In Menominee County, an observation deck at J.W. Wells State Park offers views of Lake Michigan and Door County, Wisconsin. Trails, waterways and historic sites give a trip different focal points—from the shoreline landscape to architectural heritage.
Shoreline Landscapes and Trails
J.W. Wells State Park covers 700 acres and stretches for 3 miles along the Green Bay shoreline of Lake Michigan. The observation deck is on the accessible Cedar River Trail. Since access conditions may change seasonally, check the latest information before your visit.
Shakey Lakes also features a distinctive landscape: it is home to the largest area of pine and oak savanna in northern Michigan. Shakey Lakes Park covers 240 acres and is surrounded by four lakes: Resort Lake, East Lake, Baker Lake and Bass Lake. More than two miles of trails wind through the woods and along the lakes.
Another named route is the Wells-Cedar River Trail. It is 7 miles long and includes the Timber Loop, Evergreen Loop and Ridgewood Loop. While the trails in Shakey Lakes Park are described as winding through the woods and along the water, the three loops of the Wells-Cedar River Trail provide a different, specific way to find your way.
River and Waterways
Whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the Menominee River in the Menominee River State Recreation Area. In the Pemene Falls unit, the recreation area has a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Kayaking, tubing and swimming are common at River Park and at several nearby access points on the Menominee River.
Cedar River Harbor serves commercial fishing and recreational boating. Menominee Marina has 272 modern floating and fixed slips; its operations may change seasonally. The use of the harbor and the available moorings are both part of the county’s maritime character, though these places do not serve the same function.
Cultural History on the Water
At the Menominee Heritage Museum, visitors can tour the preserved building and view exhibits about fur traders, immigrants, lumberjacks and the Menominee. The Menominee Main Street Historic District is on First Street along the waterfront. It includes more than 40 commercial, public and private buildings; most were built around the 1890s. The Menominee Opera House was built in 1902.
J.W. Wells State Park also has a building history: many of its buildings, parts of its landscape design, and water and sewer systems were constructed there in the 1930s and 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This building history adds a distinct historical aspect to the natural setting.
The West Shore Fishing Museum is a stop on the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail. The IXL Historical Museum was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973. A report dated August 22, 2025, describes the museum’s Vintage Day as an annual event.
Events, Golf and Camping
The Menominee County Fair is held annually. Its events include livestock shows, a small animal auction, and craft beer and wine tastings. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, check the specific event dates before your visit.
For golf, North Shore Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with views of Green Bay. The golf course provides another perspective on the bay, while museums, historic buildings and the fair show other sides of the county.
If you plan to camp in Menominee County’s parks, a reservation is required; same-day reservations are permitted. Check the reservation policy before booking.
Discover more destinations: Menominee, Arenac County, Bay, Mackinac, Ogemaw County, Alger County, Kent, Eaton.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
