Old Menominee River Boat Launch

One lane and only five trailer spots, so this is really a small-boat operation. If you're running a 14-foot jon boat or a kayak, you're golden. Don't try to swing a big walleye rig in here — the turnaround space is tight and you'll be holding up traffic.

The lot is shared with the Menominee Harbor Lighthouse, so on summer weekends you'll be competing with tourists and families walking the pier. Trailer spots can disappear fast even though not many boaters know about this launch — it's the foot traffic that eats the parking.

You're dropping in close to where the Menominee dumps into Lake Michigan, which is a big deal if you're chasing walleye or smallmouth during the spring runs. Current can be deceptively strong near the mouth, especially after snowmelt, so pay attention to how the water's moving before you commit downstream.

This spot is gorgeous in October — the foliage along the river is outstanding and the tourist crowd thins out after Labor Day. You'll practically have the lot to yourself on weekday mornings once the lighthouse tours wrap up for the season.