Wilderness Shores

We own and operate 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 managed in concert with state and federal natural resource agencies to preserve the region's high biodiversity and other natural values. With more than 30 semi-wilderness recreation areas within 40 miles of Iron Mountain, Mich., outdoor enthusiasts can pursue a variety of interests:

Bird watching

View bald eagles, osprey and other raptors, flycatchers, woodpeckers, thrushes, vireos, warblers and various waterfowl.

Boating and canoeing

Use parking and launching facilities available 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.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Exercise in the challenging, serene woodlands, which have no established or groomed trails.

Fishing

Fish year-round for muskellunge, northern pike, various pan fish, 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, hunt white-tailed deer and elusive ruffed grouse. Waterfowl and small game animals abound. Most of our lands are open to hunting, but some areas 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

Enjoy the scents, sights and sounds of wilderness camping, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campgrounds are open from late spring until early fall. To enjoy a 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, stay at nearby cabins, motels and resorts. Information on area accommodations:

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

Camping rules

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

• Pay registration fee upon arrival for entire length of stay: $10 per night per campsite; $15/night for premium site (20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-6, 20-8, 20-10, 20-13, 20-20, 20-21, 20-22). Campsites occupied after 11 a.m. are charged for that day. One family per site.
• Complete on-site registration envelope, place fee inside and drop in metal tube near campground sign. Rangers make change, or we mail it.
• Limit number of camping units allowed at each site to one principle unit, one additional tent and one additional vehicle (car or truck).
• Camp only at designated sites.
• Stay up to 15 days per season per recreation area, then remove camping unit. Registering in different names not permitted.
• Occupy site with camping unit to maintain use. Offenders will be asked to leave.
• Do not build or erect tables, docks or other permanent structures.
• Do not cut standing trees, branches of trees, or put any nails in trees.
• Use provided refuse containers, privies and fire pits only. Only one fire pit allowed per site. Extinguish fires when leaving site.
• Discharge of firearms is prohibited.
• Use of illegal fireworks is prohibited.
• Discharge of gray water is prohibited.
• Use of off-road vehicles is prohibited on all We Energies lands, including campgrounds and campground roads.
• Observe quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. — no generators, loud music/talking.
• Leash pets and keep them under control at all times. Do not leave pets unattended and clean up after them.
• Do not camp after Sept. 30 — all sites are closed.
• Camping on islands is prohibited.
• Be considerate of others.