Michigan Welcome Center

This charming log "lodge" was first built in 1938 to give Wisconsin and Chicago vacationers a memorable northwoods image of where Michigan begins. It sets a high standard for log architecture that's small in scale and exceedingly picturesque. The reconstruction in 1982 replaced deteriorated logs with ones equally huge. The original stone floor and wagon-wheel chandeliers were retained. The details make this design work: logs extending out at the corners in the best Lincoln Log fashion, a wood-shingled roof, and two limestone fireplaces and chimneys. There's a small picnic area outside. A historical plaque remembers the wild rice in wetlands here that were filled in when the M&M Shopping Plaza was built. Michigan
Welcome Center staffs are usually outstanding sources of information, both local and state-wide, with very helpful staffs. Menominee's is no exception. Brochures are mailed upon request. —8/2010

On U.S. 41 at the foot of the Interstate Bridge, north bank of the Menominee River across from downtown Marinette. Limited parking. If small lot is full, continue on U.S. 41 to the adjacent M&M Plaza shopping center and take stairs up to rear of Welcome Center. (906) 863-6496. Open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Central Time, year-round, possibly longer in summer. Wheelchair-accessible.

Return to Menominee and Marinette

MENOMINEE AND MARINETTE
POINTS OF INTEREST

Downtown Menominee on Green Bay. Menominee's historic waterfront downtown is a fine place to stroll and enjoy the architecture, specialty shops, antique mall, cafe, and park. ... more

Menominee County Historical Museum. See an animated miniature 1929 circus, old Menominee Indian dugout canoes, logging artifacts ... more

North Pier and Lighthouse; Tourist Park beach. A north pier light at the harbor entrance has guided boats to the Menominee River since 1877. There are picnic tables and a public beach here ... more

Michigan Welcome Center. This vintage log visitor information center for Michigan has many charming architectural details from 1938.
... more

Red Arrow Park. At the base of a long sandbar extending a mile out into the bay is this outstanding park, with beach, picnic area, playground, and a path to the protected bay where waterfowl nest ... more

Walking tour of downtown Marinette. See an island park, logging museum, the impressive homes of 19th-century lumber barons overlooking the big river ... more

Menekaunee taverns. This district across the river in Wisconsin was originally a squatters' village for millworkers, loggers, and fishermen. Today the old taverns here are a draw for people who want authentic, unfussed-over local color ... more

Henes Park. A 50-acre point extending out into Green Bay with wooded nature paths, a beach, fine views of the bay, a picturesque pond, and picnic area ... more

DeYoung Family Zoo. See endangered, often rescued big cats: leopards, tigers, lions, cougars, also wolves and bears in large fenced areas with ponds, and reptiles inside. Kids can feed, pet, and be photographed with some animals. ... more

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