Henes Park

This city park occupies a 50-acre point extending out into Green Bay on Menominee's north side. It's akin to Marquette's Presque Isle but flat, without the rocks. Beyond the entrance arch, wooded nature paths are named Schiller, Goethe, Longfellow, Shakespeare, etc. - a blend of nature and culture familiar in U.S. cities influenced by German migration circa 1850-1910.
German-American brewer John Henes (pronounced "HEN-iss") donated the park, built in 1907, when industrial uses dominated Menominee's waterfront. Local residents welcomed being able to take the streetcar to a place designed for the Sunday outings (with brass bands and beer) that were so central to German-American culture. Germans love trees, and Henes wanted to preserve the native landscape, an unspectacular old-growth forest of hardwoods, hemlock, and pine. Today signs point out noteworthy trees along the woodchip paths.

The perfect proponent of the natural approach was landscape architect Ossian Cole Simonds, who designed this park. An pioneer of "natural landscaping," Simonds was more important in his day than his now-famous contemporary Jens Jensen. However, fire and changes destroyed most of Simonds' designs, and his work has been largely lost.

Simonds used viewpoints, paths, and buildings to frame and highlight the natural environment. He did not rearrange natural elements or grade land to enhance nature as a romantic composition. Simonds was well known for nature-based cemeteries, parks, and subdivisions, including Palmer Woods in Detroit, with its winding drives, huge oaks, and stately Tudor homes.

Today's Henes Park offers a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards, a colorful new playground, picnic spots, and fine views across the bay to Door County. All radiate off the one-mile circle drive. Behind the second pavilion is a picturesque pond with lily pads, fish, and frogs. Utilitarian structures have replaced the picturesque buildings he designed here, but the effect of his plan remains.

Entrance drive is on U.S. 35 just north of where it branches off U.S. 41 on Menominee's north side. (906) 863-2656. No fee. Mostly wheelchair-accessible.

Return to Menominee and Marinette

Lodgings: Best Bargains

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here