Find your perfect dockage at Menominee Marina
By Lennine Occhino, Port Captain, Winthrop Harbor, IL (M43.4)
Many Great Lakes boaters have enjoyed the charm and amenities of the Door County, WI, ports along the east coast of Green Bay. Just a short (13.8 nautical mile) hop west across the bay from Egg Harbor is the quaint port of Menominee, MI (M-104).
Menominee is the southernmost Lake Michigan port of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is at the mouth of the Menominee River across from its sister city, Marinette, WI. Several marinas are on both sides of the Menominee River. The option highlighted in this article is the Menominee Marina, just north of the river mouth directly on the bay.
A port city with a rich history
The Menominee was a tribe of the indigenous Algonquin Indian Nation who had lived at the mouth of the Menominee River for generations before the Europeans arrived in the mid-17th century. The tribe derived its name from their cereal grass staple – manomin, or “wild rice” — that flourished along local shores.
The town of Menominee was a major lumbering port in the 1870s. Menominee handled more lumber than any other U.S. port during its peak years. When the old-growth white pine forests were largely exhausted, Menominee refused to fade away. Instead, the community rallied to attract new industries and leverage its strategic location.
Discovering Menominee
On a recent cruise from our home port in Winthrop Harbor, IL, to the Straits of Mackinac, we planned to cross through the Sturgeon Bay canal into the waters of Green Bay and move north up the Door County coast, as we have done many times.
However, when we got to Sturgeon Bay, we had trouble finding a slip at any Door County port. We decided to take a small detour across the bay to Menominee Marina — and we were so glad we did. We also didn’t mind staying a couple of extra nights waiting for a weather front to blow through. After that stay, we have personally promoted Menominee Marina from an unplanned detour to a future destination port.
Lots to like and enjoy
Menominee Marina is worth a visit during your summer cruise for many reasons. First is its ease of access, right on the bay of Green Bay, with enchanting views of the bay and the Door County shoreline just across from the marina.
You can experience the best of laid-back summer living docked in the midst of spacious town parks, three beaches and the beautifully restored Menominee North Pier Lighthouse just steps from your boat. It will also be a hit with your four-legged furry crew members as it has lots of nature for them to explore and stretch their legs.
The park adjacent to the marina is the site of outdoor concerts, festivals and other events of interest to boaters. A small farmers market serves the area on Saturdays.
The marina is in the heart of Menominee’s historic waterfront downtown, offering many quaint specialty shops, several pubs, a variety of restaurants, entertainment options, the town library, the county historical society, a grocery store and hardware store. If you want to hike or bike farther, the combined Marinette-Menominee community has just about everything a boater needs.
A highlight would be a walking tour of Menominee’s First Street Historic District. The district includes the Civil War-era Richards Hotel, the red sandstone Fire Station No. 1, the Beaux Arts-styled Spies Library, and the English cottage-inspired 1920 Gas Station. A number of 19th-century buildings line First Street from Fourth to Tenth avenues (downtownmenominee.com).
Convenient casual and fine dining
Less than a block from the marina, across Great Lakes Memorial Marina Park, are three great casual dining options: Pirate’s Cove, Murray’s Irish Pub & Grill, and Michael’s. A more upscale dining experience, The Landing, is a few blocks south of the marina. The Landing offers steaks, seafood and cocktails in an historic building with a view of the bay. For an after-dinner treat, stroll to the north side of the marina and visit Downtown Sandwich & Ice Cream.
The Menominee Marina
The marina is comfortable, clean, quiet, and well-maintained. It features heavy-duty modern docks with 272 slips and 20 inner wall side tie-ups. The harbormaster and staff are friendly and provide great service.
An unexpected surprise was the boaters’ lounge in the remodeled waterworks building. Built in 1884, this restored brick architectural gem was once the Menominee Municipal Water Plant. I would vote the Menominee Marina boaters’ lounge among the best such facilities on Lake Michigan. It has private dressing rooms, each containing a shower, toilet, counter, hair dryer, and sink in attractive surroundings. The large, tastefully furnished lounge features charts, a TV, club chairs, gourmet coffee and hot chocolate on demand, and even a computer for boaters to use. It was actually a pleasure to catch up on my laundry in such an inviting and comfortable facility.
Menominee Marina has something for everyone. It is a convenient stop on a cruise through the waters of Green Bay and is a boater’s paradise. GLCC Harbor Report M-104 has complete details on marina reservations, facilities and services.