Discover Marinette County: Waterfalls, Forests, and River Landscapes

Marinette County combines expansive forests, river landscapes, waterfalls, and trails for all kinds of vacation days. You can plan long hikes, choose a self-guided waterfall tour, swim at Woods Lake, or learn about the region's history. When choosing a vacation apartment or vacation home, the key consideration is therefore which experiences will be the focus of your trip.

Forests, Rivers, and Distinctive Landscapes

The Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest gives Marinette County a strong natural character. The area includes 25 miles of river, 3,200 acres of water, and 9,200 acres of forest. Those who enjoy being on the water will also find 16 public boat launches there. For hikers and cross-country skiers, the five-mile Spring Rapids Trail offers its own trail system.

Another distinctive landscape is Seagull Bar on Green Bay. It is home to the only true dune complex on Green Bay; at the same time, the area is an important resting place for migratory birds. The landscape therefore appeals not only to active visitors, but also to anyone who wants to observe different natural environments during their trip. Governor Thompson State Park offers more than 16 miles of hiking trails. The Woods Lake area also has a 150-foot-long sandy beach for swimming.

Waterfalls for Short and Long Excursions

Marinette County's waterfall program includes 15 waterfalls and can be explored as a self-guided tour with short and long hikes. About half of the waterfalls are located within Marinette County's park system. This allows you to adapt your selection to your preferred daily schedule without having to turn every route into a long hike.

The destinations mentioned include Veteran's Falls in Veteran's Memorial Park on the Thunder River, as well as McClintock Rapids on the Peshtigo River in McClintock County Park. Twelve Foot Falls and Eight Foot Falls are located in Twelve Foot Falls Park. Dave's Falls Park includes upper and lower waterfalls with distinctive rock formations. Those who want to compare different waterfall landscapes will find a corresponding variety of names and park areas for their own planning.

Hiking, Cycling, and Winter Trails

The Strong Falls Trails offer 20 miles of challenging singletrack trails optimized for mountain biking. You can also hike there. More than seven miles of hiking trails connect Goodman Park and McClintock Park. Parking lots and restrooms are available at the trailheads in both parks. For a trip involving different interests, this makes it possible to choose between a sporty trail ride, a longer hike, and an excursion to the waterfalls.

In winter, Marinette County offers more than 750 miles of snowmobile trails. This complements the landscapes that are interesting year-round with an extensive opportunity for motorized winter tours. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus primarily on hiking trails, waterfalls, cycling excursions, or winter routes.

History, Museum, and Regional Specialties

The Marinette County Museum on Stephenson Island presents the history of logging in the county. Another exhibit focuses on Queen Marinette's trading post on the Menominee River in the 19th century. The museum is wheelchair accessible; free parking is available for cars, buses, and RVs. This provides a cultural activity option when the trip is intended to include regional history in addition to outdoor experiences.

Culinary discoveries are also part of the county's character. Forgotten Fire Winery currently offers more than 25 wines as well as hard cider and craft root beer. Caldron Falls is also relevant for those interested in waterways and fishing experiences: it is Marinette County's only Class A muskie water.

Choose the Right Base

Marinette County is well suited to trip planning that combines nature, activity, water, and culture. The best way to choose a vacation apartment or vacation home is according to the experiences you actually want to place at the center of your trip. For families with different interests, it may be helpful to alternate active days with museum visits, time at the beach, and culinary discoveries.

For further orientation, you can also explore Crivitz, Marinette, and Pembine. Other destinations in the overview include Ozaukee, Columbia, Trempealeau County, Marathon, and Portage County.

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.