Michigan has some of the finest state parks in the country. No matter what your outdoor interests, you can find them here. The following is a summary of 12 great Michigan parks located in northwest lower Michigan. Each has a link available for more detail. Grab a pack and hit the trail. Nature awaits you.
Traverse City State Park
1132 US 31 North
Traverse City, Michigan 49686
231-922-5270
Located just minutes away from downtown Traverse City, this great park is located across the road from East Bay on Lake Michigan. A pedestrian bridge takes across the busy Route 31 to the beautiful brown sugar beach. Great campsites, and opportunities to swim, canoe, kayak, fish and bike. Park is 47 acres and an excellent ase to explore all that TC has to offer.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=501
Leelanau State Park
15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd.
Northport, Michigan 49670
231-386-5422
This 1300-acre park is located on the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. It offers rustic camping, and is the home of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum along with the restored Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Stroll the Lake Michigan beach and you are likely to find a Petoskey stone to add to your rock collection. The park offers 8.5 miles of cross-country ski / hiking trails.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=467
Interlochen State Park
M-137
Interlochen, Michigan 49643
231-276-9511
Interlochen is Michigan’s oldest State Park established in 1917. Today it consists of 187 acres and lies between two fishing and swimming lakes: Green Lake & Duck Lake. Boat launch sites are available along with hiking, cross-country ski trails, camping and access to the National Music Camp. It is located 15 miles SW of Traverse City.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=460
Mitchell State Park
6093 E. M-115
Cadillac, Michigan 49601
231-775-7911
If you are in the Cadillac area check out this 334-acre park located on the edge of Cadillac, between Lake Mitchell & Lake Cadillac. It offers boating, camping, hiking, cross country ski trails, swimming, fishing, metal detecting areas, nature viewing and is close to all that the town of Cadillac has to offer. The park is located on a canal that connects both lakes for boating access.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=474
Orchard Beach State Park
2064 N. Lakeshore Road
Manistee, Michigan 49660
231-723-7422
Overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan, this 200-acre park offers much for the visitor. Take the stairway from the camp down to be brown sugar sand beach and take a hike or go for a swim. Hiking and cross-country ski opportunities abound. Nearby charter fishing companies offer world class fresh water fishing trips. Metal detecting enthusiasts have limited privileges.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=480
Otsego Lake State Park
7136 Old 27 South
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
989-732-5485
If you visit the Gaylord area, this park is easily reached both from I-75 and from town. Located right on Otsego Lake it boasts 62 acres and a ½ mile of sandy beach. The 155 campsites are large and located close to the lake. A fishing pier is available as well as a boat launch. Swimming and hiking are popular.
http://www.michigandnr.com/ParksandTrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=482
Wilderness State Park
903 Wilderness Park Drive
Carp Lake, Michigan 49718
231-436-5381
Located 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, Wilderness State Park is huge – 10,369 acres. It covers 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and has 250 modern campsites.
Hiking, cross country ski and snowmobile trails, mountain biking, swimming, boating and fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities available. This is a perfect base camp for day trips to Mackinaw City and the Island.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=509
Cheboygan State Park
4490 Beach Road
Cheboygan, Michigan 49721
231-627-2811
If you want a taste of camping on Lake Huron, give this beautiful park a try. Located on Duncan Bay, the park is 1250 acres with access to Lake Huron and The Little Elliot Creek - known for speckled brown trout fishing. Hiking, biking, cross-country ski opportunities abound. Modern camp sites as well as rustic cabins and teepees are all available.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=441
Petoskey State Park
2475 M-119 Hwy.
Petoskey, Michigan 49712
231-347-2311
Petoskey State Park offers 168 campsites split up into two campgrounds. Located on Little Traverse Bay it sits on 300 scenic acres and includes a beautiful sand beach. You can hunt for the famous Petoskey stones along the shores and enjoy incredible sunsets. Biking, hiking, swimming, and cross country skiing are the most popular activities plus exploring the town of Petoskey which has much to offer in the way of shopping and dining.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=483
South Higgins Lake State Park
106 State Park Drive
Roscommon, Michigan 48653
989-821-6374
Our best advice is to make your reservation early for this beautiful 1000 acre State Park. Higgins Lake is crystal clear and wonderful for swimming. The beach is a joy to visit and perfect for the kids. There are 400 modern campsites, boat launch, fishing, biking, ski trails and picnic areas. If you find that this Park is full, you might try North Higgins Lake State Park just a short distance away.
(989-821-6374) Your family will enjoy either experience.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=496
Young State Park
02280 Boyne City Road
Boyne City, Michigan 49712
231-582-7523
Lake Charlevoix is a big, beautiful lake covering over 17,000-acres with access to Lake Michigan. Young State Park allows you to enjoy it all while staying at one of their 240 campsites. Swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing are all available. A concession rents canoes, kayaks, camping equipment and sells food items. The park was created in 1921 and consists of 560 acres.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=512
Hartwick Pines State Park
4216 Ranger Road
Grayling, Michigan 49738
989-348-7068
Over 9600-acres makes this Park the largest State Park in the Lower Peninsula. The surprise is that it only has 100 campsites. It’s main attraction is a 49-acre tract of Old Growth Pines which shows the visitor what the original forests in Michigan looked like before the lumber industry began harvesting. Be sure to tour the logging museum, visit and fish the four small lakes, and hike the many trails. Many photo opportunities await you along with wildlife viewing.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=453