June 30^th was my first visit to J.W. Wells State Park in Cedar River Michigan. Cedar River is located about 30 miles south of Escanaba in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. From Oakland County, the trip was around nine hours including stops and no construction. US 2 follows the southern UP shoreline for many miles before turning inland. Big and Little Bay De Noc's are some of the best fishing sites in the Upper Peninsula. There were about a hundred boats visible on June 30^th. The city has most chain stores and excellent shopping.

J.W. Wells State Park has very wide spaces. The park was almost full Saturday but only 50 percent full Sunday night. Facilities are very modern and appeared to have been recently renovated. We were able to get a site with a spectacular view of Green Bay. Lake Michigan's shoreline was very rocky and with the lake level being approximately a foot low, several species of plants and trees were growing between the campsite and Lake Michigan.

Fishing: J.W. Wells State Park has no boat launch.
                                                                                          Ore Freighter on Green Bay From Camp Site #48
The State operated a harbor in Cedar River approximately a mile from the park. Walleye, small mouth bass, trout, and perch were the most sought after species according to anglers. Everyone reported marking lots of fish, but they seemed to have my luck and boated few fish.

Swimming: J.W. Wells has a small beach nested in between rocky areas. Few were swimming with the temperatures in the upper 60's and a stiff breeze each afternoon.

Wildlife: We saw turkeys, several species of waterfowl, and deer of course. Several other bird species were around the park none of which I knew the names.

Internet: My Cingular aircard showed one bar, and service was slow. Escanaba had all five bars near the Staples. My Blackberry showed two-three bars at J.W. Wells and was definitely my choice for use.

Location: J.W. Wells State Park is located approximately 30 mile south of Escanaba on M-35.

A map of the park (and reservations) shows the proximity to Cedar River State Harbor and boat launch. Information on individual sites indicates the type of camping allowed and any electrical connection and amperage. Please note that there is only one restroom.

Other Peoples Area Experiences: The Savvy Camper and Susan Ager of the Detroit Free Press have written about the area. Please read their views on the area.

Area Attractions: The Cedar River/Escanaba area offers plenty of fishing opportunities including shore fishing in the Cedar and Fox Rivers. A list of other activities can be found in the links below.
                                                                                                                     Typical State Park Fire Pit

http://www.michiganvacations.com/regions/Cedar-River-Michigan.html

http://hunts-upguide.com/cedar_river_detail.html

Search for 80,000 Michigan homes vacant land and small businesses or, try one of the sites provided by the Michigan Association of Realtors at MiRealtors.com  Link above temporarily disabled 9/16/2007

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