines. The Porcupine Mountains and Lake of the Clouds beckon with their untouched splendor, promising a winter adventure that’s as exhilarating as it is peaceful. Whether you’re gliding past sparkling snow-covered ridges or warming up in cozy local eateries, the charm of this hidden gem is undeniable. As the snow begins to fall, Ontonagon stands ready to deliver a snowmobiling experience that will captivate and rejuvenate your winter spirit. Get ready to explore, enjoy, and embrace the magic of Michigan’s snowy frontier. •