Parks

Greater Rochester benefits from the abundance of parkland, conservation and recreation areas that are set aside for residents of Metro Detroit to enjoy. From local community parks to county and regional parks, to state parks and recreational areas there are tens of thousands of acres for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting or just walking your dog. There are hundreds of lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs for boating, fishing canoeing and kayaking. With all these natural resources it is easy to see why the Metro Detroit area is a recreational and conservation paradise. Take time to check out the many options for a day adventure or a weekend getaway. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall – the parks are there for your enjoyment. Take advantage!

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks, one of the nation’s largest regional park systems, offers nearly 25,000 acres of pristine parklands in 13 Metroparks located across Southeast Michigan (Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Livingston and Washtenaw counties). Head to the HuronClinton Metroparks for year-round outdoor recreation. The Metroparks host more than 7 million visitors each year! Call (810) 227-2757 or visit online at www.metroparks.com.

Delhi Metropark (81 acres) near Dexter/Ann Arbor. Colorful Delhi rapids, picnicplayground park along the Huron River with tables, play equipment and softball diamond, children’s playground, fishing and boat rentals. (734) 426-8211.

Dexter-Huron Metropark (122 acres) near Dexter/Ann Arbor. Picnicplayground Park along the Huron River, canoe launch, fishing, boat rentals and biking. (734) 426-8211.

Hudson Mills Metropark (1,549 acres) near Dexter/Ann Arbor. Along the Huron River with scenic wooded areas, camping, paved bike-hike and nature trails, picnic-playground areas, 18-hole regulation golf course, shore fishing, canoeing and scenic lagoon. Facilities include basketball, shuf fleboard and volleyball courts plus a softball diamond near the Outdoor Activity Building. Cross-country skiing with rentals in winter. Two 24-hole disc golf courses. (734) 426-8211.

Huron Meadows Metropark (1,576 acres) south of Brighton. Paddle boats and rowboats, picnic areas, children’s playground, fishing pier on Maltby Lake. 18-hole regulation golf course, driving range. Cross-country ski trails and equipment rentals in the winter. (734) 426-8211.

Indian Springs Metropark (2,547 acres) in White Lake. Hilly terrain and swamp land at headwaters of the Huron River, with an Environmental Discovery Center, a large nature center and labeled nature trails, paved bike-hike trail and picnic areas. Naturalist guided nature hikes, underwater pond viewing room, special events and workshops, 18-hole regulation golf course, Spray-n-Play and tot lot. (248) 625-6640.

Kensington Metropark (4,481 acres) near Milford. Wooded, hilly terrain surrounds the 1,200-acre Kent Lake ideal for fishing, boating and swimming. Paved bike-hike trail, 19 miles of equestrian trails, picnic-playground areas, beaches, boat rentals, 18-hole regulation golf course, two 18-hole disc golf courses, Splash-n-Blast, nature center and trails. Visit the Kensington Farm Center and pet the animals. Enjoy a ride aboard the Island Queen II, a 46passenger pontoon boat. And enjoy a full range of winter sports. (810) 227-8910.

Lake Erie Metropark (1,607 acres) near Brownstown Township near Gibraltar. Three miles of shoreline along Lake Erie provide a panoramic view. Shore fishing, wave-action swimming pool, bathhouse, food service building, picnic areas, shelter, children’s play area and marina. Cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter. 18-hole regulation golf course. Marshland Museum and Nature Center, nature trails. Three-mile paved hike/bike trail. (734) 379-5020.

Lake St. Clair Metropark (770 acres) In Harrison Township. Large sandy beach along Lake St. Clair for swimming and sunning. “Squirt Zone” spray park, swimming pool, boardwalk, paved hike/bike trail, boat ramps and marinas along the Black Creek. Par 3 18-hole and Adventure golf courses, exercise “fit-trail,” picnic areas, open-air dance pavilion, tot lot, and nature study area. Naturalist-guided nature hikes. Ice skating and cross-country skiing in winter. (586) 463-4581. Lower Huron Metropark (1,256 acres) near Belleville. Scenic park along the Huron River with a parkway, picnic areas, playfields, fishing, playscape for tots, tennis courts, softball diamonds, nature trails, swimming pool and two waterslides, food service and bathhouse. Colorful redbud in the spring. Plus, beautiful fall colors. Bike-hike trail. Canoe and kayak rentals. (734) 697-9181.

Oakwoods Metropark (1,756 acres) in New Boston. Primarily a nature oriented site with nature center, exhibits and live displays. Labeled nature trails for self-guided hikes and voyageur canoe trips to observe the wonders of nature. Horseback riding trail, paved bike-hike trail. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rentals are available. (734) 697-9181.

Stony Creek Metropark (4,435 acres) in W. Shelby Township. Scenic, hilly countryside surrounds 500-acre Stony Creek Lake, perfect for swimmers, anglers and boaters. Two beaches, waterslide, boat and bike rentals, paved bike-hike trail, exercise “fit-trail,” 18-hole regulation golf course, 24-hole disc golf course, picnic-playground areas, nature center and nature trails, winter sports including tobogganing, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. (586) 781-4242.

Willow Metropark (1,532 acres) near New Boston. Beautifully landscaped grounds surround the central plaza area, with swimming pool, waterslide, playscape, bathhouse, food service, 18-hole golf course, 24 holes of disc golf, basketball, shuffleboard, softball, volleyball, soccer and paved bike-hike trails. Boat rentals and fishing on Huron River. Sledding and cross-country skiing in winter. (734) 697-9181.

Wolcott Mill Metropark (2,625 acres) in Ray Township west of New Haven. Historic grist mill and Farm Learning Center; fishing, hiking and biking and 10 miles of equestrian trails. Open daily. (586) 752-5932 (farm).

Oakland County Parks

14 parks, 5 golf courses 3 dog parks, 2 nature centers. The parks offer year-round recreation, including swimming, camping, hiking, boating, golfing and picnicking to cross country skiing, ice skating and ice fishing. For information call 88-OCPARKS or visit www.oakgov.com.

Addison Oaks, West Romeo Road, Leonard. This scenic 1,140-acre park offers camping at individual or group sites, yurts and cabins. A 20+ mile trail system for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Boats, kayaks and bikes are available to rent, 18-hole disc golf course, fishing, geocaching and picnic shelters. The historic Tudor style Buhl Estate can be rented for weddings, banquets or business functions.

Catalpa Oaks, off Greenfield Road in Southfield. Offers 24 acres of open space featuring four soccer fields, playgrounds, playscape, perimeter walking trail, pavilion and restrooms. Glen Oaks Golf Course, 13 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. An 18-hole, par 70 course with facilities for weddings/receptions, banquets and golf outings. Pro shop, grill room and outdoor patio.

Groveland Oaks, Dixie Highway in Holly. Features full hook up and modern campsites, eight cabins, four yurts and island pavilions located on Stewart Lake. The park has a sandy beach, fishing pier, boat, kayak and bike rentals. Other amenities include miniature golf, skateboard park, playscapes, volleyball and basketball courts, concessions and campground store.

Highland Oaks off Milford Road in Highland. Located within the Shiawassee Headwaters, 302 acres of hills, wetlands, forests and pastures. Archery deer hunting is allowed in season. There are trails for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Fishing available from a floating dock.

Holly Oaks ORV Park, Dixie Hwy., Holly. Enter the park via Mt. Holly Ski Resort. Ticket sales can be purchased online and is highly recommended. Remember DNR ORV and ORV trail stickers are required ahead of time. Vehicles must have mufflers and spark arresters. Log on to www.oakgov.com or michigan.gov/dnr for rules and regulations (248) 653-0710

Independence Oaks, on Sashabaw Road in Clarkston. A naturally maintained, 1,286-acre park with picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating (Crooked Lake) youth group camping, nature study, 12 miles of nature and ski trails with two paved trails. Also includes Wint Nature Center and Cohn Amphitheater.

Lyon Oaks, Pontiac Trail, Wixom. This park has a day-use area with hiking trails, picnic area with shelter, playground and a 13-acre, fenced, off-leash Bark Park. Lyon Oaks Nature Center offers interpretive programs. The adjacent 18-hole, Arthur Hills-designed golf course offers bent grass greens, tees and fairways, plus a state-of-the-art practice facility and driving range. The golf course’s picturesque clubhouse accommodates up to 450.

Orion Oaks, Clarkston Road, Orion Township. Nature preserve of more than 916 acres of green space. Amenities include fishing on 90-acre Lake Sixteen, hiking, bird watching and mountain biking. Wheelchair-accessible fishing deck is also available. A 13-acre off-leash Bark Park offers swimming access.

Red Oaks, Madison Heights. The waterpark is located on 13 Mile Road. This popular attraction includes a wave action pool, triple-flume waterslide, splash pad with numerous interactive features, picnic areas and pavilions. The golf course is off John R Road and is great for beginners. Foot golf can be played as well. A dog park, nature center and youth soccer complex.

Rose Oaks, Buckhorn Lake Road, Rose Township. The park has 640 acres of gently rolling terrain with open meadows, wooded uplands and valuable wetlands. Hiking, bird watching and fishing are available. Five miles of equestrian off Fish Lake Rd. Springfield Oaks, Andersonville Road near Hall Road, Davisburg. A large activity center and surrounding grounds hosts the annual Oakland County Fair. The 18-hole, par 71 golf course also has a clubhouse, pro shop, cart rental, bar and grill room. Home to a 5-acre community garden, 2 outdoor arenas and an indoor arena in the grand 14,000 sq. ft. historic Ellis Barn, built in 1885.

Waterford Oaks, Scott Lake, Waterford. This 199-acre park is home to a waterpark, world class BMX track, playscape, trails, platform tennis and sand volleyball courts. Winter sledding hill, picnic shelters for rent, Lodge and Activity Center. The Oakland County Farmers Market and Oakland County Parks headquarters are also located here.

White Lake Oaks Golf Course, Williams Lake Road, White Lake Township. This Scenic 18-hole, par 70 course has banquet facilities, pro shop, club room and garden patio.

Livingston County Parks & Open Spaces

With access to over 123 miles of trails and 184 recreation lakes, outdoor recreation opportunities abound! For more information, log on to www.livgov.com or call (517) 546-7555.

Fillmore County Park – (517) 546-7555

198 acres located in Genoa Township midway between Howell and Brighton. It features a 5K trail, multi-use athletic field, parking and restrooms.

Howell Scofield Park and Boat Launch – (517) 546-3500. (co-operated by the city)Located in Howell at the corner of Thompson and Barnard Streets. The park has a beach, fishing, swimming, boat launch, softball diamonds, volleyball courts, sledding and tobogganing, playground.

Lutz County Park – At Lutz and Cohoctah Roads in Deerfield Township. 100 acres of public access for users to experience. Natural habitat complete with trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Picnic tables provided. Free access dawn until dusk.

Mill Pond Area – (810) 227-9005. Located at W. Main and St. Paul Streets in downtown Brighton. Imagination Station Playground, the Mill Pond Walkway and a performance shelter.

Huron Meadows Metropark Island Lake Recreation Area

(See Huron Clinton Metroparks) (See State Parks)

Lakelands Trail Kensington Metropark

(See State Parks) (See Huron Clinton Metroparks)

Pinckney Recreation Area Brighton Recreation Area

(See State Parks) (See State Parks)

Washtenaw County Parks

Washtenaw County Parks, www.washtenaw.org.

For more information about Washtenaw County Parks call (734) 971-6337 or log on to www.washtenaw.org/Parks-Recreation

Border to Border Trail is a non-motorized pathway that connects cities and parks throughout the County. More than 40 miles exist in this ongoing project. There is an interactive map of all the trailheads online.

Independence Lake County Park is on Jennings Road in Whitmore Lake and offers diverse habitats from wetlands to prairies. Special features include Blue Heron Bay Spray Park, boat launch, fishing, Red Hawk disc golf, swimming, picnic area, playgrounds and trails. (734) 449-4437.

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center is on Washtenaw in Ann Arbor. The center is a space dedicated to fitness and offers a variety of classes featuring water aerobics, dance, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and pickleball. (734) 971-6355.

Pierce Lake Golf Course and Park South Main Street, Chelsea. This 18-hole championship course has a pro shop, snack bar, and a 26-acre park along the shore of Pierce Lake at its northern boundary. A boardwalk and paved trail go through wetlands and the course is open for cross country skiing on the trails in winter months. www.piercelakegolf.com, (734) 475-5858.

11,000 acres of woods, water, trails and so much more ...

Genesee County Parks

Atlas County Park; 9139 Hegel Road in Goodrich. A variety of terrain with fishing, kayaking/canoeing, nature trails for hiking and biking.

Buell Lake County Park; 14098 Genesee Road in Clio. 213 acres includes baseball diamonds, fishing site, snowmobile area and radio-controlled model airplane field.

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad; 5140 N. Bray Rd. in Flint. Features a turn of the century town with over 34 structures. Ride the railroad and watch a show at the Colwell Opera House. Log on for numerous holiday and special events.

Davison Roadside County Park; 6160 Davison Road in Burton. Small in size but big on the peacefulness. Pavilions, playgrounds and beginners sledding hill.

Everett Cummings Equestrian Center; 6130 E. Mt Morris Road in Mt. Morris. 690 acres of hiking or trail riding fun along the banks of the Flint River. Site of the Genesee County Fair. Has 100 group campsites, restrooms, show facilities, two outdoor and one indoor arenas and 160 stalls. Snowmobiling, Sled Dog training activities and waterfowl hunting in certain areas behind the Event Center. Elba Equestrian Complex; 1875 N. Elba Road in Lapeer. 4540 of natural beauty around a small island lake. Overnight camping with your horses. Some picnic tables and fire rings. Picket posts on each campsite.

Flushing County Park; 4417 N. McKinley Road in Flushing. A little gem of a 105-acre park. Trails, ball diamonds, tennis courts, pavilions, fitness sections and an off-leash dog area.

Genesee Recreation Area; 4540 acres including the 600-acre Mott Lake and Richfield County Park; 6322 N. Irish Road in Davison. Offers baseball diamonds, BMX bicycle motocross track, canoeing on the Flint River, tennis courts, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Bluegill Boat Launch, Bluebell Beach Splash Pad Playground and Goldenrod Disc Golf are also within the recreation area. Holloway Reservoir Regional Park; 7240 N. Henderson Road in Davison. Includes Buttercup Beach, Toboggan Hill, fishing, canoe and boat launches, hiking, snowmobiling and, of course the 1,975acre reservoir.

Linden County Park; 15349 S. Linden Road in Linden. A 135-acre park with ball diamonds, tennis courts, a beach on Byram Lake, sledding hill, pavilions and picnic areas.

The Mounds ORV Park; 6145 E. Mt. Morris Road in Mt. Morris. The king of Michigan off-road facilities. Every day, all week, all year, all kinds of terrain. If you love going off road, this will be a great playground for you!

Stepping Stone Falls and Picnic Area; 5161 Branch Road in Flint. Waterfalls, picnic tables and access to the Flint River bike path.

For information, call Genesee County Parks at (800) 648-7275 or visit online at www.geneseecountyparks.org.

Macomb County Parks

Macomb County is home to more than 3800 acres of municipal parks, 3 Metroparks and one State Park. The county has access to numerous inland lakes and Lake St. Clair with 31 miles of shoreline, over 100 marinas, and 40 golf courses. For more information visit www.macombgov.org. Major parks include:

Freedom Hill – Sterling Heights, 100 acres. Hosts numerous events including festivals, outdoor markets and concerts at the amphitheater. There is a playscape, bike path, nature trail and pavilions.

Macomb Orchard Trail – Shelby Township (24 Mile Road and Dequindre) northeast to Richmond. This 24-mile linear hiking and biking path will link to 180 miles of trails in Southeast Michigan.

Stony Creek – (586) 781-4242. Utica and Rochester

(See Huron Clinton Metroparks).

Lake St. Clair – (586) 463-4581. Mount Clemens, on Lake St. Clair

Rolling Hills County Park is located on Stony Creek Rd. in Ypsilanti. 439 acres of year-round recreation includes a water park, 18-hole disc golf, softball field, hiking trails, sledding, cross country skiing and lodge. (734) 484-9676.

(See Huron Clinton Metroparks).

Wolcott Mill – (586) 752-5932 (farm). Along the banks of the Clinton River in Ray Township (See Huron-Clinton Metroparks).

Wayne County Parks

An integral part of the term “rest and relaxation” since 1919, the Wayne County Parks Division has been caring for and constantly improving these priceless investments. There are more than 7,500 acres devoted to recreation (including two golf courses) and 391 miles of streams and rivers. For more information call (734) 261-1990, www.waynecounty.com.

Bell Creek Recreation Area – Redford Township, corner of 5 Mile Road and Inkster Road, (734) 261-1990. These scenic 62 acres along the banks of the Rouge River include soccer fields, ball diamonds and tennis courts. Also shows movies and hosts concerts.

Crosswinds Marsh Wetlands Preserve – 27600 Haggerty Road, Sumpter, between Will Carleton and Willow Roads. (734) 654-1220. This is an interpretive park, education, and fun all in one! Open year round there are trails for horseback riding, cross-country skiing or walking. A 40-foot observation tower and campgrounds are also on the property.

Elizabeth Park – East of I-75 off W. Jefferson and Van Horn Road, Trenton. The first county park in Michigan! This park offers 162 acres of fun including softball, biking, inline skating and ice skating venues. There is a Victorian shelter and wedding gazebo perfect for parties. The park’s Detroit River shoreline (1,300 feet) allows for a 52-slip marina (open April 1 - October 31) and boat launch. Jazz concerts and kids programs are featured. “Chateau on the River” party venue located here.

Hines Parkway – The parkway runs 17 miles and includes over 20 individual parks in its path from Northville (entrance off 7 Mile Road between Sheldon and Northville Roads) to the southeast end of Dearborn Heights (entrance off Ford Road between Outer Drive and Evergreen). There is a paved pathway for biking, hiking or rollerblading and many places to picnic in the various parks along the way. (Go to www.waynecounty.com/parks for information on the individual parks accessible along the parkway, each with unique amenities.)

Inkster Valley Golf Course – 2150 Middlebelt Road, quarter mile north of Michigan Avenue, Inkster, (734) 722-8020. This 18-hole, par 72 championship course opened in 1998 and uses 100 acres of wetlands in its natural setting. There is a clubhouse and advanced reservations are necessary.

Lola Valley Park – Beech Daly and Puritan Road, Redford Township, (734) 261-1990. Located along the banks of the Lola Valley Creek, the slopes are perfect for sledding in the winter. Summer weather allows perfect conditions for the disc golf course to be enjoyed.

Lower Rouge Parkway – Along the banks of the Rouge River, (734) 261-1990. Three different parks are featured here… Colonial Park at Inkster and Colonial Roads has baseball, soccer and picnic areas. Inkster Recreation Area in downtown Inkster has a great playscape, ball diamond and picnicking. Venoy-Dorsey Recreation Area has baseball diamonds available, call to reserve.

Wayne County Family Aquatic Center – 12600 Chandler Park Drive, Detroit, (313) 822-7665. Splish Splash Land includes a wave pool, two giant water slides and a concession area. We dare you to stay dry!

William P. Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve – Along the Tonquish Creek in the northeast part of the county, it encompasses 550 acres with the land left in its natural state. There are woods, wetlands and meadows to explore with over ten miles of hiking trails. (Check out www.co.wayne.mi.us/dps for more information.)

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

9311 Groh Rd., Grosse Ile 48138 • www.fws.gov

This international refuge is the first and only refuge in North America managed by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Located in the heart of a major metropolitan area the refuge consists of coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, islands and waterfront parks stretching for 48 miles along the Detroit River and western Lake Erie shoreline. Humbug Marsh is a hot spot for fish spawning and is classified internationally as important to threatened and endangered wildlife species.

Michigan State Parks within the Southeast Michigan area

Most state parks require a Recreation Passport which can be purchased at any park entrance, DNR Customer Service Center or Secretary of State Office when renewing license plate registrations. Both day passes and annual permits are available. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased at any sporting goods store.

The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for over 100 parks and operates 16 harbors on the Great Lakes. There are 306,000 acres with over 14,000 campsites and over 900 miles of trails. Log on to www.Michigan.gov/dnr for information about all the state parks.

Bald Mountain – Lake Orion, (248) 693-6767

Eleven lakes, two trout streams, a sandy beach, boat rental, waterpark, numerous trails for hiking and biking. A shooting range allows everything from archery to skeet shooting.

Belle Isle State Park – Access at E. Jefferson & E. Grand Blvd. in Detroit (313) 821-9844. Michigan’s 102nd State Park is a 982-acre island in the Detroit River connected to the city of Detroit by the MacArthur Bridge. It is home to an aquarium, conservatory, nature center, lighthouse, Dossin Great Lakes Museum and numerous other park amenities.

Brighton Recreation Area – Howell, (810) 229-6566

Almost 5,000 acres, this park has open hunting and trapping; lakes for swimming, fishing, boating; trails for hiking and mountain biking, plus equestrian facilities.

Dodge #4 State Park – Waterford, (248) 682-7323

A mile of shoreline on Cass Lake this popular sandy beach has mobile concession stands on weekends during the summer. Ice fishing and hiking in the winter months.

Highland Recreation Area – White Lake, (248) 889-3750

This park has a horse stable, 15 miles of riding trails, 17 miles of hiking trails, four lakes with boat access, fishing and Haven Hill Natural Area, former estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford.

Holly Recreation Area – Holly, (248) 634-8811

8,008 acres, with several thousand being maintained for wildlife habitat. Swim in McGinnis Lake, boating, fishing, disc golf and waterpark. Over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. Camping available.

Island Lake Recreation Area – Brighton, (810) 229-7067

“Up North” feel with cabins, trails, fishing, hunting. Four inland lakes, beaches and a portion of the Huron River run through the park Maybury State Park – Northville, (248) 349-8390

This facility operates a year-round working farm representing life in the early 1900s. There are also miles of trailing for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding and riding stables.

Outdoor Adventure Center

Michigan Department of Natural Resources 1801 Atwater, Detroit 48207 (844) 622-6367 www.michigan.gov

This family-friendly destination brings Michigan’s woods, water and wildlife inside a three-story, 40,000 square foot building near the Detroit Riverwalk and William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. This unique facility provides hands-on recreational experiences for all ages and abilities through a variety of activities and exhibits. There is an entrance fee.

Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park – Pinckney, (734) 426-4913

A linear park, 34 miles long. Designed for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

Pinckney Recreation Area – Pinckney, (734) 426-4913

This park offers 11,000 acres of extensive trails, 40 miles of multi-use, the 35 mile Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, camping, fishing, and hunting.

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area – Waterford, (248) 666-1020

Ponds, marshes, fields, miles of trails, horseback riding, beach, camping. Pontiac Lake has bass, pike and panfish and excellent hunting areas.

Proud Lake Recreation Area – Commerce Township, (248) 685-2433

This park has three lakes, hunting, fishing, canoeing and campground with its own beach and boat launch. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent. River Hawk Lodge on site.

Seven Lakes State Park – Holly, (248) 634-7271

Beautiful lakes, sandy beach for swimming, campground, boating (boat rentals available) and fishing. Picnic shelter, grills and playground. Trail system for hiking and biking.

Waterloo Recreation Area – Chelsea, (734) 475-8307

The largest park in the lower peninsula, it covers 20,500 acres. Eleven lakes, 47 miles of trails (including equestrian), stables cabins for camping and Eddy Discovery Center which explores Michigan’s geological history.

Detroit Riverwalk

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Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve – Brooklyn, (517) 467-7401 1,122 acres of open meadows, mixed hardwoods, low wetland areas and open water. An excellent waterfowl refuge, the park plans to offer hiking, birdwatching,upland hunting, mountain biking and other activities.

William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor – Detroit, (313) 396-0217

Located close to Hart Plaza and the Ren-Cen, this is Michigan’s first urban state park. Includes Detroit’s three-mile Riverwalk and 52 slip marina complete with lighthouse. Picnic tables and shore-fishing famed for walleye.

W.C. Wetzel Recreation Area – Marine City, (810) 765-5605. 900 acres of undeveloped park. Great for hiking, hunting, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Dark Sky Parks

Six State parks in Michigan are home to protected dark sky preserves. Michigan is also home to THREE internationally designated dark sky preserves. Headlands International Dark Sky Park 15675 Headlands Road, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 231-348-1704 • www.midarkskypark.org

The Headlands is open 24 hours a day, every day, at no charge. Programs take place rain or shine! Visitors are welcome to stay for the night for dark sky viewing opportunities (camping units like tents and campers are not permitted; not an overnight sleeping destination). However, blankets, sleeping bags, chairs, food, beverages, etc. are permissible. Dress in expectation of weather cooler than expected. For a list of upcoming programs, events, maps and more, visit the website.

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park

15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, MI 49095

Located in Cass County in the southwest corner of the State. Is named after Dr. Theodore Kenneth Lawless MD who posthumously deeded the land (850 acres) to the County in 1971. Hours of operation are posted at the park. Admission is $1 for county residents, $3 for non-residents. Modern restrooms and electricity in the shelters are provided for comfort.

Keweenaw Dark Sky Park (in Michigan’s upper peninsula) 14252 US Highway 41, Copper Harbor, MI 4991814252 US Highway 41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918 keweenawmountainlodge.com

Offers a unique experience for stargazing in the Midwest. Headquartered at the historic Keweenaw Mountain Lodge allows visitors to view the magnificence of the night sky in a pristine boreal landscape. Astrophotography and lighting management workshops. 500-acre campus is surrounded by thousands of acres of undeveloped wilderness. The Dark Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day.