Name: Ontonagon, MI
Rating: 0.0

( 3 Ratings )

Living in Ontonagon, MI

Ranks better than 75% of areas Follow

Population

1,474

Median Age

60.6 Years

Ontonagon Area Facts

Ontonagon has a Livability Score of 75_/100, which is considered excellent
Ontonagon crime rates are 53% lower than the Michigan average
Cost of living in Ontonagon is 15% lower than the Michigan average

What do the locals think about Ontonagon?

100%

Family friendly

0%

Public transit is accessible

0%

Walkable to grocery stores

100%

Yards are well-kept

100%

Lots of parks

0%

Walkable to restaurants

Friendly neighbors

Safe at night

Pet friendly

Streets have sidewalks

100%

A quiet area

100%

Sense of community

Based on 2 votes from AreaVibes users. Take the poll

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Ontonagon Reviews

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Great Community, Beautiful Area, Hidden Gem 5 rating By Anonymous ( Aug 15, 2022) OVERVIEW

Ontonagon is a quiet harbor town, nestled around where the Ontonagon River meets Lake Superior. It's 15 miles north of the Porcupine Mountains, and around 50 miles south of Houghton, so it's out of the way for the typical tourist crowds.

The town itself is very simple, ...Read More including a main street and very little else. Local street names either refer to the vast wealth of mineral deposits (Quartz St, Copper St, etc) and natural landmarks, or allude to the region's history (LP Walsh Rd, Quarterline Rd).

When we first moved here, our neighbors warned us "there's not much that happens here," to which we grinned and affirmed that it was exactly what we were looking for.

If you don't mind making your own plans, marching to the beat of your own drum, being among all manner of wildlife, and immense amounts of snow in the winter, then Ontonagon is a great place to live.

ATTRACTIONS

While Ontonagon boasts few indoor attractions (Historical Museum, Old Lighthouse) there are an endless amount of outdoor activities to enjoy.

From exploring the abandoned mines and waterfalls, to hunting and bonfires on the beach, you'll find there is no shortage of things to do if you're an avid outdoorsman. The animals are bigger here, the forests are thicker, and the fish are far more edible than anywhere in the Lower Peninsula.

It's easy to spend an entire day getting lost on a trail in the Porkies, or an entire night staring at the visible arm of the Milky Way - and if you're lucky, maybe glimpse the aurora.

Just be sure to bring bug spray and a jacket that mosquitoes can't bite through - in the summer months, they are relentless. During hot days in the height of June/July, especially when the wind isn't blowing much, you'll also want to avoid the beach and open fields. The region has a monster Black Fly Season. Forests, shade, and proper equipment definitely can help here.

COMMUNITY

For those who match the Yooper aesthetic, you'll find a welcoming community with laid back people who value hard work and strive to be self-sufficient. If they themselves can't help, they always 'know someone who knows someone', and will gladly refer you to them.

Occasional town events will take place, such Flea Markets and garage sales where locals sell their goods, Copper Fest, and your typical American holidays (4th of July, Memorial Day).

You'll find the entire community ardently supports local vendors, and the vendors, local shops, and even restaurants support one another. Local shops will proudly sell locally made goods, restaurants will promote one another, and the local vendors who set up tents during events all know one another.

NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife might be the last thing you'd think of when it comes to Ontonagon. Unless of course you're referring to the coyotes, wolves, bears, giant moths, and other nocturnal creatures which come out at night.

Most of the restaurants and shops close before 9PM, with some on the weekends closing as early as 5PM. The Eagles Club is open later, and seems to be a popular hang out for later night gatherings. Most other pubs are going to require some driving to get to.

Being in the single most western point of the Eastern Time Zone, residents of Ontonagon have the unique privilege of being able to go east (towards Gogebic), and find themselves in the Central Timezone (an hour behind). So if you really need something and shops are closed, that's always an option.

DINING

While a very small community, you'll find Ontonagon has some serious hidden gems to choose to dine at. Any lovers of exotic or ethnic food may be disappointed in Ontonagon's lack of variety, but the locals aren't complaining. Most are from Finnish/Baltic/Nordic backgrounds, and their plain palletes reflect this.

Breakfast - Syl's is really the only place for breakfast in town, but it's not like anyone is complaining.

Not only do they have some of the best French Toast and other hot breakfast items, they have fresh baked goods every morning, which might be some of the best donuts and muffins I've ever tasted.

Syl's is pretty small, and the restaurants tends to fill up fast. Being a small town, there's only so much staff they can hire- but they seem to manage it pretty well. If you stop in before the church crowd shows up, it shouldn't be too long of a wait.

Lunch - Up North Cafe is my spot of choice for a burger. This plain little spot gives generous helpings, and they've seemed to figure out the perfect balance of bun-to-burger ratio.

Up North has some outdoor seating as well as indoor seating, but a lot of people like to call in an order and take it elsewhere. They're usually a bit quicker than Syl's to churn out orders, so if you find yourself impatient and needing hot food ASAP, Up North is a good choice.

If you don't feel like paying for someone else to make you a meal, there's quite a few locals and farms who sell meat, eggs, dairy, fish, veggies, and fruits roadside.

SHOPPING

As small town, Ontonagon doesn't boast any retail stores or large chains. In fact, the only two "big" stores are the supermarket, Pat's Foods, and the Ace Hardware in town. Other than those two, everything from the pharmacy to the banks are relatively local.

When going to town, it's not unusual to find Ace is more packed than the grocery store. Everyone here has a project, and if you don't want to wait on delivery or drive down to Ironwood, Ace is going to be your best bet for supplies.

Pat's Foods is also pretty well stocked, although the selection of fish is smaller than I'd like for a town on the shores of Superior. You can find most foods and ingredients at Pat's, aside from niche items or specific brands.

Most locals here have a routine for groceries: once a month, take the 50 minute drive up to Houghton or down to Ironwood's Walmart, stock up, and drive down back. Anything you forgot or need in the interim can usually be found at Pat's.

As for local stores, there are a handful of gift shops and antique stores along main street in town. They'll sell anything from unique rocks and candles, to immaculate carved wooden art pieces and taxidermied animals for your home. There's also a small selection of locally knit hats and gloves, although actual clothing is going to have to be a Walmart trip or Amazon order.

CONCLUSION

For the right person, Ontonagon is a dream.

For anyone who doesn't like snow half the year, mosquitoes, bugs, physical activity, hard work, or having very little external entertainment and excitement, this isn't the place for you.

If you're also looking to get special treatment or change the way of life/thinking for locals, don't bother moving here. They're happy as they are and don't want city people to bring their baggage with them. This place is great because it is different, not in spite of it. Read Less