Wilderness Shores Recreation Area

We Energies owns and operates hydroelectric plants on the Brule, Menominee, Michigamme, Paint and Pine rivers in northeast Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Surrounding our plants is the 23,000-acre Wilderness Shores Recreation Area that we manage in concert with state and federal natural resource agencies to preserve the region's high biodiversity and other natural values.

Enjoy Wilderness Shores

We Energies provides open access to the Wilderness Shores Recreation Area. With more than 30 semi-wilderness recreation areas within 40 miles of Iron Mountain, Mich., outdoor enthusiasts can pursue a variety of interests with a minimum of travel. Visit for an afternoon, a week or a weekend. Enjoy the following outdoor activities:

Bird watching

Wilderness Shores is home to numerous species, including bald eagles, osprey and other raptors, flycatchers, woodpeckers, thrushes, vireos, warblers and various waterfowl.

Boating and canoeing

Boaters and fishermen will find parking and launching facilities at nearly all Wilderness Shores areas. Canoeists will find portages around We Energies' hydroelectric plants, but are advised to exercise caution around these portages and any unmarked rapids that may occur on some stretches of water.

Camping

Enjoy the scents, sights and sounds of Wilderness Shores. Many of our recreation areas offer wilderness camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Campgrounds are open from late spring until early fall. To enjoy a unique, primitive camping experience, bring all your camping needs with you—including your drinking water. Vault-type toilets are provided at all campgrounds. Necessary staples and supplies can be obtained at nearby communities.

If you don't want to rough it, a place to stay is never far away. Cabins, motels and resorts abound in this unique vacationland. Information on area accommodations is available from the:

• Dickinson County Area Chamber of Commerce
• Iron County Chamber of Commerce

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

In winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers can exercise in the challenging, serene woodlands. There are no established or groomed trails.

Fishing

Fish the Wilderness Shores waters year-round for muskellunge, northern pike, various panfish, smallmouth bass and walleye. When fishing boundary waters—the Menominee and Brule rivers separating Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin—you can use a fishing license from either state. On inland waters, only a license from that particular state is valid.

Hunting

In the season, hunters are welcome to pursue their favorite game. This is the haunt of the white-tailed deer and elusive ruffed grouse. Waterfowl and small game animals abound. Most of our lands are open to hunting but there are some areas that are closed to hunting for safety or other reasons. Please respect our right to limit hunting in those areas. Closed areas are signed and identify We Energies as the owner.

Camping rules

Make your stay at Wilderness Shores safe and enjoyable by following these rules. Violations may result in loss of camping privileges. Remember, take only photographs and leave only footprints.

• All campers must register. A $10 per night fee is charged for each campsite. If you are camping at a Premium site (20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-6, 20-8, 20-10, 20-13, 20-20, 20-21, 20-22), fee is $12/night. Complete on-site registration envelope and place appropriate fee for entire stay in envelope and drop in metal tube. Rangers will make change, or change will be mailed to you. Drop tube and registration forms are located in vicinity of campground information sign. Campsites occupied after 11 a.m. will be charged for that day. Payment must be made at time of arrival for entire length of stay.
• One family per site. Number of camping units allowed at each site includes one principle unit, plus no more than one additional tent and one additional vehicle (car or truck) per site.
• Camping allowed at designated sites only.
• Length of stay is limited to 15 days per season per recreation area. Camping unit must be removed from recreation area at end of 15-day limit. Registering camping unit in different names is not permitted.
• Camp fee must be paid before setting up, and site must be occupied by camping unit to maintain use of site. Offenders will be asked to leave.
• Do not build or erect tables, docks or other permanent structures.
• Do not cut standing trees or branches of trees. Do not put any nails in trees.
• Use refuse containers, privies and fire pits provided. Burn fires in fire pits only and extinguish all fires when you leave your site. Only one fire pit allowed at each site.
• Discharge of firearms is prohibited in recreation area.
• Use of illegal fireworks is prohibited.
• Discharge of gray water is prohibited.
• Off-road vehicle use is prohibited on all We Energies lands, including campgrounds and campground roads.
• Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Loud music, generators, loud talking, etc., is prohibited during this time.
• Pets are to be leashed, kept under control at all times and should not be left unattended. Your attention to cleaning up after your pets will be appreciated by the next camper.
• All sites will be closed Sept. 30. No camping allowed after that date.
• Camping on islands is prohibited.
• Be considerate of others.

Maps

• Complete area (PDF 1.7mb)
• Northwest area map only (PDF 1.7mb)
• Southeast area map only (PDF 2.1mb)

For more information, please contact We Energies at:

800 Industrial Park Drive
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
906-779-2519