By: Allison Derouin
You’ve heard it here first, the ideal winter getaway DOES exist! If you’re searching for the perfect combination of serenity, excitement, and the great outdoors… you’ve found the right place! Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins in Ontonagon, MI offers major winter fun right in the heart of the famous Porcupine Mountains in Michigan’s stunning Upper Peninsula. With a variety of hotel rooms, hotel suites, and cabin accommodations (enough to host a whole party if you’d like!) plus the offerings of all that Ontonagon has, your stay at Scott’s boasts a beautiful balance between adventure and relaxation.
1. Snowmobiling In Ontonagon, Michigan
This one is for those who have a need to feed their inner explorer and thrill-seeker. If you have never tried snowmobiling before, let me give you a challenge. Hop on one of those bad boys, take it down a snow-covered trail and try NOT to smile the entire time. (Spoiler alert: it can’t be done!) Plus, Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins has you completely covered for your snowmobiling needs!
You want endless miles of groomed trails to ride? Done. Don’t have your own snowmobile to drive? We’ve got you covered there, too! We’ve even got a current map of all the trails you can check out right here. Have you ever heard of “Lake of the Clouds?” It is an iconic UP attraction and can be easily reached by snowmobile – in fact Lake of the Clouds is the most photographed feature in the Porcupine Mountains so don’t forget to grab your phone to snap a quick pic when you visit! Of course, your safety is our top priority.
Before you head out, you’ll want to make sure you have the warmest gear, a responsible driver, and have already reviewed the snowmobile trail report for the day to make sure there aren’t any surprises on your ride.
2. Skiing And Snowboarding In The Porcupine Mountain Area
Whether you’re a beginner or a novice on the slopes, you’ll be able to really flex your skills when you’re staying at Scott’s. Not only are we located right smack dab in the Porcupine Mountains, but you can also take a drive to an additional 6 different major ski resorts to accommodate whatever type of skiing or snowboarding quest you desire.
If you’d like to stay around the area then look no further than the Porkies Winter Sports Complex! There truly is something for everyone when you visit the Porkies. There are slopes for beginners, intermediate, and expert level snow bunnies so this is some serious fun that the whole family can take part in. Need some lessons before you head out? Consider it done! And we know buying your own equipment can get a little pricey so of course the Porkies have reasonable rates on rentals, too.
For those that want to take it a bit slower to soak in the peaceful nature scenery, they also have groomed cross country skiing trails here. Snow acts as a natural sound proofing layer, making your time in the woods feel otherworldly. All you can hear is the sound of birds chirping, clusters of snow cascading from the trees, and the wind rustling through the trees.
After a long day of skiing or snowboarding shenanigans, grab some hot cocoa at Scott’s and cozy up by their fireplace. This inviting atmosphere is perfect for catching up with those that you care about the most.
3. Snowshoeing In The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan
What about those who *may* not be thrill-seeking or coordinated enough to engage in the first two activities but we still want to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding Scott’s? (Hi, this is me starting to slowly raise my own hand.) There’s an answer for us, too! The name of the game for the more tame winter adventurer is snowshoeing.
It’s an excellent workout and doesn’t require excess speed so you can truly take in all of your surroundings at a leisurely pace. Bonus for pet parents too because dogs love a winter stroll with their humans as well (make sure they’re bundled up!)The Porcupine Mountains even offers a self-guided nighttime lantern lit trail that would be an amazing excursion for the romantics out there (Valentine’s Day IS right around the corner!)
There’s a warming center to stop by on your jaunt where you can warm up with a hot beverage and be fully present in the evening splendor that surrounds you. Seriously, this is so cool!
4. Winter Sightseeing In The Western Upper Peninsula
While you’re staying at Scott’s, you have a prime opportunity to visit some of the exciting and unique attractions that will be sweetly stored in your memory bank for years to come. Along with many natural winter scenes to witness, there are some great landmarks to explore.
If you’re traveling with a history buff, you must take a trip to the Ontonagon Historical Museum. You can’t miss it – it has a bright pink door and is jam packed with historical artifacts from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century, all about Ontonagon County. This is a great spot to take the little ones, too, as they have treasure hunts that can keep them busy while parents uncover interesting history facts.
Ontonagon’s historical society also recently acquired the Ontonagon Lighthouse, which is another fun destination for your day of checking out the local offerings. The lighthouse is currently closed during the winter months but you can still admire the exterior beauty of this landmark. In 1850, Congress devoted $5,000 to build the Ontonagon Lighthouse on an approximately 22-acre parcel of land at the mouth of the Ontonagon river to help guide ships on Lake Superior.
Be sure to make this gorgeous location a part of your weekend while you’re staying at Scott’s!
5. Relaxing In A Winter Wonderland
All of the best vacations have some pre-scheduled “chill” time where you can enjoy your surroundings and the company of your loved ones in a cozy environment with a breath-taking view. All of Scott’s hotel rooms, hotel suites, and cabins offer free resort-wide wifi for those days when you just want to grab a blanket and stream a movie or two while your body recovers from days out in the wilderness.
You could even fill a to-go mug with a warm beverage and take a stroll on a private beach and marvel at the treasured Lake Superior. (Our favorite Michigan Great Lake!)
Sample the local culinary hits and venture out to one of the local spots for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With over a dozen restaurants, cafes, and diners to choose from in the Ontonagon area- there is something for everyone! One example of local cuisine is Syl’s Cafe, where you can indulge your sweet tooth with homemade pie or grab a classic burger or fish and chips. Let the locals of Ontonagon feed you on your vacation “day off!”
Visit Scott’s In Ontonagon Michigan This Winter!
As you can see, there’s no shortage of winter activities when you venture over to Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins for your winter getaway. You might even surprise yourself and find that you’ve had a hidden passion for skiing or snowshoeing this whole time and never even knew it! That’s half the fun in taking a vacation, especially if it’s somewhere new – trying things you’ve never done before that you might LOVE. If an authentic U.P. adventure is what you’re seeking, then Scott’s has you covered from action packed to slowing down and taking it all in.
Be sure to book your hotel room, hotel suite, or cabin at Scott’s today! With reasonable rates, it’s an excellent getaway for the whole family and even some friends and neighbors. Scott’s offers veteran and active military discounts too (just show your military ID) AND offers ski pass discounts to the Porkies with your stay!
Don’t miss out on all the winter wonder that Ontonagon has to offer – you’ll be sure to create beautiful memories for years to come when you stay at Scott’s Superior Inn & Cabins!