West Shore Fishing Museum

West Shore Fishing Museum The West Shore Fishing Museum explores the history of commercial fishing in Lake Michigan through exhibits, authentic artifacts, and a historic home.

The museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day each summer. The museum is a registered Michigan Historic Site. It is the location of one of the area’s largest commercial fishing operations operated by Charles Bailey from 1893 – 1950. Commercial fishing was a major industry in this region involving many hundreds of men and women who caught millions of fish. The displays make up one of the most c

omplete collections of fishing boats and gear in the state of Michigan. Visitors can step back into the past when touring the restored home, two exhibit buildings that trace local fishing history and practices from prehistoric to modern times, and five fishing vessels. The gill net boat Kate A, which fished from the Menominee River in the heyday of commercial fishing, and the more modern trap net boat Mary Kay are the two largest boats. A substantial pond net boat and two all-purpose boats round out the display. The Welcome Center houses a collection of area fishing photos and a charming vintage gift shop. The grounds of the museum are peaceful and beautiful with many gardens and several nature trails. Spend an hour or an afternoon enjoying this serene jewel on the wonderful West Shore of Green Bay. The West Shore Fishing Museum entrance is inside Bailey Park located approximately 15 miles north of Menominee on M-35. Follow the shady driveway into the museum grounds on the north end of Bailey Park.

Two original artworks donated by Linda Schroeder-Golding are featured in our silent auction Sunday. Come take a look. ...
07/25/2026

Two original artworks donated by Linda Schroeder-Golding are featured in our silent auction Sunday. Come take a look. It's always cooler by the bay!

Volunteers are working hard to get ready for a great Heritage Day on Sunday. Our silent auction has some impressive cho...
07/24/2026

Volunteers are working hard to get ready for a great Heritage Day on Sunday. Our silent auction has some impressive choices--a 2-hour sail with Russ and Cele Ross, a Lloyd Flanders chair, and a fire ring donated by Plutchak Rental and Fabrication.

At Sunday's Heritage Day, you'll have a chance to bid in a silent auction featuring everything from original art to quil...
07/23/2026

At Sunday's Heritage Day, you'll have a chance to bid in a silent auction featuring everything from original art to quilts to an array of smaller items. The auction will be in the Williams-Ruleau Visitot Center, where you can also see our Great new photo display.

The flowers are glorious on our museum grounds, and you can buy thriving perennials to take home. Visit us today, or co...
07/19/2026

The flowers are glorious on our museum grounds, and you can buy thriving perennials to take home. Visit us today, or come next Sunday for Heritage Day, noon to 4.

Stop at the Fishing Museum on your weekend jaunts!
07/19/2026

Stop at the Fishing Museum on your weekend jaunts!

If you love small towns and lake views, this Michigan road trip is for you. 🔗 https://link.awesomemitten.com/m35drive

Start in Menominee with breakfast and a lighthouse view, then follow M-35 north past parks, harbors, and shoreline stops.

Escanaba and Gladstone make the perfect places to finish the trip.

It's time for some new apparel! We have new color choices and some sale tees and hoodies. Come on out and see us. We'...
07/16/2026

It's time for some new apparel! We have new color choices and some sale tees and hoodies. Come on out and see us. We're getting ready for Heritage Day, Sunday, July 26.

Spend some family time with Dad and Grandpa at the West Shore Fishing Museum this weekend. It's a great place for a mul...
06/19/2026

Spend some family time with Dad and Grandpa at the West Shore Fishing Museum this weekend. It's a great place for a multi-generational visit. Load up the car and drive on out.

06/07/2026

Another successful day!! Thanks for all the folks who came today. We will continue to sell plants during open hours on the weekends during the summer. New plants are added all the time as we work in our gardens. It will be worth a visit to see what is new and enjoy our beautiful museum.

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06/06/2026

Woohoo we just passed 1500 followers!! Thanks for your support folks!!!

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Address

N5146 State Highway M35
Menominee, MI
49858

Opening Hours

Saturday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Telephone

(715) 923-9756

Website

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