J. W. Wells State Park

Copyright: Patty Elton-Interactive Outdoors, Inc. Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos -- Common throughout the Northern Hemisphere

The children of John Walter Wells donated the park, established in 1925, to the State of Michigan. Mr. Wells was a pioneer lumberman who was well known in the area. He owned and operated several lumber companies and sawmills and was mayor of Menominee for three terms beginning in 1893. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did much of the construction of buildings, water and sewage systems and landscaping in the park in the 1930s and 1940s. The CCC also planted numerous trees, built bridges, fought forest fires, constructed roads and cleared trails.

Attractions - Wells State Park has a modern campground with electric hookups, flush toilets and showers. There are an abundance of waterfront campsites and rustic cabins on Green Bay. The camper is offered a wide array of grassy sites with varying degrees of shade trees from which to choose. In addition, every site has a picnic table and a fire pit for campfires. The campground provides a playground, tot-lot, firewood concession and a sanitation station. Bottle gas, ice, bait and other supplies can be obtained in Cedar River, Stephenson or other nearby towns. There are six rustic cabins located on the shore of Green Bay at the north end of the park. Each cabin offers bunk beds, a wood stove to be used for heat, firewood (winter only, no firewood is provided in the summer), table and chairs and an outdoor charcoal grill. Pit toilets and drinking water are available within 300 feet of each cabin. Cross-country skiing is a popular activity from the cabins in winter. Three rustic trailside shelters offer trail users a place to rest.

A large picnic area within easy walking distance of the campground offers two picnic shelters each with modern restrooms, nearby horseshoe courts, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a large playground. The area also has an open play field, two volleyball courts and a sandy beach that is excellent for swimming. The picnic shelters can be reserved for a nominal fee.

The area around the park offers great fishing for smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, pan fish, trout and salmon. Right after the ice is out in the spring, which is usually in early April, some of the best brown trout fishing anywhere in Michigan can be found along the shore of the park. The area also offers some of the best white-tailed deer hunting found in Michigan. Menominee County has one of the highest deer populations in the state, as can be evidenced by the high quotas of antlerless deer permits issued and some of the largest racks taken. Small game hunting for grouse, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit and waterfowl is also available nearby. Wild turkey hunting is gaining in popularity.

The state park is open all year and the modern facilities are open from mid-April to mid-October. Camping rates fluctuate depending on the time of year. Rustic cabins and picnic shelters can all be reserved ahead by mail or phone, through the park office. A modern boat ramp and restaurants are available in Cedar River.

Recreation - Visitors Wells State Park enjoy swimming, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, cabin lodging, boating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Climate - The Upper Peninsula normally experiences mild summers with average temperatures near 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). Winter temperatures average 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C). Rain and snowmelt in the region can reach up to 200 inches annually. Travelers should be aware that significant amounts of snow could fall within a relatively short period of time resulting in hazardous road conditions.

Location - J. W. Wells State Park is located on Green Bay. To reach the park take M-35 for 30 miles south of Escanaba or 25 miles north of Menominee.