Let’s destress your vacation!
When you are traveling to the Porcupine Mountains and Mountain View Lodges, here is what you need to know. Arriving from the East, West or South, there is so much to see an do along the way! Even if you have previously visited, there is more to see!
Let’s Make your trip to Porcupine Mountains fun!
If you are traveling to Mountain View Lodges arriving from the East, and especially from below The Mighty Mac, the Porcupine Mountains is about 4.5 -5 hours from the Bridge. We encourage you to plan to spend a week, or more if you have the time, and use your Cabin on Lake Superior as the hub for your adventures. But we also know, that sometimes it just isn’t possible. So to help you get the most out of your trip, we will be sharing some points you shouldn’t miss along the way!
Your trip will take you through Blaney Park, Germfask and Seney.
Located at Northland Outfiters in Germfask, Benny the Beard-Fishing Troll was designed and built by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The 14’ troll was completed in the summer of 2023. Good time to stretch after your trek across the Bridge.
Marquette is the largest town along your route with plenty of restaurants and shopping should you need to grab whatever you forgot! And the good news? You are now only a little over 2 hours away from your final destination, Mountain View Lodges at The Porcupine Mountains. And here is where it gets a little tricky…
Next stop, the National Lakeshore. Once you make the turn west on M28 you will be touring along the National Lakeshore of Lake Superior. The largest freshwater lake in the world!
Depending on your personality type, are you a Type A who pushed through to get here and skipped the stops, or are you the Type B who is taking in all the sights as you meander on your way? Either way these are some MUST sees in the area when you arrive in Ontonagon County.
Ontonagon County – Porcupine Mountains
As you depart Marquette on US41/M28 you will soon be faced with a choice. Stay on M28 turning West or head straight on US41. Should you chose US41 you will remain along the shoreline for much more of your trip, turning West on M38. (If you choose M28, be sure to check the next Blog!) M38 will take you passed Ojibwa Casino and the Adventure Mine. This Mine has an array of historic mine tours and well worth the stop if you arrive early enough in the day. Not much further is The Pit Stop, a little Restaurant/Bar with good burgers!
This route continues and takes you right into Ontonagon where you will find our grocery, Pat’s IGA and a Dollar General. Take a slight right into the business district and you will find some shops that offer beautiful wares, primarily handmade in Michigan! The Ontonagon Historical Museum is small but worth the trip. It is also home to the Ontonagon Artist Collective that hosts a variety of open art time throughout the week. Our Ontonagon Theater is also a sight to behold. Be sure to check for upcoming shows!
What shall we eat? What shall we drink?
Syl’s Cafe, The Squeeze on Main and the Up North Cafe offer some Wonderful food, all homemade, of course! Sip ’n’ Snack and Connie’s are perfect for your after dinner treat of Ice Cream! After that long ride, take a stroll with your ice Cream down to the Township Park, on one of the Ontonagon public beaches.
Heading back out to M38, you will cross the Ontonagon River. At the bottom of the bridge, there is a right turn that will take you to the Marina and also to the fully historically restored Ontonagon Historical Lighthouse! It is definitely a Must See open 11-3 each day.
Time to continue on to Mountain View Lodges, only 12 or so miles further on M38 (M64/107th Engineers Memorial Hwy – Same road name just keeps changing). Check in and enjoy the beautiful sunset! If this all sounds like too much, it’s ok. You have all week to go back and do what you missed. But don’t forget, you haven’t even hit the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park yet with 90 miles of hiking trails and did I mention the 100 or so waterfalls in Ontonagon County? Or the Ottawa National Forest with another 200 miles of trails?
Whether you are arriving from the East, West or South, we will have maps of the area, directions, hidden gems to share, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have! Start planning your trip and Book Now at Mountain View Lodges!