This State Recreation Area On The Wisconsin-Michigan Border Boasts Camping, River Fun, And Waterfall Hikes

Spanning the Wisconsin-Michigan state line, the Menominee River goes on a 120-mile journey, with scenic outdoor destinations dotting its length. If you ever find yourself in Wisconsin's Marinette County (or Michigan's Dickinson and Menominee Counties), you can take in the riverfront from the Menominee River State Recreation Area. Covering 7,652 acres of craggy formations and forests, this park allows you to take advantage of water-based activities. You can float on the river, cast a line, and even paddle to your campsite. Here, the atmosphere has a peaceful and wild feel — much of the land and riverfront is undeveloped, meaning you will find fewer crowds and minimal modern amenities. In fact, a report showed that it was Wisconsin's least visited park in 2025 (via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

The Menominee River State Recreation Area is split into three management areas: Piers Gorge, Quiver Falls, and Pemene Falls. The park boasts a 17-mile stretch of river, where visitors can enjoy a variety of water recreation. Whitewater rafting is popular at Piers Gorge and Pemene Falls, with Class II and III rapids attracting newbies and seasoned thrill-seekers. The river also contains popular catches, so no fishing rod should be forgotten. Hiking can be just as rewarding, with rugged and lightly developed paths taking you to the area's waterfalls. While they're nothing too strenuous, they still provide a nice workout.

Camping at the park only adds to your outdoor adventure, as you can canoe straight to your sleeping spot. Although there are limited campsites dispersed on the waterfront, you can enjoy an overnight stay "within the forest, right on the river's edge," as one person described on Google. Travelers can get to the Menominee River State Recreation Area from Green Bay by driving north for one and a half hours. Marquette, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is located only two hours away.

Camping at the Menominee River State Recreation Area is a rustic and remote experience. With primitive and paddle-in camping along the river, you can have a true escape in nature. Four designated canoe campsites — Stoney Hill, Grand Isle, Pemebonwon, and Pemene Falls — are available on the park's Wisconsin side. The campsites are only accessible by canoe, and you have to reserve your spot beforehand. While they're primitive sites, you can still bring hi-tech camping gadgets with you for a comfortable trip.

The canoe-in sites accommodate a maximum of six campers, with just the basics provided at each spot. These include benches, a fire ring, and a primitive toilet. You have to carry enough water with you as the campsites lack a potable water infrastructure. You can use dead, fallen wood for campfires, but firewood gathering is strictly prohibited on Grand Island. If these sites are all booked, you can find other campgrounds on the Michigan side.

Before jumping straight into water activities, explore some of the hiking trails at the Menominee River State Recreation Area. Those who set up camp at Pemene Falls can hike to the namesake waterfall. You can get there via three routes including a 0.8-mile, 1.9-mile, or 0.5-mile path. You'll be following old logging tracks through the pine woodlands with rocky sections before getting to the Pemene Falls. Don't expect a towering cascade, though — the waterfall is a result of the rapids and the rocky river constriction with a small drop. Another hike worth taking is the trail at the Piers Gorge management area. This path is a 2.6-mile out-and-back journey with an elevation gain of 200 feet. There are several viewpoints on this route, with the fourth pier exposing you to Sand Portage Falls.

The Menominee River is a great place to go kayaking and whitewater rafting, with the section running through the state recreation area offering Class II and III rapids. But don't underestimate the power of the water — one person on Google said: "The rapids look pretty challenging; one kayaker flipped over! But he was okay." As one of the last wild sections of the Menominee River, these waters can be accessed from multiple launch areas. You can set afloat from the ramp at the Quiver Falls, or head to the gravel ramp not too far from the Pemebonwon Campsite. There's a concrete boat launch at Saler Landing, too, located near the Stoney Hill Campsite.

River access is available from Michigan as well. The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center sells canoe trail maps if you're attempting to paddle solo. Otherwise, you can book rafting trips, with a few outfitters offering river floats. When you're not going on an adrenaline-inducing paddle trip, you can enjoy a bit of angling. Amazon's top-selling Plusinno fishing rod is a good choice with reviews calling it a portable and affordable must-have, so set it on the river to catch a variety of fish. The most abundant species is smallmouth bass, along with northern pike and walleye. Other common catches include perch, muskie, and more.

The waterfront is also home to a number of bird species. Bring your binoculars to observe ospreys and common loons by the water — you might even come across eagles soaring above. As for those who are planning to visit in the winter, snowfall blankets the hiking trails, making it perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are many other places in America's Dairyland for nature immersion — check out some of Wisconsin's best destinations for a secluded getaway, according to Reddit.