Menominee River State Recreation Area

NE Marinette County along several miles of the Menominee River
517-373-9900

The Menominee River State Recreation Area is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The property encompasses 7,652 acres of land in Dickinson and Menominee Counties, Michigan, and Marinette County, Wisconsin. Three management units make up the recreation area: Piers Gorge Unit in the north, Quiver Falls Unit, and Pemene Falls Unit in the south. Combined, these units feature 17 miles of undeveloped river corridor with both rocky gorges and wide open stretches that offer a destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, as well as hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available on the Pemene Falls hiking trail found in the Pemene Falls Unit of the property. Hiking on the Sand Portage hiking trail can be found on the Piers Gorge Unit of the property. Other trails and logging roads exist on the property, but are not maintained and managed as designated trails

Camping
There are multiple rustic campsites available on the property. No permits are required at this time, and all sites are first-come, first-served, so have a back-up plan in case your planned site is occupied. No potable water source is provided. Other camping opportunities also exist on the Michigan side of the river.

Canoeing and kayaking
This stretch of river and roughly 13 miles upstream are some of the few remaining portions of the Menominee River still exhibiting the wild, undeveloped characteristics of a free flowing river. The property provides rustic canoe launches at Quiver Falls and a concrete boat launch at Saler Landing off Rattie Road, and the gravel Pemene boat landing off of Horseshoe Road. Other launches exist beyond the property and on the Michigan side. The majority of the river is broad and gentle, with some rapids. Pemene Falls to the south is a mandatory portage (Michigan side).

Fishing
Fishing is available in the Menominee River. The Menominee River is known for its smallmouth bass fishing. Many other fish species are present as well.

Hunting and trapping
Hunting and trapping are permitted in the property during legal hunting and trapping seasons.

Winter activities
The property is open for snowshoeing and ungroomed cross-country skiing. Marinette County ATV/snowmobile trails cross parts of the property.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails which cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done on a county-wide basis, however localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.