The Menominee River drains a large forested watershed in northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, flowing approximately 116 miles south to empty into Green Bay on Lake Michigan near the twin cities of Menominee, MI and Marinette, WI. The Brule River is its major tributary, and together they form the state boundary. The river passes through several impoundments created by hydroelectric dams along its course.
Sections of the Menominee River freeze in winter, particularly slower pools and backwater areas, and ice fishing is practiced along parts of the river. However, current and varying depths make ice conditions unpredictable — river ice is inherently less stable than lake ice. Cross-country skiing along river trails is also popular in winter.
How long is the Menominee River?
Can you go whitewater rafting on the Menominee River?
Where can you launch a kayak or canoe on the Menominee River?
Can you tube on the Menominee River?
Are there campgrounds on the Menominee River?
Can you see ships being built from the Menominee River?
Where is Piers Gorge on the Menominee River?
Is the Menominee River good for swimming?
The Menominee River runs 116 miles along the Michigan-Wisconsin border, draining a vast forested watershed from the Upper Peninsula into Lake Michigan. This isn't a lake — it's a full-scale border river with distinct personalities along its length: whitewater rapids at Piers Gorge near Norway, lazy tubing stretches below the Norway Dam, and a wide navigable lower reach near Marinette/Menominee where you can watch Littoral Combat Ship hulls being built at the Fincantieri shipyard across the water. Nine launches are spread along the river, giving paddlers and anglers plenty of access points, though signage at some DNR sites is notoriously poor — one launch is marked only as a "cemetery entrance."
Fishing runs the full spectrum: walleye, musky, sturgeon, smallmouth bass, panfish, and jumbo perch are all in the system. One reviewer landed a 12-13 inch perch on their first cast at a landing. The river also draws kayakers, canoeists, and tubers — the float from Norway Dam takes 3-4 hours with slow stretches where a paddle helps. Piers Gorge offers legitimate Class III-IV whitewater rafting with several outfitters running trips on weekends. Camping is available at backcountry sites like Pemene Falls (Pemebonwon), which are secluded and right on the river's edge but require some bushwhacking to reach the water. Note: active PFAS, mercury, and PCB fish consumption advisories apply — check current limits before eating your catch.