Are short term rentals allowed in Onota Township? The Township Clerk provided the following answer on June 8th, 2021:
Short term rentals are strictly limited within Onota Township (only one
zoning district). At this time, we do not have a form or process to
approve such uses. To my understanding, the Alger County Building
Department also requires regular inspections of any residences used for
this purpose for fire safety and meeting building codes.
In short, yes, they are allowed but in such a limited capacity.
For more information, contact the township at:
Website: onotatownship.org
Phone: (906) 343-6535
Email: [email protected]
What Cities Are Located In Onota Township?

There are no cities in Onota, instead, the township is comprised of three unincorporated communities:
- Deerton
- Rock River
- Sand River
Onota Township Population
Onota is a small township located in Alger County, MI. Onota township borders the southern shore of Lake Superior.
As of the 2010 census, Onota has a population of 352 people.
Township Population Growth
This is a 13.5% increase in the township’s population from 2000-2010.
Is There A Starbucks Location
No, Onota does not have a Starbucks. However, if you are okay with making the drive, there are Starbucks locations in the neighboring county of Marquette.
Grocery Stores In The Township Of Onota, MI
The township of Onota does not have any big box grocery store chains, but there are several local options.
Top Three Attractions In Onota
The top 3 attractions to visit in Onota are:
- Hiawatha National Forest
- Rock River Falls
- Rock River Canyon Wilderness
Top Three Restaurants
Enjoy the flavors of Onota. The top 3 restaurants to dine at in the township of Onota are:
- The brownstone Inn
- Zaf’s Party Store
- The Snackbar
Top Three Calendar Events
There are no special calendar events of note occurring in Onota township.
What Lakes Are Located In Onota Township?
Onota has seven inland lakes.
Lake 1: Deer Lake
- Size: 266 acres
- Is it an all sports lake? Yes
- What types of fish: Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellow Perch
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? Yes. Deer Lake Boat Launch.
Lake 2: Lake Superior
- Size: 31,700 sq.mi.
- Is it an all sports lake? Yes
- What types of fish: Lake trout, walleye, and lake whitefish are just a few of the 80 types of fish species found in Lake Superior.
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? Yes. Lake Superior Boat Launch.
Lake 3: Laughing Whitefish River
- Size: 68.9 acres
- Is it an all sports lake? Yes
- What types of fish: Smallmouth bass, lake trout, and walleye.
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? Yes. John H. Hammer Boat Launch.
Lake 4: Spirit Lake
- Size: 610 acres
- Is it an all sports lake? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information before attempting water sports activities.
- What types of Fish? Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Bass, Trout.
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information.
Lake 5: Howe Lake
- Size: 87 acres
- Is it an all sports lake? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information before attempting sports activity.
- What types of Fish? Largemouth Bass, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout.
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information.
Lake 6: Sand Lake
- Size: 440 acres.
- Is it an all-sports lake? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information before attempting water sports activity.
- What types of Fish? Pumpkinseed, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information.
Lake 7: Ginpole Lake
- Size: 13 acres
- Is it an all-sports lake? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information before engaging in water sports activities..
- What types of Fish? Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, coho salmon, and northern pike
- Is it public or private? Public
- Does it have a boat launch? N/a. Please check with the local recreation authority for information.
Top Outdoor Activities In The Township Of Onota
Wanting to visit Onota Township in the summer and curious about things to do and see? Do you like the outdoors?
Abundant in natural beauty and wildlife, Onota township has a lot to offer visitors who love the outdoors, from birdwatching to hunting — there’s something for everyone.
With several inland lakes, you can enjoy several water sports activities, such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Or take in the astonishing scenic views of the many waterfalls, rivers, and streams.
Or if you enjoy taking a relaxing boat ride from one of several boat launch sites: Deer Lake boat launch, Lake Superior, and Laughing Whitefish River.
For those interested in hiking, walking, biking, and off-roading, there are several nature trails: Rock River Canyon Wilderness, North Country trail, Laughing Whitefish Lake Preserve, Tory’s Woods conservation Preserve, and Memorial Nature Sanctuary.
If you are a history buff, take a walking tour of the historical trails: Tyoga settlements or the Rock River Kilns.
Planning a visit during the colder months? Don’t worry, Onota has you covered. You can enjoy snowmobiling and ice fishing. Or explore the wondrous ice curtains of the Eben Ice Caves.