Michigan State Parks

Location:

Orion Charter Township, MI

Highlights:

If you're looking for a place where architecture meets the outdoors, Bald Mountain State Recreation Area is a hidden Michigan gem. With mid-century modern bathhouses designed by Gunnar Birkerts and miles of wild terrain, it’s perfect for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.

Recommended For:

Architecture lovers, anglers, hunters, nature photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor escape near Lake Orion.

What I Love: ♥

Historic Birkerts-designed bathhouse complex, National Register of Historic Places designation, and the rich wildlife habitat ideal for fishing and hunting.

• Explore the Lower Trout Lake Bathhouse Complex, a mid-century modern gem recognized for its rare outdoor recreational design by famed architect Gunnar Birkerts.
• Fish or hunt across the park’s varied terrain—seasonally popular for bass, trout, deer, rabbit, and waterfowl like geese.
• Hike, bike, or paddle around the park’s scenic forest and lakeside areas, enjoying year-round Michigan wilderness.
• Visit nearby Lake Orion for additional boating, swimming, and day-trip opportunities just minutes away.

Distance from Detroit:

About a 50-minute drive north via I-75 N and M-24 N.

How to Get to Bald Mountain State Recreation Area:

From Detroit, take I-75 N to Exit 81 for M-24 N (Lapeer Road). Follow M-24 N into Orion Township, then turn into the park entrance at 3361 S Lapeer Rd.

Location:

Garden, MI

Highlights:

If you're drawn to history-rich landscapes with a lakeside view, Fayette Historic State Park is a fascinating place to step back in time. Nestled between Sand Bay and Snail Shell Harbor, this restored 19th-century industrial town invites you to explore Michigan's iron-smelting past while enjoying the natural beauty of Big Bay de Noc.

Recommended For:

History buffs, families, hikers, winter sports lovers, and campers looking for a unique Upper Peninsula experience.

What I Love: ♥

The preserved historic townsite, groomed winter trails, Lake Michigan shoreline access, and peaceful camping amenities.

• Tour the reconstructed 19th-century town and learn about the iron-smelting industry through interpretive displays and restored buildings.
• Hike over five miles of scenic trails through hardwood forests and along the rugged Big Bay de Noc shoreline—perfect for all seasons.
• Ski the groomed winter trails for a peaceful, snowy adventure through Michigan's Upper Peninsula landscape.
• Camp at one of 61 semi-modern sites with easy access to playgrounds, picnic shelters, and waterfront views.

Distance from Escanaba:

About a 1-hour drive south via US-2 W and M-183 S.

How to Get to Fayette Historic State Park:

From Escanaba, take US-2 W to M-183 S toward Garden. Follow signs through the town of Fayette to the park entrance at 4785 II Rd.

Location:

Harrisville, MI

Highlights:

If you're searching for a lakeside escape with towering pines, soft sand, and a strong community vibe, Harrisville State Park is a classic choice. As one of Michigan’s oldest state parks, it blends tradition with recreation—from relaxing beach days to music-filled summer festivals.

Recommended For:

Families, campers, beachgoers, festival lovers, hikers, and those who enjoy community-oriented park events.

What I Love: ♥

Direct access to Lake Huron beaches, wooded campsites, hiking and ski trails, and annual events like the summer sand sculpture contest.

• Relax on long stretches of sandy shoreline leading into Lake Huron—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and shoreline strolls.
• Camp in scenic cedar and pine surroundings at a well-equipped campground, ideal for both tents and RVs.
• Hike or ski on the park’s designated trails, which offer year-round natural beauty and bird-watching opportunities.
• Join in on local traditions—picnic under rentable pavilions, participate in metal detecting, or attend lively seasonal music and art events.

Distance from Alpena:

About a 40-minute drive south via US-23 S.

How to Get to Harrisville State Park:

From Alpena, head south on US-23 S along the Lake Huron shoreline. Look for the park entrance at 248 State Park Rd, just before entering Harrisville proper.

Romantic Michigan State Parks:

Location:

Grayling, MI

Highlights:

If you want to walk beneath towering white pines and experience the majesty of Michigan’s forest heritage, Hartwick Pines State Park is a must. With nearly 10,000 acres of preserved wilderness and a museum that brings the lumber era to life, it’s a place where nature and history go hand in hand.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, history buffs, families, hikers, and anyone looking to explore Northern Michigan’s old-growth forests and logging legacy.

What I Love: ♥

Massive red and white pine stands, immersive logging exhibits, peaceful forest trails, and its role as a preserved glimpse into Michigan’s pre-industrial landscape.

• Explore towering old-growth forest that represents what Northern Michigan looked like before the logging boom.
• Visit the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum to see exhibits, artifacts, and stories from Michigan’s historic lumber industry.
• Hike scenic trails that wind through pine groves, past interpretive signs, and into quiet natural areas perfect for wildlife viewing.
• Learn about sustainable forestry and conservation efforts that continue to shape the future of Michigan’s woodlands.

Distance from Gaylord:

About a 30-minute drive south via I-75 S.

How to Get to Hartwick Pines State Park:

From Gaylord, take I-75 S to Exit 259 toward M-93 N. Continue on M-93 for about seven miles, and follow signs to the park entrance in Grayling.

Location:

Manistique, MI

Highlights:

If you’re ready to experience the wild heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Hiawatha National Forest delivers nearly 900,000 acres of pristine forest, rivers, and remote wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent near a quiet lake or exploring one of six designated wilderness areas, it's an unforgettable outdoor escape.

Recommended For:

Campers, paddlers, anglers, wilderness trekkers, and nature lovers seeking deep solitude and scenic variety.

What I Love: ♥

Six federally designated wilderness zones, five Wild and Scenic Rivers, spacious campgrounds, and endless opportunities for multi-day exploration.

• Camp at one of several beloved sites—Carp River Campground for fishing, Bay View for a quiet beach escape, or Monocle Lake for RV convenience and lakefront access.
• Explore the six wilderness areas, each offering unique terrain, remote trails, and backcountry solitude perfect for off-the-grid hiking and backpacking.
• Paddle along five National Wild and Scenic Rivers, including the famed Tahquamenon and Indian Rivers—ideal for canoeing and wildlife spotting.
• Discover scenic beauty and biodiversity year-round, with forests, lakes, and waterfalls tucked into one of the most expansive natural areas in the Midwest.

Distance from Escanaba:

About a 1 hour 15-minute drive east via US-2 E.

How to Get to Hiawatha National Forest:

From Escanaba, take US-2 E toward Manistique. Depending on your chosen campground or trailhead, follow local forest road signs and directional markers to reach your destination within the park.

Location:

Holland, MI

Highlights:

If you're looking for the classic Lake Michigan beach day—with soft sand, scenic dunes, and postcard-worthy sunsets—Holland State Park is the place to be. With nearly two million annual visitors, it’s one of Michigan’s most beloved and bustling waterfront escapes.

Recommended For:

Families, beach lovers, campers, boaters, and anyone who wants to enjoy lake views and iconic Michigan scenery.

What I Love: ♥

Sweeping views of Lake Michigan and “Big Red” lighthouse, vibrant sandy beaches, a spacious campground, and a variety of recreational amenities for all ages.

• Swim and sunbathe along the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline, or hike through the nearby dune trails for panoramic views.
• View the iconic Holland Harbor Light—nicknamed “Big Red”—one of the most photographed landmarks on the Great Lakes.
• Camp at the well-equipped campground located near the beach and marina, perfect for family getaways and group gatherings.
• Fish, boat, or picnic in designated areas, and let kids enjoy the modern playgrounds while you take in a vibrant sunset over the harbor.

Distance from Grand Rapids:

About a 50-minute drive west via I-196 and US-31.

How to Get to Holland State Park:

From Grand Rapids, take I-196 W to Exit 55 for US-31 N. Follow US-31 to Ottawa Beach Road, then continue west to the park entrance at 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd.

Location:

Lake Superior, MI

Highlights:

If you're looking for off-the-grid adventure in one of the most untouched national parks in the U.S., Isle Royale delivers. Surrounded by the vast waters of Lake Superior, this remote archipelago is a sanctuary for backpackers, paddlers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural wonder.

Recommended For:

Backpackers, kayakers, wilderness campers, nature lovers, and anyone ready to disconnect and immerse themselves in a protected Lake Superior ecosystem.

What I Love: ♥

Secluded trails and campsites, a pristine Lake Superior shoreline, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, and abundant wildlife including moose and wolves.

• Hike over 165 miles of rugged, scenic trails—many offering spectacular views of forest, cliffs, and inland lakes.
• Paddle your way through calm inland waterways or the lake’s outer coves via designated canoe and kayak routes between islands.
• Camp or stay in remote backcountry sites or reserve one of the park’s rustic cabins for a more sheltered wilderness experience.
• Fish or picnic along pristine shores—catch northern pike or lake trout, or enjoy a quiet meal by the water with unmatched serenity.

Access Information:

Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or seaplane, with ferry service available from Houghton, Copper Harbor (MI), and Grand Portage (MN) during the park season (typically mid-April through October).

How to Get to Isle Royale National Park:

Most visitors depart from Houghton or Copper Harbor, Michigan. Choose between ferry or seaplane service depending on your preference and time of year. All visits require permits, especially for overnight stays.

Family-friendly Michigan State Parks:

Location:

Calumet, MI

Highlights:

If you’re fascinated by geology, mining history, and Michigan’s industrial past, Keweenaw National Historical Park offers a deep dive into the copper-rich legacy of the Upper Peninsula. With 21 heritage sites and one of the world’s oldest lava flows, this park tells the story of a region shaped by Earth and industry alike.

Recommended For:

History lovers, geology buffs, families, educators, and travelers exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula’s unique cultural landscape.

What I Love: ♥

Rare native copper formations, immersive mine tours, diverse museums, and historic architecture nestled in the scenic Upper Peninsula.

• Explore 21 heritage sites, including the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Carnegie Museum, Delaware Copper Mine, and the historic Quincy Mine Hoist and Underground Mine.
• Learn about the Keweenaw Peninsula’s volcanic origins and how native copper formed in one of the world’s oldest lava flows.
• Visit Calumet’s charming downtown, home to preserved buildings, local eateries, and visitor information for self-guided heritage tours.
• Stay overnight at the Laurium Manor Inn, one of several historic lodgings that immerse you in the region’s turn-of-the-century mining culture.

Distance from Houghton:

About a 15-minute drive north via US-41 N.

How to Get to Keweenaw National Historical Park:

From Houghton, take US-41 N toward Calumet. Turn onto Red Jacket Road and look for the park headquarters and visitor information at 25970 Red Jacket Rd.

Location:

Ludington, MI

Highlights:

If you're seeking one of Michigan’s most scenic and activity-rich parks, Ludington State Park Beach is hard to beat. Nestled between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan, it offers a mix of beaches, dunes, forests, and historic charm with the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

Recommended For:

Families, lighthouse enthusiasts, swimmers, paddlers, hikers, and year-round outdoor adventurers.

What I Love: ♥

The historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Hamlin Lake’s multi-season recreation, and the rare opportunity to explore dunes, rivers, and forest in one expansive park.

• Tour the 112-foot Big Sable Point Lighthouse during the open season and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Swim, canoe, or fish at Hamlin Lake, which offers a family-friendly setting for warm weather fun and ice fishing in winter.
• Explore miles of trails through dunes, marshes, and hardwood forests—perfect for hiking, birding, or snowshoeing in colder months.
• Relax on Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches or enjoy a quiet picnic with incredible waterfront scenery.

Distance from Muskegon:

About a 1 hour 20-minute drive north via US-31 N and M-116.

How to Get to Ludington State Park Beach:

From Muskegon, take US-31 N to Ludington. Continue on M-116 N and follow signs to the park entrance at 8800 M-116.

Location:

Northville, MI

Highlights:

Looking for a peaceful green retreat just outside the city? Maybury State Park offers a relaxing mix of rolling meadows, shaded forests, and classic farm charm. It's a favorite for families, walkers, and anyone craving a fresh-air escape close to metro Detroit.

Recommended For:

Families, nature walkers, horseback riders, school groups, cross-country skiers, and anyone seeking low-key outdoor fun near the suburbs.

What I Love: ♥

Wide-open picnic areas, scenic trails for all seasons, the educational Maybury Farm, and the balance of forest serenity with family play spots.

• Hike, bike, or ski along gently rolling trails through meadows and mature woodlands—perfect for year-round recreation.
• Fish in the park’s quiet pond or relax by the water during a picnic or nature walk.
• Visit Maybury Farm for hands-on animal encounters, hayrides, and educational programming about farming and food.
• Play and ride at the park’s playgrounds and equestrian stables—great for young visitors and horseback riding enthusiasts.

Distance from Detroit:

About a 35-minute drive northwest via I-96 W and Beck Rd.

How to Get to Maybury State Park:

From Detroit, take I-96 W to Exit 160 for Beck Rd. Head north on Beck and continue to the park entrance at 20145 Beck Rd in Northville.