J W WELLS STATE PARK
Wells State Park is located on Green Bay about 30 miles south of Escanaba. Its 678 acres include a three-mile shoreline with beautiful sandy beach for swimming, a large picnic area, a modern campground and rustic cabins that are available to rent year round. The park is open year round, even when the campground is closed, providing opportunities for winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
The park, established in 1925, was donated to the State of Michigan by the children of John Walter Wells, a pioneer lumberman in the area. In addition to owning several lumber companies and sawmills, he served a mayor of Menominee for three terms beginning in 1893. Many of the park's buildings, landscaping and water and sewage systems were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 1940s. The park is open year round, even when the campground is closed, providing opportunities for winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
J. W. Wells-Modern(800) 447-2757 150 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms
J. W. Wells-Rustic Cabins(800) 447-2757 0 site(s)Vault Toilet
J.W. Wells-Bay Stone Lodge(906) 863-9747 1 site(s)Electrical Service
Anglers can enjoy fishing in Green Bay for species like walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and various panfish. The park's three-mile shoreline offers ample space to cast a line. Fishing equipment rentals are available on-site.
J W Wells State Park is located near Menominee
A large picnic area is within walking distance to the campground and includes two picnic shelters, horseshoe courts, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a large playground. Two volleyball courts and a sandy beach complete the day-use areas of the park.
In winter the seven miles of hiking trails with three rustic trailside shelters are open for cross country skiing. Trails are not groomed.
Six miles of hiking trails also offer three rustic trailside shelters for places to rest on the hike.
Wells-Cedar River Trail Trail Length: 7.00 (Miles)Cross Country Ski, Hiking
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species recorded, including warblers and waterfowl. Bird checklists are available.
A modern boat ramp and charter fishing services are available in nearby Cedar River. The area around the park offers great fishing for smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, panfish, trout and salmon. Deer are plentiful in Menominee County and deer hunters will find plenty of public land for hunting large and small game in the surrounding areas.
30 miles south of Escanaba, or 25 miles north of Menominee on M-35: 1 mile South of County Rd. G-12 and Cedar River.
I was a camp counselor at the park in 1974. Celebrated my 16th birthday there that summer. Im so thrilled to return as an adult and make new memories with my children/grandkids
One of the best parks and we have been to most of them.
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