Menominee River State Recreation Area
Overview
Menominee River State Recreation Area straddles the border between Wisconsin and Michigan along the scenic Menominee River in Marinette County. This 2,345-acre recreation area protects a stretch of the river renowned for its whitewater rapids, old-growth hemlock forests, and outstanding fishing opportunities.
The park is jointly managed by Wisconsin and Michigan, making it one of the few interstate recreation areas in the Upper Midwest. The Menominee River corridor serves as a natural boundary between the two states, with dramatic rapids like Piers Gorge drawing kayakers and rafters from across the region.
Recreation and Activities
Whitewater paddling through Piers Gorge is the signature experience, featuring Class III and IV rapids through a dramatic basalt gorge. Fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike is excellent throughout the river. The recreation area offers hiking trails through mature hemlock-hardwood forests, with interpretive signage explaining the logging history that shaped this landscape.
Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular winter activities. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during appropriate seasons. The river corridor provides outstanding birdwatching, with bald eagles, osprey, and various warblers commonly observed.
Location and Access
The recreation area is located north of Marinette, Wisconsin, and Menominee, Michigan, accessible via County Road Z and various local roads. U.S. Highway 41 provides regional access from Green Bay (about 55 miles south) and Escanaba, Michigan (about 50 miles north).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping available?
Primitive camping opportunities exist within the recreation area. Check with Wisconsin DNR for current campsite availability and regulations.
Do I need a state park pass?
Yes, a valid Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required for entry on the Wisconsin side.
What is the Menominee sustained forestry?
The Menominee Tribe has practiced sustained-yield forestry since the 1850s — harvesting timber while maintaining forest health for future generations. Their reservation forest has the same standing timber volume today as it did 150 years ago — despite producing 2.5+ billion board feet of lumber. It’s considered one of the most successful sustained forestry models in the world — proof that conservation and economics can coexist.
Insider Tips
Michigan border: The Menominee River forms the border between Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — a wild, remote river with excellent fishing. Pro tip: The Menominee Tribe is the only tribe whose reservation overlaps with a national forest (Menominee Indian Reservation / Menominee County Forest) — they’ve practiced sustained-yield forestry for 150+ years. Iron country: The surrounding region was a major iron mining area.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: River fishing and kayaking. Fall: Northwoods foliage. Spring: Spring run fishing. Winter: Ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Wildlife & Nature
Menominee River SRA — along the Menominee River at the Michigan-Wisconsin border — preserves over 7 miles of river frontage with multiple waterfalls. Piers Gorge — a Class III-IV whitewater section — is the centerpiece. Bald eagles nest along the river. Brook and brown trout inhabit the cold water. Osprey dive for fish.
Nearby Attractions
Iron Mountain — adjacent. Norway, MI — adjacent. Piers Gorge — within the SRA — has dramatic whitewater. Menominee — 40 miles south.
Park Location
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