15 Best Things to Do In Menominee, Michigan

Menominee is a city located on Green Bay at the mouth of the Menominee River opposite Marinette, Wisconsin.

The city got its name from the Menominee tribe, which refers to wild rice once gathered along the riverbanks.

Menominee manufactures paper products, furniture, industrial and electrical equipment, and helicopters.

Dairy farming is also important; however, this industry has declined since the 1980s.

Now that you know Menominee just a little better with travel blogging, won’t you want to know 15 of the best things to do in Menominee, Michigan?

Sail Away at the Menominee Marina

The Menominee Marina is the perfect place to set sail; it’s located on the shores of one of Michigan’s Great Lakes, making it easy to explore all the region has to offer.

The Water Works Boaters’ Lounge in the restored Water Purification Plant has four private boaters restrooms with showers and laundry facilities.

Enjoy the wide range of facilities and amenities that include picnic tables, grills, heavy-duty modern docks, ample parking, 24-hour weather reports, and dockside 30- and 50-amp power.

You can go from a simple kayak trip or party to a huge one as the Marina hosts all types of boats open to every tourist looking for a rewarding night in town.

If you wish to dock your boat, their seasonal rates start at $1,100.00 for a 25′ Slip dockage type.

Have Fun at John Henes Park

John Henes Park is located in the northeastern portion of the City, along the Bay of Green Bay.

The park has 2,600 feet of water frontage, so you can explore all the popular recreational areas and offers a vast array of recreational opportunities like picnicking, swimming, walking, sightseeing, biking, rollerblading, and fishing.

You can bring your family and friends to this 125-acre land as it can accommodate more than 575 people at any time.

For special occasions, you can reserve the park during weekends and holidays from April through December.

The park also has two playground areas, and two tennis courts open weekly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Reminisce The Past at Menominee Heritage Museum

Located at the city’s heart, the Menominee Heritage Museum is a well-preserved building that houses priceless artifacts and photographs from Menominee County’s illuminating history.

The Menominee Heritage Museum has experienced several renovations since its purchase. Still, it has always retained its historic character, and the displays inside are among the most well-preserved in the state.

Visit this well-preserved structure to view the gorgeous and instructive exhibits that their diligent curator maintains.

Rediscover the history of Menominee Indians, loggers, immigrants, and even fur traders, among many other intriguing ancestors of the region.

The museum is accessible to the public in the summer, but you are invited to contribute to help cover operational costs.

Feel At Home at the Michigan Welcome Center

The Michigan Welcome Center at the Gateway to Michigan is a great place to start your vacation — stop in, and you’ll be greeted with knowledgeable staff on all of Michigan’s vast travel offerings.

There are over 14 Welcome Centers in the entirety of Michigan and serve more than 7.5 million travelers yearly.

It’s open 24/7 and provides modern restroom facilities, telephones, picnic areas, pet exercise zones, paved parking areas, and fresh drinking water.

Furthermore, the staff can help you make hotel or campground reservations for you, offer safety tips & weather information, and advise on where to expect road construction.

If you are feeling spontaneous, you can look through plenty of brochures, maps, and guidebooks — all free of charge — so you can take them with you on your travels!

Taste the Finest Wines at the Yoopery Winery

Yooper Winery is a family-owned winery in the small village of Kalkaska, Michigan, that has been in business for over 30 years.

From sparkling white to our sweet red, you can choose from various styles and flavors that will satisfy any palate.

They use the most delicate fruit grown in the heart of Michigan and offer bundle discounts for bulk purchases up to $7 off when you purchase four bottles.

You can also schedule an appointment for tasing after regular business hours.

Finally, they are open seasonally from April to October, six days a week since they are closed on Tuesdays.

Gaze at the Sea at the Menominee North Pier Lighthouse

The Menominee Pierhead Lighthouse, built in 1877, is an essential historical landmark in the region.

Find the pierhead light at the end of the pier on the north side of the entrance to the Menominee River from Green Bay.

It is 34 feet tall with a white cylindrical tower and has an attached fog signal building, housing a ruby-glass lantern, providing a gleaming, red beacon of maritime safety for 12 miles.

It was the first light station built on the Menominee River, guiding ships to their destination as they entered the dock.

Since the lighthouse sits just near the shore, you can take a swim at the pier’s beach after you finish touring the Menominee North Pier Lighthouse.

Live The Island Experience at Stephenson

Stephenson Island is in the Menominee River within the boundary of Marinette, Wisconsin.

It is named after Isaac Stephenson, a prominent politician and lumberman in Marinette at the turn of the 20th century; it is operated as a city park.

The island has multiple picnic tables that you can use during special events such as weddings or family reunions.

The island has a pavilion that you can rent to provide shelter from wind and rain, seating up to 50 people.

Meanwhile, you can continue your nighttime events at the pavilion equipped with lighting for movies or rest at the end of the day.

Your children will surely enjoy the playground, including the swings, monkey bars, see-saws, slides, and more.

Get to Know History Better at The West Shore Fishing Museum

The West Shore Fishing Museum (WSFM) is a collection of historic buildings and boats located on Charles and Aurora Bailey’s homestead and fishery site.

The museum is 15 miles north of Menominee (or 8 miles south of Cedar River).

It is accessible by car or foot, making it easy for visitors worldwide to discover their connection to this unique area.

You can be part of the effort to keep this historical landscape committed to achieving its goal handicap accessible and dog friendly.

Witness and know more about how the museum preserves and portrays fishing life on the West Shore of Green Bay in prehistoric, pioneer, and modern eras.

The museum is free and open to the public on weekends during the summer.

Visit the Spies Public Library

The Spies Public Library is a library located in Menominee, Michigan. It was built in 1903 and funded by August Spies, a German immigrant, and businessman.

The library’s collection contains 61,394 volumes and circulates 92,822 items per year.

Aside from the great books, you can also use audiobooks, downloadable digital audio and E-books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs, and microfilm.

You can access free Internet and free Wi-Fi to all patrons of all ages, as well as storytelling events and movie nights.

Additionally, there are several other programs, such as a summer camp where kids can learn how to be computer literate or write an essay.

Raise Your Glasses at Three Bridge Brewing

Three Bridge Brewing is a nano brewery that celebrates small batch, grain-to-glass production and the enriching experience that comes with it.

If you are landing from Menominee-Marinette Regional Airport, you can have your first destination here since it is a 2-minute drive away from the airport or a 13-minute walk if you feel up to it.

The company currently produces four beers: an American Pale Ale; a Belgian Golden Ale; a Belgian Dark Ale; and a Kolsch Style Ale called “Fisherman’s Brew.”

All their beers are handcrafted in small batches using only organic ingredients from local farmers whenever possible.

Don’t forget to bring all your friends and taste all these locally made beers to liven up your first night in Menominee!

Get Cozy at the Great Lakes Memorial Park

When you’re looking for a great place to watch the sunset over the water, there’s no better place than the Great Lakes Memorial Marina Park.

Find the park at the heart of downtown Green Bay, within walking distance of all sorts of restaurants and shops.

Be sure to check for events in the band shell with a large grassy area used extensively throughout the summer for concerts, events, and festivals.

If you are interested in having a gathering for events like weddings and reunions at Great Lakes Memorial Park, you can easily apply for a permit.

You might also catch sightings of European Starling, Sparrow, gulls, and other birds that are common on these grounds as well.

Bring Back History at the Marinette County Historical Logging Museum

The Marinette County Museum is just a 2-minute drive from downtown Menominee.

The museum showcases the county’s logging past and features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the Menominee Indians and a miniature logging camp.

Make sure you view the Queen Marinette exhibit that honors the woman known as Queen Marinette, who ran a trading post along the Menominee River in the 19th century.

Senator Isaac Stephenson, where the island is named, is also featured in this museum, with artifacts from his home on display.

Finally, you can visit the Evancheck log cabin — a fully restored reminder of farmsteading in Marinette County a century ago.

Be Creative at The Prickly Pear Studio

Prickly Pear Studio is where you can create your memories, whether you’re looking for a fun place to paint and create mosaics, board signs, or anything else.

It is located just outside Great Lakes Memorial Marina Park.

Be sure to participate in their art classes, ranging from painting, mosaics, clay pets, and baby prints — all of which have unique personalities and styles.

For adults, you can also try out their string art classes, where you can create your piece of art on our custom-built drawing tables.

The art gallery/gift shop offers custom creations from local artists. Soap, jewelry, photographs, and paintings are all available for purchase.

The studio is open to all walk-ins without the need to set an appointment, but you can also place reservations for a private party if needed!

Get Fashionable at Wind Rose North Ltd. Outfitters

Wind Rose North is in Menominee’s Historic Waterfront Downtown.

The business is housed in a renovated two-story building that captures the atmosphere of its origin, the late 1800s.

Stop by Wind Rose if you want to buy something before heading home.

All merchandises are tastefully displayed as collections of quaint period pieces, many of which belong to Menominee’s history.

Beyond the everyday shopping experience, Wind Rose North offers a unique educational experience for all ages, too.

Enjoy The Calm at the Upper Scott Flowage

The Upper Scott Flowage is a 124-acre lake located in Marinette County, the maximum depth of the lake is 16 feet, and its average depth is 8.5 feet.

Since the area has access to the lake from a public boat landing, you can bring your boat and cruise through the lake.

Moreover, the variety of fish you can catch includes panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye.

The best fishing times are from May through September, when the water temperature is between 56- and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

During these months, anglers should fish shallow waters where they can easily spot their targets because they’re more active at this time of year.

Final Thoughts

From the Great Lakes and vast forests to the Great Lakes beaches and quaint lakeside towns, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation spot or to enjoy a trip for two, there are plenty of attractions to choose from.

Menominee has numerous on-site restaurants and shops, making it an ideal place to spend the day shopping or eating lunch while enjoying some sunshine and fresh air.

It is also in touch with its rich history, with plenty of period places to visit and signature experiences.

All year round, there is always something to enjoy in Menominee.