J.W. Wells State Park

N7670 Highway M-35
Cedar River MI, 49887

906-863-9747
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

700 (Acres)

Required

Wells State Park– located along 3 miles of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay – is home to a modern campground, a designated swim beach, a picnic area, rustic cabins and a trail with three warming shelters
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Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

J.W. Wells State Park is located along 3 miles of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, just 30 miles south of Escanaba in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and across the bay from Door County, Wisconsin. The 700-acre park is home to a modern campground, a designated swim beach, a picnic area, rustic cabins and a trail with three warming shelters. The park is known for its family-friendly amenities, such as the park's accessible playground and nature education programming.

Cedar River State Harbor is just a couple miles to the north. It offers a boating access site, an accessible walkway along the river that is popular for fishing and educational programs.

The park, established in 1925, was donated to the State of Michigan by the children of John Walter Wells, a pioneer lumberman in the area. Many of the park's buildings, landscaping, and water and sewage systems were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 1940s.

Campgrounds

Wells - Rustic Campsites
800-447-2757
(3)
Wells-Bay Stone Lodge
906-863-9747
(1)
Wells-Modern Campground
800-447-2757
(150)
Wells-Rustic Cabins
800-447-2757
(5)

Trails

Wells-Cedar River Trail
Trail Length: 7.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Activities (Display as List)

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Lakeshore fishing is available along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park in designated locations; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking
Nature Programs Item is accessible.
Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Green Bay – an arm of Lake Michigan – can be explored by paddle. Typically, the mornings are calmer.
Pet-Friendly Area Item is accessible.
Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are allowed along the length of the Lake Michigan shoreline except for the designated swim beach. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Swimming Item is accessible.
Swimming:

A designated swim area is in the park’s day-use area.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House Item is accessible.
Beach House: The beach house is in the day-use area and includes restrooms with changing courts.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Modern Restrooms Item is accessible.
Modern Restrooms
Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform: An observation platform, located along the park’s accessible Cedar River Trail in the day-use area, provides a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and Door County – located on a peninsula across Green Bay – in Wisconsin.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area:

Picnic tables and charcoal grills are located in the day-use area and are available first come, first served.

Picnic Shelter Item is accessible.
Picnic Shelter: There are two picnic shelters located in the day-use area that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Playground Item is accessible.
Playground:

An accessible playground – located in the southern loop of the modern campground – features sensory panels, climbing features, a swinging disc and more. It all sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for those of all mobility levels. A parking area and the park’s accessible Cedar River Trail provide access for all visitors.

Sanitation Station Item is accessible.
Sanitation Station: The park’s sanitation station is in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service Item is accessible.
Some Campsites with 50 amp Service
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access:

The state park sits along 3 miles of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, just south of the Cedar River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water.