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What makes Michigan a great destination for outdoor lovers?
- Michigan is home to numerous parks and outdoor spaces that have been welcoming visitors for centuries.
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What types of outdoor recreation areas are available in Michigan?
- The state offers a variety of outdoor spaces, including recreation areas, RV parks, and forest campgrounds.
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Where are the most popular outdoor destinations in Michigan?
- Many visitors are drawn to parks and campgrounds surrounding Lake Michigan and Lake Superior due to their breathtaking beauty.
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1. Bald Mountain State Recreation Area
Hike rugged terrain and enjoy an exciting outdoor escape close to Detroit.
Bald Mountain State Recreation Area is a 4,367-acre green space which can be found near Michigan’s stunning Lake Orion. The park is home to only recreational facilities in the world to ever be designed by renowned architect Gunnar Birkerts, a Latvian American who was mostly based in Detroit. The building complex comprises five mid-century modern resources such as men’s and women’s bathhouses, concession stands, a pump house, and more - together, they are called the Lower Trout Lake Bathhouse Complex and Contact Station and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The surrounding recreational area is mostly popular with anglers and hunters who come there to catch geese, rabbit, deer, bass, and trout.
Address: 3361 S Lapeer Rd, Orion Charter Township, MI 48360, Phone: 248-93-6767
2. Fayette Historic State Park
Explore preserved ruins and discover unusual history on a quiet weekend trip.
Located within the historic town of the same name, Fayette Historic State Park is a lovely place that is situated between Sand Bay and Snail Shell Harbor in the Big Bay de Noc of Lake Michigan. The town itself is extremely popular as it used to be an industrial community which manufactured charcoal pig iron but was later reconstructed into a living museum to give visitors an idea of what life was like there in the late 19th century. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the park itself is only 711 acres and was established in 1959. Visitors who come there love to spend their time hiking on the 5+ miles of trails, which are groomed in the winter to accommodate cross-country skiing. There are also 61 semi-modern campsites which are situated besides playgrounds, picnic shelters, and restrooms.
Address: 4785 II Rd, Garden, MI 49835, Phone: 906-644-2603
3. Harrisville State Park
Camp lakeside and enjoy affordable beach access along Lake Huron.
Featuring a magnificent day-use area as well as a popular campground, Harrisville State Park is perfect for visitors who are looking to spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days in one of Michigan’s parks. You’ll find much of the park to be cedar and pine trees as well as long stretches of sandy shores which lead to Lake Huron. It is one of the oldest state parks in Michigan, having been established in 1921. Since then, the park has grown in size as well as facilities. You’ll find a number of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, several picnic areas with rentable pavilions, and even an area designated for metal detecting. The park hosts many events throughout the year, many of which are dedicated to music and art; their annual sand sculpture contest occurs every summer and is extremely popular with visitors.
Address: 248 State Park Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740, Phone: 989-724-5126
4. Hartwick Pines State Park
Walk forest trails and admire towering sights on a peaceful fall visit.
Hartwick Pines State Park is an IUCN category v protected landscape and seascape that was established in 1927. It is one of the oldest state parks as well as the fifth biggest in the entire state, spanning at 9,762 acres. While exploring the park and its old-growth forest of red pines and white pines, you’ll be able to see what a majority of Northern Michigan was like prior to the logging area. One of the park’s most popular features is the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, which is filed with exhibits, artifacts, and photographs from Michigan’s lumber boom years.
Address: Grayling, MI 49738, Phone: 989-348-7068
5. Hiawatha National Forest
Paddle crystal lakes and enjoy a scenic, retirement-friendly nature adventure.
Hiawatha National Forest is an 894,836-acre protected area which was established in 1931. The national forest comprises six designated wilderness areas which visitors can explore: Round Island Wilderness, Rock River Canyon Wilderness, Horseshoe Bay Wilderness, Delirium Wilderness, Mackinac Wilderness, and Big Island Lake Wilderness. There are also five National Wild and Scenic Rivers located within Hiawatha: Whitefish River, Indian River, Carp River, Tahquamenon River, and Sturgeon River. There is so much that you can see and do while you’re there, but the most popular activity that most visitors come to the park for is camping. Favored campgrounds include Carp River Campground, which allows fishing, Bay View Campground, which has a secluded beach, and Monocle Lake Campground, which is great for RV campers.
Address: Manistique, MI 49854, Phone: 906-428-5800
6. Holland State Park
Swim by Big Red and savor summer fun on a family beach trip.
Since it was established in 1926 Holland State Park has grown tremendously over the years in both size and facilities. Nearly two million people flock to the park every year, making it one of the most visited state parks in Michigan. The public recreation area, which spans 142 acres, has an array of activities and amenities for visitors. You can spend your time there hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, or playing in the playgrounds. There is a popular dune area and you’ll also be able to see stunning views of Holland Harbor and the Holland Harbor Light, “Big Red”.
Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424, Phone: 616-399-9390
7. Isle Royale National Park
Hike remote trails and spot wildlife on an unforgettable backpacking trip.
Isle Royale National Park comprises the main island of Isle Royale and hundreds of smaller islands adjacent to it. The park covers 894 square miles, of which 209 square miles are land and the rest are the surrounding waters. Isle Royale National Park was established in 1940 as a means of protecting it from development; in 1980 it was declared a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. The entire park is situated within Lake Superior but is along the international border and is nearby the Canadian Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. Recreational features include hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking routes, campsites, rentable cabins, fishing spots, and designated picnicking sites among other things.
Address: Lake Superior, Michigan, Phone: 906-482-0984
8. Keweenaw National Historical Park
Tour mining sites and explore exciting Upper Peninsula history on a cultural visit.
Having been established in 1992, Keweenaw National Historical Park is a fairly newer addition to Michigan’s many outdoor spaces. The 1,869-acre park is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places because it has several structures and natural attractions which celebrate the life and history of the Keweenaw Peninsula. One of the largest and oldest lava flows is located within the park, making it one of the few places on Earth where you can recover 97% pure native copper. Some of the 21 heritage sites that you can visit while at the park include the Carnegie Museum, the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, the Delaware Copper Mine, Laurium Manor Inn, and the Quincy Mine Hoist and Underground Mine.
Address: 25970 Red Jacket Rd, Calumet, MI 49913, Phone: 906-337-3168
9. Ludington State Park Beach
Play in the dunes and enjoy relaxing sights on a summer getaway.
Located between the shores of Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan, Ludington State Park Beach has several ecosystems you can explore within its 5,300-acre space. You’ll be able to explore everything from sand dunes and forests to lakes, dams, and rivers. One of the park’s most prominent features is the Big Sable Point Lighthouse; it stands at 112 feet high and was first lit in 1876. Visitors can take a tour of the beautiful lighthouse during certain times of the year. Another of the park’s famous aspects is Hamlin Lake where visitors can go swimming, canoeing, or even enjoy ice fishing during the winter months.
Address: 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431, Phone: 231-843-2423
10. Maybury State Park
Bike shaded paths and enjoy an easy afternoon escape with the kids.
Comprising 944 acres of mature forest, open meadow, and gently rolling terrain, Maybury State Park has been a popular place to visit ever since it opened to the public in 1975. There are so many outdoor recreational activities you can participate in while at the park, though it originally became popular as a picnicking haven because of its sprawling fields and isolated woods. Some of the things you can do while there are go hiking, hiking, horseback riding, pond fishing, and cross-country skiing. Visitors are also urged to visit the playgrounds, stables, and the Maybury Farm, where they can enjoy educational programs and go on hay rides.
Address: 20145 Beck Rd, Northville, MI 48167, Phone: 248-349-8390
When to camp in Michigan?
In the summer (July-August), enjoy warm weather, ideal for swimming and water activities. Long daylight hours provide plenty of fun.
Michigan Camping Tips:
Book in advance, especially for popular campgrounds.
Bring your camping gear.
| Best Time to Visit | Parks to Explore | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. | Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – A scenic escape with waterfalls and hiking trails. | Hike to Lake of the Clouds – Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Upper Peninsula. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities. | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Famous for towering sand dunes and clear blue waters. | Climb the Dune Climb – A fun and challenging hike with stunning lake views. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage. | Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. | Visit Upper and Lower Falls – Experience vibrant autumn colors surrounding the rushing water. |
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