Cities and Towns in Montmorency County, Michigan
Founded in 1840, Montmorency County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Montmorency County was formed from part of Mackinac County and unorganized territory which was named Cheonoquet County until 1843. The city of Atlanta is the county seat. With FIPS code of 119, Montmorency County has a population of 9,297 and area of 562 square miles (1,456 km²).
List of all cities in Montmorency County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Atlanta, MI | 49709 | 989 |
| Hillman, MI | 49746 | 989 |
| Lewiston, MI | 49756 | 989 |
Major Cities and Towns in Montmorency County, Michigan
Atlanta
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: 757 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49709
- Latitude: 45.0028° N
- Longitude: 84.1439° W
City Location and History
Atlanta, Michigan, is the county seat of Montmorency County and is centrally located in the northern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It is positioned along the Thunder Bay River and surrounded by scenic lakes and forests, making it a gateway to outdoor recreation. Founded in the mid-19th century as a logging community, Atlanta grew due to the lumber industry, which thrived on the region’s vast hardwood forests. After the decline of logging, the town shifted to become a center for tourism and outdoor activities, thanks to its natural beauty and proximity to the Huron National Forest. Today, Atlanta is known as the “Elk Capital of Michigan,” with one of the largest elk herds in the state.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atlanta is part of the Atlanta Community Schools District, with Atlanta High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks include Clear Lake State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The nearby Thunder Bay River provides excellent fishing and canoeing. Atlanta’s annual Elk Festival, held in September, celebrates the town’s wildlife heritage with parades, elk-viewing tours, and outdoor competitions. The community also offers easy access to miles of ORV and snowmobile trails, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Lewiston Grade Trail offers scenic routes for biking and hiking.
Lewiston
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.13 square miles
- Population: 1,392 (2020 Census, including surrounding area)
- Zip Codes: 49756
- Latitude: 44.8836° N
- Longitude: 84.3056° W
City Location and History
Lewiston is a small community located in the southwestern part of Montmorency County. Founded in the late 1800s as a logging town, Lewiston was named after Lewis Ernst, an early settler and prominent figure in the area’s timber industry. The town grew quickly during Michigan’s logging boom but saw a decline in population as the forests were cleared and logging operations ceased. Today, Lewiston has transitioned into a popular resort and vacation community, known for its proximity to East Twin and West Twin Lakes. These lakes and the surrounding forests make Lewiston a hub for fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreational activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lewiston shares the Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools district with the nearby village of Johannesburg. The community is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with East Twin Lake being a primary landmark, offering fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. The Garland Lodge & Golf Resort is another major attraction, featuring four championship golf courses set amidst scenic woodlands. Lewiston’s annual Timberfest celebrates the town’s logging heritage with parades, music, and contests. The town’s proximity to the Au Sable River and Huron National Forest also makes it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Hillman
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: 638 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49746
- Latitude: 45.0728° N
- Longitude: 83.9011° W
City Location and History
Hillman is a village located in the northeastern part of Montmorency County, along the Thunder Bay River. The village was founded in the late 19th century and named after early settlers John and Walter Hillman, who were instrumental in developing the local economy through agriculture and lumbering. Like many northern Michigan towns, Hillman started as a logging settlement but gradually evolved into a farming community after the decline of the timber industry. Today, Hillman is known for its small-town charm, agricultural roots, and the natural beauty that surrounds it, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hillman Community Schools serves the village, with Hillman High School being the main educational institution. Major landmarks in Hillman include Brush Creek Mill, a restored historic mill that now functions as a museum and community center, offering insights into the village’s history. The nearby Thunder Bay River is popular for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, while Avery Lake and Long Lake offer additional recreational opportunities. The annual Hillman Labor Day Festival is a highlight for the community, featuring parades, games, and local vendors. The area’s rural setting also makes it a prime location for hunting and wildlife observation, with easy access to surrounding state forest land.
Vienna
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community
- Population: Part of Montmorency County (population statistics included with Hillman)
- Zip Codes: 49746 (Hillman)
- Latitude: 45.0967° N
- Longitude: 83.7811° W
City Location and History
Vienna is an unincorporated community located just east of Hillman in Montmorency County. The community was established in the late 19th century during the peak of Michigan’s logging boom. Vienna served as a small logging camp and later became a quiet agricultural area as logging operations diminished. While it never developed into a major town, Vienna has retained its rural character, with farming and small-scale forestry continuing to play a role in the local economy. The surrounding forests, lakes, and rivers make Vienna a peaceful place for residents who enjoy the serenity of northern Michigan’s natural environment.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Vienna is served by Hillman Community Schools, with Hillman High School being the nearest educational institution. The community’s main landmarks include the scenic Thunder Bay River, which flows nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and nature walks. Avery Lake, located just a short drive from Vienna, is a popular destination for fishing and boating. Vienna is surrounded by state forest lands, providing ample opportunities for hunting, camping, and hiking. The community is also close to the Brush Creek Mill in Hillman, a historical site that offers events and educational programs for residents and visitors alike.
Canada Creek Ranch
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 7.58 square miles
- Population: 411 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49709 (Atlanta)
- Latitude: 45.0622° N
- Longitude: 84.2364° W
City Location and History
Canada Creek Ranch is a private community located in the southern part of Montmorency County, near the border with Otsego County. Founded in 1935 as a hunting and fishing club, the ranch was established to offer outdoor enthusiasts a secluded retreat with access to Michigan’s forests and waterways. Canada Creek, which runs through the community, is renowned for its trout fishing, while the surrounding woodlands provide excellent hunting grounds. Over the years, the ranch has developed into a residential community for those who value privacy, nature, and outdoor recreation, while maintaining its identity as a retreat for hunters and anglers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Canada Creek Ranch is part of the Atlanta Community Schools District, with students attending Atlanta High School. The ranch’s primary landmarks include Canada Creek itself, which is one of Michigan’s most popular trout fishing streams. The community also has access to five private lakes, which offer additional fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The ranch maintains several miles of hiking, snowmobiling, and ORV trails, making it a year-round destination for outdoor activities. As a private, member-owned community, Canada Creek Ranch offers a clubhouse, shooting range, and other amenities that cater to its residents and members, making it a unique feature of Montmorency County.
Lewiston (mention included in previous entry)
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Mentioned above
City Location and History
Mentioned above
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mentioned above
