Menominee County, Michigan

Menominee County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,502. The county seat is Menominee, which is also the largest city in the county. Menominee County is known for its historical significance in the lumber industry, its agricultural base, and its location along Lake Michigan.

Menominee County was established in 1861 and organized in 1863. The county is named after the Menominee Native American tribe, which historically inhabited the area. The word "Menominee" translates to "wild rice people," referencing the tribe's reliance on wild rice as a staple food source.

In the 19th century, the county became a center of the lumber industry, with the Menominee River serving as a transportation route for logs and lumber. The city of Menominee grew as a port and manufacturing hub, shipping timber across the Great Lakes. As the timber industry declined, agriculture and manufacturing became the primary economic drivers of the region.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Menominee County has a total area of 1,338 square miles, of which 1,044 square miles is land and 294 square miles (22%) is water. The county is located in the southern part of the Upper Peninsula and is bordered by:

• Delta County to the north
• Marinette County, Wisconsin to the west and south
• Lake Michigan to the southeast

Key geographic features of Menominee County include:

• **Menominee River**: Forms the county's western border with Wisconsin and is a key waterway for recreation and industry.
• **Lake Michigan**: Defines the county’s southeastern edge, offering scenic shorelines and recreational opportunities.
• **Cedar River State Forest**: A forested area in the county providing hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Menominee County’s economy is based on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Major sectors include:

• **Manufacturing**: Includes paper production, metalworking, and machinery manufacturing, particularly in the city of Menominee.
• **Agriculture**: The county's agricultural base includes dairy farming, livestock, and the cultivation of crops such as hay, corn, and soybeans.
• **Tourism**: Attractions such as the Menominee River, Lake Michigan, and state parks draw visitors for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
• **Retail and Services**: Menominee serves as the county's commercial hub, offering shopping, dining, and services.

Menominee County includes one city, several villages, and numerous townships.

• Menominee (city): The county seat and largest city, known for its historic downtown, waterfront views, and role as a regional economic center.
• Daggett (village): A small village with a rural character, located in the northern part of the county.
• Powers (village): A village known for its agricultural surroundings and proximity to state forest lands.

Townships

Menominee County is divided into 14 townships:

• Cedarville Township
• Daggett Township
• Faithorn Township
• Harris Township
• Holmes Township
• Ingallston Township
• Lake Township
• Menominee Township
• Meyer Township
• Nadeau Township
• Spalding Township
• Stephenson Township
• Wallace Township

Menominee County offers numerous parks and recreational activities, including:

• **Cedar River State Forest**: Provides hiking, camping, and access to the Cedar River for fishing and boating.
• **J.W. Wells State Park**: Located along Lake Michigan, this park features hiking trails, beaches, and camping facilities.
• **Menominee River**: A popular destination for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as scenic riverfront exploration.

As of the 2020 census, Menominee County had a population of 23,502. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Native American, African American, and Hispanic residents. The county is largely rural, with most residents living in or near Menominee.

Menominee County is served by several school districts:

• Menominee Area Public Schools
• Stephenson Area Public Schools
• North Central Area Schools

Higher education opportunities include:

• Bay College: A community college located in nearby Escanaba, serving students from Menominee County and surrounding areas.

Menominee County is served by several major highways:

• U.S. Route 41: Runs north-south through the county, connecting Menominee to other Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin communities.
• M-35: A state highway providing access to Lake Michigan and connecting Menominee to Escanaba.

The Menominee-Marinette Twin County Airport offers regional air travel services for residents and businesses.

• Menominee, Michigan
• Menominee River
• J.W. Wells State Park

• United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Menominee County, Michigan."
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "J.W. Wells State Park."
• Romig, Walter. Michigan Place Names. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1986.