Community information

Onaway is located approximately 20 miles east of Indian River and the I-75 corridor. Respectively 10 miles west is the Village of Millersburg and further west is Roger's City, located on the Lake Huron shoreline.

The Northeastern State Trail covers five counties (Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency & Alpena Counties). Access the trail from Onaway on a bike or take a hike in the summertime and in the wintertime it is a groomed snowmobile trail. There are several hiking, biking and recreational trails throughout the area.

Five miles north of the city of Onaway is Black Lake. Black Lake is located in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties. With a surface area of over 10,000 acres, it is the seventh largest inland lake in Michigan. Black Lake is a summer destination for many families from other nearby states as well as residents of the neighboring town of Onaway. Known for the Sturgeon Shivaree that is held every year in February. The shivaree is a winter festival centered around Lake Sturgeon fishery on Black Lake.

The Pigeon River Forest area is located southwest of Onaway. Over 100 years ago young Ernest Hemingway called the forest area “Wild as the Devil” of which became known as the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi, the Pigeon offers abundant opportunities to explore the outdoors. Approximately 12 miles wide and 20 miles long, it is the largest block of contiguous undeveloped land in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. There are several hiking trails throughout the forest area, nine that are marked. The High Country Pathway (HCP), 80 miles long, offers one of the Lower Peninsula’s best near-wilderness experiences. It passes through habitats ranging from rolling hardwood forests and meadows to low-lying wetlands. It was designed to provide the backpacker with roughly one week of outdoor adventure. Or, follow the sinkhole pathway. Michigan’s most visible sinkholes are along a trail that loops around five such depressions, some more than 100 feet deep.

Onaway Speedway is a 1/4 oval asphalt track. Classes include Mini Wedges, 4-Cylinders, A-B-C Class, Modifieds, Late Models & Semis. Well known for the Annual Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge that kicks off in May of every year. https://onawayspeedway.com/

Millersburg is the home of the Ocqueoc falls. Ocqueoc Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Approximately six miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing opportunities with three marked loops.

The Black River flows through the Pigeon River State Forest. Approximately 78 miles long, it’s exclusively managed for brook trout. Black River is a type 2 trout stream that is perfect for wading or canoeing down river.

Canada Creek Ranch is located south of Onaway. A family-oriented private club for Hunting, Fishing & Outdoor Recreation on 13,500 acres.