[5][6] It is formed approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Iron Mountain, Michigan, by the confluence of the Brule and Michigamme rivers.

As the Menominee flows southeast it picks up the Pine River and travels past Kingsford, Michigan and Niagara, Wisconsin.

It then flows generally south, making broad meanders collecting the Sturgeon, Pemebonwon and Pike rivers.

Many of the lands around those waters are managed for recreational use, which ensures conservation and restricts shoreline development of rows of cottages and docks.

The Back Forty Mine is a proposed gold and zinc open-pit near Stephenson, Michigan to be constructed within 150 feet (46 m) of the river.