TV channels & antenna towers in Ontonagon, Michigan
Ontonagon has 4 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying CW. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is WBKP (CW), 31 miles to the ENE.
Network channels in Ontonagon
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWWBKPCW | 5 | 31 mi | 68° ENE | Fair | Calumet, MI |
Over-the-air TV in Ontonagon
Ontonagon, Michigan has a population of about 1,320. Our map shows 4 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 1 full-power and 3 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 0 transmitters are within 25 miles, 1 between 25 and 45 miles, and 3 farther out.
The best-placed network stations are CW on channel 5 (WBKP). No ABC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WMOW in Crandon, WI, 92 miles to the south. No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WZMQ in Marquette, MI, 83 miles to the east.
Which way to point your antenna in Ontonagon
The main network towers around Ontonagon are in different directions: CW 68° ENE (31 mi), W32CV-D 235° SW (51 mi) and W35DM-D 190° S (59 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
W35DM-D lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Ontonagon. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Ontonagon
The farthest main network tower for Ontonagon is W35DM-D, 59 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Ontonagon
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W32CV-DTranslator | 51 mi | 235° SW | Poor | Ironwood, MI |
| W35DM-DTranslator | 59 mi | 190° S | Poor | Minocqua, WI |
| W21DS-DTranslator | 59 mi | 190° S | Poor | Sayner/Vilas County, WI |
How Ontonagon compares with the rest of Michigan
With 1 station at fair strength or better, Ontonagon ranks 438th of 447 places in Michigan: fewer than the typical Michigan town (16). Its nearest major network tower is 31 miles away, against a state median of 20 miles.
19% of Michigan's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Ontonagon: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 190° S, the direction of W35DM-D, 59 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 1 station, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is CW in Ontonagon, MI?
CW is on channel 5 from WBKP, broadcasting from 31 miles ENE of Ontonagon. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Ontonagon?
4 transmitters within 70 miles of Ontonagon; around 1 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Ontonagon?
The main network towers around Ontonagon are in different directions: CW 68° ENE (31 mi), W32CV-D 235° SW (51 mi) and W35DM-D 190° S (59 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Ontonagon?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below. The towers are spread over about 166° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Ontonagon?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Ontonagon?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Michigan cities
- Hancock39 mi
- Houghton39 mi
- Baraga40 mi
- Wakefield40 mi
- L'Anse41 mi
- Dollar Bay42 mi
- Bessemer44 mi
- Laurium48 mi
More: all TV stations in Michigan · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Ontonagon; signal estimates ignore terrain.