Menominee

Location: Border of northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (about 190 miles north of Milwaukee; about 270 miles north of Chicago).

Length of trip: Four miles in three or four hours.

Season: April through September. Dams control the water level.

Weather: Temperatures range from 45° to 70°F in April and May, from 60° to 90° from June through September. In summer you may encounter mosquitoes and horseflies on shore, so bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Wide range of accommodations near Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Boats: Paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II to V. Cool, clear water warms up to 75° in summer.

Special features:

  • A powerful river running between high, tree-lined granite bluffs.
  • Hiking trails along the river.
  • Spring wildflowers.
  • Lovely autumn color.
  • Good fishing (smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, panfish).
  • Minks, river otters, beavers, porcupines, white-tailed deer, great blue herons, bald eagles, ospreys.
  • Solitude.
  • Suitable for river runners of all levels, as well as families. Check with your outfitter about age limits for children.

Nearby excursions:

  • Iron Mountain Iron Mine in Vulcan, Michigan.
  • Menominee Range Historical Museum in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
  • Long Slide Falls, near Pembine, Wisconsin.
  • Peshtigo Fire Museum in Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 123 West Washington Avenue, Box 7606, Madison, Wisconsin 53703; +1 608 266 2161 or 800 432 8747. Try to book at least four to five weeks in advance for weekend trips, a week or two in advance for weekday trips.
  • Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association, P.O. Box 400, Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801; +1 906 774 5480 or 800 562 7134, fax +1 906 774 5190. Try to book at least four to five weeks in advance for weekend trips, a week or two in advance for weekday trips.

For more information:

  • Upper Peninsula story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, March/April 1991.

 
 
River Finder - Eastern U.S.

 
 
 
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