Cities and Towns in Ontonagon County, Michigan
Founded in 1843, Ontonagon County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Ontonagon County was formed from parts of Chippewa County and Mackinac County. The city of Ontonagon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 131, Ontonagon County has a population of 5,868 and area of 3,741 square miles (9,689 km²).
List of all cities in Ontonagon County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bergland, MI | 49910 | 906 |
| Bruce Crossing, MI | 49912 | 906 |
| Ewen, MI | 49925 | 906 |
| Greenland, MI | 49929 | 906 |
| Kenton, MI | 49967 | 906 |
| Mass City, MI | 49948 | 906 |
| Ontonagon, MI | 49953 | 906 |
| Rockland, MI | 49960 | 906 |
| Trout Creek, MI | 49967 | 906 |
| White Pine, MI | 49971 | 906 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ontonagon County, Michigan
Ontonagon
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.82 square miles
- Population: 1,285 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49953
- Latitude: 46.8714° N
- Longitude: 89.3142° W
City Location and History
Ontonagon is the largest village and the county seat of Ontonagon County, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior at the mouth of the Ontonagon River. The village was established in the mid-19th century and quickly became a hub for copper mining and timber. The name Ontonagon is derived from the Ojibwe word “Nondon-organ,” meaning “hunting river,” reflecting the area’s importance to Native American communities long before European settlers arrived. Ontonagon developed around its access to the Great Lakes, which facilitated shipping for both copper and timber. Over the years, Ontonagon has seen industries rise and fall, but today it is known for tourism, outdoor recreation, and its rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ontonagon Area School District serves the village, with Ontonagon High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks in the village include the Ontonagon Lighthouse, a historic structure that once guided ships navigating Lake Superior. The village is also home to the Ontonagon Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s mining and maritime history. The nearby Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of Michigan’s largest state parks and a significant attraction for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of Lake Superior and old-growth forests. The Ontonagon River is popular for fishing, boating, and scenic strolls along its banks.
White Pine
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.91 square miles
- Population: 474 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49971
- Latitude: 46.7583° N
- Longitude: 89.5836° W
City Location and History
White Pine is a small unincorporated community located about 15 miles southwest of Ontonagon, near the western edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The town was established in the 1950s as a mining community, supporting the White Pine Copper Mine, which became one of the largest underground copper mines in the world. The mine brought a population boom to the area, but as copper prices fell and the mine closed in the 1990s, White Pine experienced economic decline. Despite this, White Pine remains a close-knit community, with tourism and outdoor activities taking center stage, given its proximity to Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
White Pine is part of the Ontonagon Area School District, with students commuting to nearby Ontonagon for school. Major landmarks include the remnants of the White Pine Mine, which once employed thousands and was vital to the region’s economy. The town is located near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, a major destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Superior’s shoreline is just a short drive away, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and beachcombing. Additionally, visitors and residents enjoy the local hiking trails that provide stunning views of the lake and surrounding wilderness, making White Pine a great location for nature lovers.
Bergland
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 4.91 square miles
- Population: 467 (2020 Census, including surrounding area)
- Zip Codes: 49910
- Latitude: 46.5836° N
- Longitude: 89.5703° W
City Location and History
Bergland is a small, unincorporated community located on the western shore of Lake Gogebic, the largest inland lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Founded in the late 19th century, Bergland grew as a logging town, benefiting from the nearby forests and the accessibility of Lake Gogebic for transporting timber. In the early 20th century, the community expanded due to mining activities in the region. Although the timber and mining industries have since declined, Bergland remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, particularly fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling, thanks to its scenic lakeside location.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bergland Township School District serves the area, though most students attend schools in larger nearby communities. One of Bergland’s most notable landmarks is Lake Gogebic, which offers year-round fishing, boating, and ice fishing during the winter months. Bergland also provides access to the Lake Gogebic State Park, which features campgrounds, hiking trails, and stunning views of the lake. The Bergland Cultural and Heritage Center showcases the town’s logging and mining history, preserving its rich past. Snowmobiling is a major draw to the area, with Bergland serving as a hub for riders exploring the many trails crisscrossing the region.
Ewen
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.18 square miles
- Population: 264 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49925
- Latitude: 46.5325° N
- Longitude: 89.2833° W
City Location and History
Ewen is an unincorporated community located along M-28 in southern Ontonagon County. Founded in the late 19th century as a logging town, Ewen’s growth was closely tied to the expansion of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, which connected the town to larger markets. Ewen flourished as a lumber town, with logging being its primary industry for much of its early history. After the decline of logging, Ewen transitioned into a quiet rural community, with agriculture and small businesses supporting the local economy. Today, Ewen is known for its scenic surroundings and community-oriented lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated School District serves the area, with Ewen-Trout Creek High School providing education to local students. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including remnants of its logging past, such as the old sawmill buildings. Ewen is also a gateway to outdoor activities, with the nearby Ottawa National Forest offering hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling opportunities. The Ontonagon River, which runs near the town, provides excellent fishing and canoeing. Ewen hosts an annual Log Jamboree, celebrating its rich logging heritage with parades, contests, and community events that draw visitors from across the region.
Trout Creek
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.52 square miles
- Population: 318 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49967
- Latitude: 46.4875° N
- Longitude: 89.0392° W
City Location and History
Trout Creek is a small unincorporated community located in the southern part of Ontonagon County along M-28, near the border with Houghton County. Established in the late 19th century, the town was primarily a logging settlement, with the nearby Trout Creek providing access to waterways for transporting logs. The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad further spurred development in the area, connecting the community to larger markets. Over time, Trout Creek evolved into a quiet, rural town focused on agriculture and outdoor recreation, with its proximity to the Ottawa National Forest drawing visitors and residents alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trout Creek shares the Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated School District with the neighboring town of Ewen, with Ewen-Trout Creek High School serving local students. The community is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Ottawa National Forest offering numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling. Trout Creek is also popular for trout fishing, with the creek itself providing excellent fishing opportunities. The town’s annual Trout Creek Fishing Tournament celebrates the local fishing culture and draws anglers from around the region. Additionally, the historic Trout Creek Bridge, a relic of the town’s logging days, remains a notable local landmark.
Greenland
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.31 square miles
- Population: 280 (2020 Census, including surrounding area)
- Zip Codes: 49929
- Latitude: 46.7667° N
- Longitude: 89.1164° W
City Location and History
Greenland is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Ontonagon County, just south of M-38. The town was founded in the mid-19th century as a mining settlement, with copper mining being its primary industry. The nearby Adventure Mine, one of the earliest copper mines in the Upper Peninsula, brought prosperity to Greenland during the mining boom. Although mining operations ceased in the early 20th century, Greenland remains a historic community with a deep connection to its mining past. Today, it is a quiet rural town that attracts visitors interested in its history and outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Greenland residents are served by the Ontonagon Area School District, with students attending schools in Ontonagon. The Adventure Mine, a historic copper mine that offers underground tours, is the town’s most notable landmark. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the region’s mining heritage while exploring the mine’s tunnels. Greenland is also close to the Ottawa National Forest, which offers outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The town’s annual Adventure Days Festival celebrates Greenland’s mining history with guided mine tours, parades, and community events, attracting visitors from across the region.
