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.
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.
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.
The beach house is in the day-use area and includes restrooms with changing courts.
Lakeshore fishing is available along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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.
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.
Green Bay – an arm of Lake Michigan – can be explored by paddle. Typically, the mornings are calmer.
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 tables and charcoal grills are located in the day-use area and are available first come, first served.
The park’s sanitation station is in the modern campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
The state park sits along 3 miles of Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, just south of the Cedar River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
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.
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The Poverty cabin (sleeps eight), Rock cabin (sleeps 10 and includes a covered porch), Washington cabin (sleeps 12) and Summer cabin (sleeps nine) are rustic, one-room cabins. The St. Martin cabin (sleeps 10) is a three-room cabin.
The cabins are outfitted with bunk beds, a dresser, a table, chairs, benches, a kitchen countertop, a propane stove and a propane furnace. There is a fire pit, picnic table and charcoal grill outside. There is no running water or electricity; however, there is a vault toilet and hand pump for water located at each cabin. Parking for two vehicles is available, with overflow parking available nearby.
You must provide your own linens and towels, cookware, plates and utensils.
Cabin users are expected to clean the cabin, toilet and surrounding area before checking out. All garbage is to be removed. Dumpsters are available in the campgrounds.
There are no pets or smoking allowed.
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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.
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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, and 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, blender, coffee maker and toaster. A 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.
There are no pets or smoking allowed.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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