Railroad Dock

Railroad Dock is a public boating-access site on Lake Michigan in Menominee County, Michigan. The water here is classified as a great lake. The launch is a hard-surfaced ramp with sufficient water depth and turning room for all trailerable watercraft — the Michigan DNR rates it for a minimum of roughly 2.5–3 ft of water at 20 ft from shore.

By the numbers, the site offers 2 launching lanes, 19 marked tow-vehicle/trailer parking spaces, 26 single-vehicle (car-only) spaces.

It is owned and maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Wells State Park).

Railroad Dock is a hard-surfaced ramp with sufficient water depth and turning room for all trailerable watercraft — the Michigan DNR rates it for a minimum of roughly 2.5–3 ft of water at 20 ft from shore. The ramp surface is hard-surfaced (concrete/asphalt).

Facilities: 2 launch lanes, courtesy boarding docks/piers, 19 trailer parking spaces, 26 car-only parking spaces.

It has vault or flush restrooms on site, and ADA-accessible features.

Posted access hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM, daily.

Lake Michigan is open to public fishing, boating and paddling across the Great Lakes State. Anglers here target walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill and other panfish.

In the cold rivers and the Great Lakes, salmon, steelhead, brown and lake trout run seasonally.

On big water like this, the fish follow the baitfish and the wind — troll the open lake or work nearshore structure, reefs and river mouths.

Railroad Dock is a public access point to Lake Michigan for trailered boats, kayaks and canoes.

This launch sits on Lake Michigan; look for other public access points, marinas and shoreline fishing spots along the same water, and check the Michigan DNR for the full list of access sites nearby.

This is open Great Lakes water: a calm morning can build a steep, dangerous chop within an hour. Check the marine forecast, watch for sudden summer storms and fog, monitor NOAA weather radio, and stay aware of commercial shipping lanes and shoals.

Carry U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear, wear your life jacket, file a float plan for longer trips, and remember that spring and fall water is cold enough to cause hypothermia quickly.

A Michigan fishing license is required for anglers 17 and older. Follow the Michigan DNR's seasons, size and creel limits, which vary by water and species.

Clean, Drain and Dry: remove all aquatic plants and animals, drain every compartment, and never move live fish or bait between waters — this is how invasive species like zebra mussels and invasive carp spread.

Observe posted launch rules, no-wake and idle zones near the ramp, and any local watercraft controls.

Stage your gear before backing down to keep the lanes moving, especially on busy mornings. Check the ramp depth for your boat's draft, and rig the trailer lights to handle a dunk.

Arrive early on summer weekends for parking, and have a plan for wind direction before you launch on open water.