One of the perfect things about nature is the timeless beauty of it all. No matter what season you go exploring in, there’s always something to marvel at and inspire you with a deep breath of fresh air.
This kind of natural elegance can be witnessed with your own two curious eyes and adventurous heart at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located in Ontonagon, Michigan. Can you fathom 60,000 acres of nature bliss and 90 miles of pure hiking trails? This Michigan State Park has it all!
Known for its breathtaking views with accessibility ramps, challenging hikes, and nature-loving campgrounds, the Porkies is the largest of Michigan State Parks and offers fun opportunities for all kinds of happy campers, hikers, trekkers, and dawdlers.
From gorgeous scenic spots like the famous Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak to cozy campgrounds, hiking trails of different difficulty levels, and learning opportunities through the Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center, there’s an endless amount of fun and nature to experience. All the while getting to be on Lake Superior!
Where Can You Visit The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park?
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the largest Michigan State Park, is closest to the town of Ontonagon, Michigan.
A Michigan Recreational Passport or Entrance Fee will be required upon arrival to the State Park, and it’s important to double-check the Porkies State Park website to see if there have been any closures or updates to park amenities that may affect your travel plans.
If you’d like a closer look at the State Park’s layout and map, click here! Updates can also be easily accessible on their Facebook Page.
How much does it cost to go to the Porcupine Mountains?
To visit the beauty of the Porcupine Mountains on Lake Superior you’ll need to either purchase/have a Michigan Recreational Passport or pay for a One Day pass. Both options can be purchased at the State Park, and the option prices vary depending on if you’re a Michigan resident or not.
Rest assured that your money is being used for a variety of wonderful projects and upkeep when you purchase a Park Pass from the Michigan State Park system.
- Keeping the forest campgrounds, hiking trails, recreation areas, and boat launches in the best condition for optimal enjoyment for outdoor lovers such as yourself
- Upkeep for outdoor facilities and Historic sites that are in the State Park
- 10% of the funds that come from Park Passes are granted to the cause of local park improvements and future park projects
Let’s take a peek at the Park Pass fees! For Michigan residents, vehicle passes can be purchased at the time of license plate registration or a Commercial Daily Pass may be obtained at the Park site. Exemptions for the State Park fee include visitors who enter on foot or by bicycle, School buses and public transit buses, and snowmobiles.
According to the Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center Website, here are the fee details.
Michigan Residents State Park Fees
- Vehicles: $19
- If a pass is not purchased at license plate registration a $5 fee is added to the price if the pass is purchased at the State Park
- Motorcycles: $12
- If a pass is not purchased at license plate registration a $5 fee is added to the price if the pass is purchased at the State Park
- Moped: $7
- Purchased during license plate registration or at State Park, there is no $5 add-on fee required
- Commercial Daily Pass: $21
- 24k+ lbs and/or seating capacity of 16+
Out-of-State Visitors State Park Fees
- Annual Pass: $40
- Expires on Dec. 31 of the year it was purchased
- Daily Pass: $11
- You may enter and exit any Michigan State Park for a day
- Towed Motor Vehicle: $8
- RVs must have an Annual Pass
- Commercial Daily Pass: $21
- 24k+ lbs and/or seating capacity of 16+
For further information about the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Visitor Center, please check out their website!
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Visitor Center Address:
33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953
The Wonder of Lake of the Clouds
One of the most enjoyed pieces of this sensational State Park puzzle for visitors near and far is the breathtaking view of Lake of the Clouds. A vision of inspiration and beauty, visitors can look through telescopes or simply take in the view of its vast forest and peaceful lake view.
With accessible viewing areas and access to the viewpoint for Day Pass visitors, you’re bound to have a peaceful moment with this spectacular view. And while you’re looking out, you can bring up this interesting fact/story.
According to local history, a B-17 crashed just South of the Lake of the Clouds in 1944 due to an engine fire. With a sigh of relief, the people on the aircraft jumped and safely landed before the crash. In the town of Silver City, where the survivors walked to after safely landing, there is an eminence of this unique story in the form of the original B-17 plane propeller.
Legend has it that there are fragments of the plane lurking in the deep forest of the Porkies. What makes a State Park ascend to the next level of awesomeness? An entangled woodland legend! Hikers and visitors are not encouraged to go looking for these supposed dislocated pieces of the B-17, instead let it fill you with happy camper glee that it may just be real!
A Chat With Porcupine Mountains Visitor
A set of adventures the Porcupine Mountains have seen come through time and time again, and who I happen to know well, are my in-laws!
My wonderful Mother-in-Law, Jeanne, took the time to talk with me and answer a few questions about their experience in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the beauty of the Lake of the Clouds, and the joy of being on Lake Superior.
If you’re a curious explorer who’s itching to put this Michigan State Park on your bucket list, reading this Q&A can be a great jumping-off point to launching into your research and planning.
The Porcupine Mountains are notorious for their beauty and solitariness; what brings you and your Husband back again and again for more adventures in that vast wilderness?
It’s like going to visit an old friend, comfortable, familiar, and welcoming but always learning and seeing something new making new memories. The clear waters and undeveloped landscapes are good for the soul.
I’ve heard you mention before that being near or on Lake Superior is your happy place, why is that?
Looking at that beautiful water reminds me how small we really are compared to the vastness of nature. My problems seem smaller too.
When you think about your time in that incredible mountain range, is there a memory that stands out to you?
I love hiking the Escarpment trail. It runs along the ridge of The Lake of the Clouds. The views are spectacular.
I also really love the hike that runs along the Little Carp River. If you can handle the mosquitos, the sounds and sites of the river flowing to the lake are amazing.
If you were to give some advice to an adventurous hiker or a happy camper who is curious about checking out the Porkies, what would you tell them?
Ok, time to get serious.
Do your research, understand the adventure you are taking and know your limits.
Remember if you’re hiking an in and back trail, the back is always tougher than the in.
Safety first. Take plenty of water, snacks, basic first aid supplies, and proper clothing.
Other Happy Campers & Hikers Experiences With the Porcupine Mountains
Isn’t it extraordinary that this breathtaking natural scenery can be the treasure trove of an unfathomable amount of memories and experiences? I don’t know about you, fellow on Lake Superior enthusiast, but I love to hear about other’s State Park adventures; you never know what you might hear. Speaking of which, let’s see what other explorers think about this incredible State Park.
“Absolutely gorgeous! Near by beach with sand and rocks. The camp host were really friendly with great coffee that got ya up and going! Great little shops close by for souvenirs, ice and wood. So much to do in nature that I couldn’t do it all in a week. My favorite experience was playing the disc golf course and walking up half of the ski hill on 16, created an amazing view of the Aframe and Lake Superior!”
“LOVED!! Did not disappoint. So much to see and do, so many trails to hike. Stunning views- sunrises and sunsets. I even saw staff/volunteers picking up trash. Restrooms were kept clean throughout the park. I really am impressed with Michigan’s DNR! Feeling so proud to call Michigan my home. 🙂 Cannot wait to come back as a yearly thing! <3”
“Porcupine Mountains Wilderness is undeniably beautiful, but the hike on Government Trail was challenging. Flooded and swampy sections made progress slow, and the swarms of mosquitoes were relentless, making it hard to enjoy the scenery. Come prepared with mosquito nets and DEET!”
“The Visitor Center is a must see! They put a lot of time and effort into the educational displays. The trails are fun and there are plenty of sights to see and places to camp. Go with a friend or go with your family, but please, as always leave it better than you found it!”
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park truly is a must-add to any Midwest Nature Lover’s bucket list, and we hope while reading this piece it inspired you to start daydreaming and making plans for your own State Park adventure!
Have you been to the Porkies or have other memories of the gorgeous shores of Lake Superior? Share the love of Lake Superior with others on our Facebook page and be a part of a community that gets the Lake Superior fever.
We hope to see you there, and in the meantime, enjoy this spectacular spectacle of the Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park!
