Articles

Get ready for some winter fun in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County. In this three-day itinerary, you’ll discover the region’s dining options, outstanding outdoor recreation at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex, and scenic, snow-covered waterfalls.

Day 1

Arrive in the Porcupine Mountains and check into one of our welcoming lodges, cabins, resorts, or hotels. Head into Ontonagon to find tasty dinner options like Roxey’s and Paul’s Superior View Restaurant.

Day 2

Wake up early and gear up for a day of adventure in the Porcupine Mountains. If you’re looking for a breakfast spot, head to Syl’s Café and Connie’s Place in Ontonagon.

Take M-107/M-64 west for about 20 miles from Ontonagon to reach the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex, located just inside the entrance to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on the shores of Lake Superior. The sports complex is open from 9am to 5pm Friday through Monday during the ski season.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can explore 20 downhill runs—3 beginner runs, 8 intermediate runs, and 9 expert runs—and a natural terrain park that features tree trunk rails, boulders, and small to medium cliffs that can be used for jumps. The hill has more than 250 skiable acres and nearly 700 feet of elevation.

The winter sports complex is also surrounded by more than 20 miles of trails open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. Aside from a state of Michigan Recreation Passport, there is no additional fee to use the trails. The Michigan DNR maintains the trails, and grooming conditions are posted inside the chalet on the Porcupine Mountains Winter Complex Facebook page.

Learn more about the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex here.

Day 3

Did you know you can still visit many of the scenic waterfalls of the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County in winter, too? One of the most photo-worthy falls you’ll find—yes, even in winter—is Bond Falls, which sits on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River about an hour south of the Porcupine Mountains.

Take U.S. Highway 45 south through Bruce Crossing to Paulding, then head east on Bond Falls Road until you reach Bond Falls Scenic Site. There, you can park and see the falls from an accessible boardwalk that has six viewing locations where you can grab a photo of the stunning 50-foot falls.

Another winter exploration option? The waterfalls on the Presque Isle River on the western edge of the Porcupine Mountains. (Note that the park’s South Boundary Road is closed in winter, so use County Road 519 to reach the parking area.)