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J.W. Wells State Park
J.W. Wells State Park
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.
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.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Picnic shelter
Playground
Beach house
Cross-country skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Modern restrooms
Mountain biking
Observation platform
Paddling
Pet-friendly features
Picnic area
Sanitation station
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Vault toilet
Water access
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
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.
Beach house
The beach house is in the day-use area and includes restrooms with changing courts.
Cross-country skiing
Fishing
Lakeshore fishing is available along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Hiking
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.
Modern restrooms
Mountain biking
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.
Paddling
Green Bay – an arm of Lake Michigan – can be explored by paddle. Typically, the mornings are calmer.
Pet-friendly features
Pets are allowed along the length of the Lake Michigan shoreline except for the buoyed 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.
Picnic area
Picnic tables and charcoal grills are located in the day-use area and are available first come, first served.
Sanitation station
The park’s sanitation station is in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Snowshoeing
Swimming
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
Vault toilet
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.
Stay overnight
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Wells Modern Campground
The park's modern campground is divided into two sections, including the north and south loops. Most sites are considered flat and within view of Lake Michigan. There is 30- or 50-amp electrical service available on each site and a sanitation station.
The campground is known for its family-friendly atmosphere because of the large, accessible playground and kids' programming.
Number of sites:150
Tags: Accessible playground, ADA-only sites available, Electrical service, Modern campground, Playground, Sanitation station, Some sites with 50-amp service, State park campground, Toilet and shower building, Vault toilet, Water access -
Wells Rustic Cabins
Our rustic cabins offer a comfortable, off-grid experience. The Poverty (sleeps 8), Rock (sleeps 10, with a covered porch), Washington (sleeps 12), and Summer (sleeps 9) cabins are charming one-room layouts. The St. Martin cabin (sleeps 10) provides a more spacious three-room setup. Each cabin includes bunk beds, a dresser, a table with chairs and benches, a kitchen countertop, a propane stove and a propane furnace. Outside, you'll find a fire pit, picnic table, and charcoal grill for your enjoyment.
Please note there's no running water or electricity inside the cabins; however, each cabin has its own vault toilet and a hand pump for water. Parking for two vehicles is available per cabin, with additional overflow parking nearby.
Remember to bring your own linens, towels, cookware, plates and utensils. We kindly ask that you clean the cabin, toilet, and surrounding area and remove all garbage before checking out. Dumpsters are conveniently located in the campgrounds.
Number of sites:5
Tags: Rustic cabin, State park campground, Vault toilet, Winter camping -
Wells Rustic Campsites
There are three rustic sites located along the Lake Michigan shoreline near the cabins. These campsites offer a unique experience because they are more secluded and set apart from the park's modern campground. The sites are ideal for tents and campers; however, a fifth-wheel would not be recommended.
There are no electricity, modern restrooms or showers available. There is a vault toilet and potable water available via a hand pump.
Number of sites:3
Tags: Rustic sites, Sanitation station, State park campground, Vault toilet, Water access -
Wells Bay Stone Lodge
The historic Baystone Lodge is located in the park's day-use area. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1940s, the lodge served as the park manager's residence for many years.
The lodge sleeps 11 and includes one queen, one twin, three double beds and one queen sleeper sofa. The lodge has hand-hewn beams, hardwood floors and a cut-stone fireplace with a gas insert, 1.5 bathrooms, a screen porch and a great room. The kitchen includes dishes, cutlery, cookware, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. A television and washer and dryer are available. A gas grill, fire pit and picnic table are outdoors.
Bedding and towels are provided. Visitors are expected to tidy up before departure.
Number of sites:1
Tags: Deluxe with bathroom, Electrical service, Modern lodge, State park campground, Winter camping
Trails & area maps
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Interactive map
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Printable PDF maps