Between Green Bay And Antigo Is A Midwest Escape With Casino Fun, A Museum, And River Views

With scenic lakes, brews, and sporting events, Wisconsin frequently charms tourists in areas like Milwaukee and Green Bay. However, the state also packs a rich history that is still reflected in many of its less traveled regions today. For those looking for a quiet, historically rich escape from the more popular Midwest stops, the small community of Keshena, between Green Bay and Antigo, may be of interest. The northeast Wisconsin village is one of four communities that make up Menominee County, and it's located about 46 miles from Green Bay and 36 miles from Antigo. According to the county's website, Menominee is home to over 200,000 acres of forest, with "the largest single tract of virgin timberland in the State of Wisconsin." 

Uniquely, Keshena is located entirely within the Menominee Indian Reservation and is home to a predominantly Native American population of about 1,500 people. The village, which is named after a tribal chief and means "Swift Flying," serves as the county's seat and is home to its government buildings and courthouse. Still, with its slow pace and forested environment, Keshena offers tourists a fun escape featuring a casino, museum, and river views.

Tourists looking to stay close to the excitement should consider staying at the Menominee Casino Resort. Those who stay at the hotel will be just feet away from an indoor pool, events, and a plethora of gambling opportunities. The casino frequently entertains its guests with parties featuring cash prizes and live musical performances. Between two on-site dining options, guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections. The Autumn Leaf Café best serves those looking for breakfast foods and quick bites. The menu features French toast, a Breakfast Box (2 eggs, 2 hash brown patties, 2 sausage patties, and a biscuit), cereal, pizza, and walking tacos (a bag of Doritos filled with your choice of taco toppings). Next door, Forest Island Restaurant offers a full menu, including Mexican-inspired appetizers like quesadillas and loaded nachos. Entrée options include wraps, steak, and "Smokin' Good BBQ." If you're looking for a cozier experience, 9 miles away from the resort is The Thunderbird, an affiliated mini-casino with a convenience store and additional food options like cheese curds.

Around 4 miles away from the resort is the Menominee Logging Camp Museum, owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Comprised of seven log buildings, the museum holds more than 20,000 artifacts related to the area's history of harvesting trees. "Absolutely beautiful museum with a wonderful gift shop," one visitor wrote in a Google review. "I'm really grateful this museum exists and that it plays an important role in helping preserve Menominee Nation history." The Menominee Logging Camp Museum is open to visitors from May through October.

A section of the 225-mile Wolf River has been federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River, and part of that section passes through the Menominee Reservation. Keshena, which encompasses the end of that stretch, has several places available to take in river views while visiting the area. One of the most notable viewing spots is Keshena Falls, a natural landmark offering a view of the Wolf River's rapids and waterfall. The area features a bridge and space alongside the river to take in the view. A sign at Keshena Falls indicates it is a historically significant location that served as a reservation for the Menominee tribe, due to its seasonal abundance of sturgeon. The Wolf National Wild and Scenic River can also be viewed in Menominee Veteran's Park. The community space offers visitors the opportunity to observe the river and surrounding high grass and trees. Like Wisconsin's Copper Culture State Park, which is located 30 minutes from Green Bay, Menominee Veteran's Park will likely appeal to history buffs, considering its war memorials and historical landmarks.

For those seeking a bit of adventure during their Keshena escape, the Wolf River offers tourists scenic recreational opportunities. Like Somerset, Wisconsin's charming "Inner Tubing Capital of the World," it offers a chance for the whole family to get out on the water. According to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the rigorous waterway can be explored by raft, canoe, or kayak, although the current and terrain make it a dangerous venture in places. Once you've finished exploring Keshena, consider a trip to Wisconsin Dells, a Midwest destination worth visiting more than once.