The area now known as Marinette was first inhabited by a small Algonquin band of Menominee, also known as “the wild rice people.” French Canadians established a fur trading post at the settlement prior to 1830, which helped pave the way for future European settlement. After the War of 1812, the United States government took over the fur trade and turned away Canadian traders on the American side of the border.
Both the town and county of Marinette were named after Marie Antoinette Chevalier, an influential resident who ran a trading post near the Menominee River. Thanks to Chevalier's ancestry — her maternal grandfather was a Menominee chief — she earned the nickname “Queen Marinette” and was known throughout the area for her fairness, business sense, and influence. As one of the most prominent residents in the area during those early days, it was natural to name the town and county in her honor.
Today, Marinette is a vibrant community that continues to pay homage to its rich history through annual events like the Logging and Heritage Festival. With a slogan like, “Your City on the Bay!,” you can rest assured Marinette has plenty of small-town charm, scenic views of Green Bay, and endless recreational activities.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Marinette, it's important to find the right hotel to serve as your home base for exploring the area.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Marinette, WI?
Without a doubt, summer is the best time to visit Marinette County. High temperatures average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in July, giving visitors the perfect chance to go hiking, horseback riding, camping, bird-watching, golfing, or swimming. Hotel rates tend to be higher in the summer, however, which is something to keep in mind if you're traveling on a budget. Booking your room a few weeks in advance can ensure you get the amenities you're looking for before accommodations start to fill up.
If you want to avoid peak tourist season and still enjoy pleasant weather, visit in the spring or fall. The off-seasons are chilly in Marinette, but if you dress in layers, you can take full advantage of the outdoors and reduced hotel rates.
While most visitors stay away from Wisconsin during the winter months, there's still plenty to do throughout Marinette County. Winter sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are popular activities for locals. In fact, there are more snowmobile clubs than there are ATV clubs, which suggests just how much locals enjoy the outdoors in the off-season. Stay flexible with your travel plans and book refundable flights if you're concerned about inclement weather.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Marinette, WI:
Marinette by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Marinette, WI. You can use these line graphs to evaluate the least expensive months to stay in Marinette for upcoming travels.
What About Luxury Hotels in Marinette, WI?
If you prefer to enjoy more upscale accommodations during your trip to Wisconsin, the area around Marinette has several options.
AmericInn by Wyndham Menominee boasts a stunning indoor pool with poolside loungers, a tasteful wood-beam ceiling, and oversized windows reminiscent of higher-priced resorts. Additional amenities include a spa tub, barbecue grills, a lobby fireplace, a business center, a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, and a complimentary continental breakfast. The modern guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering mini fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, cable programming, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, desks, and hair dryers. Deluxe rooms and suites with water views, hot tubs, fireplaces, sofa beds, and other upgrades are also available.
For more luxurious amenities, you may want to look beyond Marinette. The Shallows Resort in Egg Harbor boasts a friendly atmosphere and clean, comfortable rooms, not to mention unparalleled views of the water. The property features a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, a private shore and dock, a tennis court, a basketball hoop, a swingset, a picnic area, bonfire areas, and complimentary use of resort canoes, bicycles, and kayaks. Complimentary sweet rolls and coffee are served daily, and pets are welcome upon approval.
The Shallows Resort has many accommodation options, including the Shoreside Motel, the Gatehouse, the Shallows Cottage, and private home rentals. Standard in-room amenities include two queen or one king bed, a mini fridge, a microwave, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi.
For a more intimate experience, consider The Feathered Star Bed & Breakfast. Located in Egg Harbor, this charming inn features homey decor, a complimentary continental breakfast, luggage storage, a microwave in the common area, free Wi-Fi, a picnic area, and a fireplace in the lobby. The individually decorated guest rooms feature fireplaces, satellite TV, mini fridges, and desks. According to guest reviews, from the moment you walk through the door, it feels like you're visiting family.
Are There Any Low-Cost Hotel Options in Marinette, WI?
3 Star Average Prices: $121.99
Finding an affordable hotel in Marinette isn't that difficult if you know where to look.
Econo Lodge on the Bay is a highly rated option in nearby Menominee close to multiple attractions. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, free coffee in the lobby, ample parking, a sauna, a picnic area, complimentary wireless internet access, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms are spacious and bright, offering flat-screen TVs with cable programming, mini refrigerators, microwaves, safes, work desks, hair dryers, and toiletries. Upgraded suites add fireplaces and hot tubs.
Quality Inn & Suites is a great option in Marinette with easy access to cross-country skiing, hiking trails, and golf lessons. Featured amenities at this smoke-free hotel include a complimentary breakfast buffet, a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and free newspapers in the lobby. The well-appointed guest rooms feature 32-inch LCD TVs with cable programming, mini fridges, microwaves, high-speed internet access, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
If you don't mind staying across the bay from Marinette, consider Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay. This highly rated, music-themed accommodation offers free coffee in the lobby, express check-out, free parking, a picnic area, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a delicious continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable programming, pillowtop beds, premium bedding, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and mini fridges.