J.W. Wells State Park – Camping and More on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay

On M-35 between Menominee and Cedar River in Menominee County lies one of Michigan’s most beautiful campgrounds in the western Upper Peninsula. Named for an area lumberman who was later mayor of Menominee, J.W. Wells State Park offers 150 campsites, modern shower and restroom facilities, a day-use area for picnics and sports, a sandy beach on Green Bay, rustic cabins and a lodge available for rent, and opportunities to hike and fish as well.

The obvious major draw here is the scenic and sandy shoreline. The few times we’ve stayed here we’ve been able to get one of the sites on the lake side, with amazing views and a short walk to the shore. The park draws a lot of traffic from Wisconsin, and is close enough to area attractions in the Menominee area (we recommend DeYoung Family Zoo) and Escanaba (with restaurants like Hereford & Hops) to keep families entertained for a weekend or full week.

The campground has two other features that add to its appeal – recently renovated modern restroom and shower facilities, and a handicap accessible playground.

The day-use area has a sandy swimming beach with handicap accessible features, a picnic pavilion, several sports areas and a hiking trail that passes through.

The Bay Stone Lodge can fit 12 people and features a kitchen and two bathrooms. It is available for rent from the park, and there are also five rustic cabins that can be rented. Wells State Park’s location halfway between two large Upper Peninsula cities makes it a great place to use as base camp for a vacation, while the scenic and sandy shoreline of Green Bay makes it a great place to relax and enjoy summer weather.

For more information or to make reservations at this park, head over to the Michigan DNR page at:

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=432