Between Green Bay And Escanaba Is Wisconsin's Charming Midwest City With Lake Fun, Scenic Parks, And Tasty Eats

Wisconsin's long shoreline on Lake Michigan holds some of the state's most picturesque destinations. On the far northern shore, Marinette is the last Wisconsin lakefront town before you cross the border into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The town might not get the same attention or number of visitors as Door County, but Marinette sits at the confluence of the Wisconsin north woods, the Menominee River, and mighty Lake Michigan, making it a haven for outdoor fun and lake vibes. The town boasts many quaint parks, Red Arrow Beach for Great Lakes swimming, a state natural area bustling with migratory birds, and much more. Downtown Marinette, meanwhile, has local history museums, cozy shops, and quality restaurants, including a famous 1940s diner-style burger joint.

Located an hour's drive north of Green Bay and an hour south of Escanaba, Michigan, Marinette was founded in the 17th century. The town was named after early resident Marinette Chevalier, who was of French Canadian and Native American ancestry and ran an important trading post with her husband at the mouth of the Menominee River. Today, Marinette is a community of over 11,000 residents, with relaxing green spaces, boats gently listing at marina docks, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.

Marinette is an ideal lakeside getaway near Green Bay without the crowds of more popular places in the region. Hotels are easy to find, and there's camping in and around town. Once there, it's all about enjoying the water by fishing the river, kayaking the shore, hanging out at the beach, or hiking dunes and birdwatching at the state natural area. After a day outdoors, pop into a local restaurant for some nostalgic Americana cuisine, then pick up some locally made Wisconsin cheese and cherry wine. 

You're never far from the water or a quiet green space in Marinette. A great starting point is Marinette City Park in the heart of town. It's got picnic areas, a playground for the kids, and even a handful of campsites if you're looking for an overnight spot to pitch a tent. A mile north, Stephenson Island Park is in the middle of the Menominee River. There you'll find quiet paths along the water, picnic tables, fishing opportunities, and the historic Evancheck Cabin, last inhabited in 1927.

For more big-lake vibes, Red Arrow Park sits on the shores of Lake Michigan on the eastern edge of town. The park has a bit of everything, featuring wide green spaces with picnic areas, pavilions, and a playground, along with a stretch of sandy shoreline for hot summer days. There's also a walking path along the water that leads toward the Seagull Bar State Natural Area, a sand spit and marsh just off the city. The protected area has dunes, marshes, and shallow water that host thousands of migratory birds during some spring and fall migrations, making it great for viewing waterfowl, turtles, whitetail deer, and other wildlife.

Between the meandering river and Lake Michigan, Marinette offers great opportunities to get on the water via boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. There are a number of boat launches throughout town if you've got your own vessel, while the riverfront Nestegg Marine offers access to sailing charters and Hobie kayak rentals. They also offer multi-day sailing charters across Green Bay to ethereal Door County, with suggested itineraries that include Egg Harbor, a charming resort village full of galleries and golf.

The dining scene in Marinette is expansive and diverse, with a mix of national chains, Mexican spots, pizzerias, old-school supper clubs, and everything in between. The Hometown Family Restaurant is a nostalgic diner-style spot that's open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with booths lining the wall, homemade soups, burgers, and breakfast served all day. Wisconsin has a storied history of beer making, and the Rail House Restaurant & Brewpub opened in Marinette in 1997, as America's craft beer scene was growing. For almost three decades, the Rail House has been serving award-winning microbrews along with homemade pizza, steaks, and a Friday fish fry.

One of Marinette's most famous eateries is Mickey-Lu Bar-B-Q. Since 1942, they've been serving charcoal-broiled burgers, malt shakes, and only a few other things at the low counter and narrow vinyl booths. The interior is a time capsule of old signs, a jukebox, and fresh pie sitting in a display case. There's a reason Mickey-Lu's is popular on Tripadvisor and has a 4.7 Google rating with over 2,100 reviews.

At some point in a visit to Marinette and Wisconsin at large, you should try some of the best products from America's Dairyland and stop at a place like Joe's Cheese House. It's an eclectic little shop with dairy products, apparel, and antique-style gifts. The Badger State is also a wine producer, and Forgotten Fire Winery is just south of Marinette, with a tasting room where you can sample whites, reds, fruit wines, and blends. For more Wisconsin wine vibes nearby, try the Green Bay area's under-the-radar Fox River Valley Wine Trail, which offers diverse local sips and incredible views.