Here’s all the details for fun things to do in the Porcupine Mountains in winter, including our favorite restaurants. We visited for a long weekend in February and loved every second. It’s a winter wonderland – the amount of snow they get in the winter is incredible!
The Porcupine Mountains are located in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan and sit on the South shore of Lake Superior.
Where to stay the in Porcupine Mountains
We stayed in Ontonagon, Michigan which is a great home base for exploring the Porcupine Mountains area (nicknamed “The Porkies”). It’s about 15 minutes from Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and is the most convenient town in this area that offers lodging, restaurants, gas, a grocery store, coffee, and more.
We stayed at Scott’s Superior Inn and Cabins, specifically in their Chipmunk cabin. These little cabins are the perfect size for two people and have all the amenities you’ll need! We loved the heated floors in the winter, the comfy king bed, and fireplace to keep us warm. It also has a kitchen and bathroom.
Scott’s Superior Inn and Cabins is locally owned, has lots of different lodging options, and is located right on Lake Superior which would be amazing in the warmer months! There is also free breakfast for guests each morning that includes both hot and grab and go items.
For a list of other amazing resorts in the Porcupine Mountains area, check out this list here!
Related post: Places to stay: Upper Peninsula Michigan
Things to do in the Porcupine Mountains in winter
Explore Bond Falls
The Michigan Upper Peninsula is famous for its waterfalls, and they are extra beautiful to visit in winter! Bond Falls is is located about 45 minutes south of Ontonagon, which makes it a great stop on your way in or out of the Porkies. Bond falls might just be one of our favorite waterfalls we’ve visited in the Midwest- If you can only make one waterfall stop make it this one! The falls are huge and there’s a boardwalk that leads you around for great views of the main falls. Take a mile hike up and around the falls for more gorgeous views along the river!
Get a bird’s eye view of Agate Falls
Agate Falls is about a 15 minute drive from Bond Falls. We brought our own snowshoes and snowshoed about 5 minutes until we hit the falls. They were tough to see from the trail and would near impossible to see in the summer with leaves on the trees, but have no fear! There is an old railway bridge that has now been converted into a trail system that offers AMAZING views of the falls from above!
Related post: Things to do in Upper Peninsula Michigan
Ski and board at Porcupine Mountains Ski Area
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula averages 200-300 inches of snow each winter so there’s always fresh Lake Superior powder to enjoy! The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area is located in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and offers great views of Lake Superior and the surrounding area on a clear day. The tree runs are amazing here, especially for a mountain that only has one chair lift! We always had a different route to take down and there’s a variety of runs. They also have a lodge with food, rentals, and a gift shop. We loved it here!
Rent a snowmobile from Hamilton’s North Coast Adventure
One of the top things to do in the Porcupine Mountains in winter is snowmobiling. It’s a CULTURE in the UP in winter – there are snowmobiles everywhere! We rented snowmobiles through Hamilton’s North Coast Adventure and I can’t recommend them enough. Everyone was so friendly and the owner took us out on a guided tour to a lookout that can only be accessed by snowmobiles in the winter.
They have everything you will need from gear to the sleds themselves, and teach you how to use them if you’re a first timer or need a refresh (like me). They also give great trail recommendations in and around the Porkies. The snowmobiles are equipped with GPS systems and heated handle bars which are game changer!
Grab pizza at Porkies Outpost
You’ll find Porkies Outpost on your way in and out of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This casual setting has great pizza, drinks, and other food. There’s also a massive store on site to get a souvenir! I’m also obsessed with their branding of a porcupine skiing.
Related post: Things to do in Ironwood Michigan
Try a fresh smoothie at The Squeeze on Main
The Squeeze on Main is located in downtown Ontonagon, Michigan. They serve up fresh-ingredient smoothies and juices, along with food on certain days of the week (like a Friday fish fry!). There’s also a cute bar with local beer and drinks. And if that wasn’t good enough, you can find local produce, meats, and other necessities making up a grocery store portion of the shop!
Get food at Roxey’s Bar and Grill
Roxey’s Bar and Grill is your classic small town bar and grill with great food. I definitely recommend the reuben and to try some of the MANY local beers they have available! Located in downtown Ontonagon.
Grab a latte at Connie’s
Connie’s is located in downtown Ontonagon, Michigan and has specialty coffee, baked goods, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and even ice cream. A great stop on your way to a day of adventuring around the area!
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has many hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing trails to take advantage of in winter. There’s also fun events happening! Make sure to check out their lantern lit trail events throughout the winter!
These are our favorite things to do in the Porcupine Mountains in winter, and I hope you can get there soon! It’s a magical winter playground.
