Parks
Hemlock Crossing offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River. Over six miles of trails meander through bottomland and upland forest, old pine plantations and along the river. Trails connect to Pine Bend County Park on the west end of this property. A pedestrian bridge and numerous overlooks offer scenic views.
Open every day from dawn-to-dark, you’re invited to enjoy 19 miles of trails on foot, snowshoes or cross-country skis through 1,500 acres of diverse ecosystems. Get out on the trails to take in spectacular views of the natural world while observing the plants and animals that call this area home.
A 100-acre park in South Lansing; Hawk Island Park features year round outdoor fun. In warm weather months, visitors can enjoy pedal boat rentals, a swimming beach and beach house, concession stand, Splash Pad®, picnicking, a playground, sand volleyball and horseshoes.
The Kal-Haven Trail is a 33.5 mile long linear multi-use trail that links Kalamazoo a major southwest Michigan city to South Haven a Lake Michigan resort area. The trail starts in South Haven on North Bailey Avenue and ends in Kalamazoo on 10th Street.
The mission of the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department is to provide organized sports, leisure, cultural and educational programs, and outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe, healthy environment, providing members of the community with progressive recreational, cultural, leisure and educational programs.
The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail covers 9.55 miles of abandoned rail corridor in Saginaw County, stretching from St. Charles to Saginaw. It incorporates a number of natural features including: seven bridges over various rivers and creeks, The Shiawassee State Game Area and many wetland areas.
Millennium Park is a unique, ambitious project to reclaim 1,500 acres of heavily-used land for public recreation. The park encompasses rolling terrain and extensive wetlands and lakes southwest of Grand Rapids, between Johnson Park and John Ball Park. Its land is rich in natural resources, featuring woods, wildlife, fish and waterfowl.
Wild Beauty on the Lake Superior Shore. Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, lakes, forest, and shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four season outdoor opportunities abound. The lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles.
Experience the beauty of fall in the Porcupine Mountains. When the leaves change, the Porcupine Mountains is where you want to be! Located on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Porcupine Mountains are home to the largest tract of old-growth hardwood forests west of the Adirondacks.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located in Northwestern Lower Michigan along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. The closest city is Traverse City, 25 miles to the east.
Wonch Park was purchased in 1969 from Theodore Wonch for $40,660 through the General Fund. This 15 acre park is nestled in a bend of the Red Cedar River and is a highly used recreation area. This park includes sidewalks, picnic areas, and parking that are accessible to individuals with a disability.
Although Beal Botanical Garden is an outdoor laboratory for students, the general public is warmly invited to make use of the garden to learn about and enjoy plants in a beautiful setting. The garden is open at all times throughout the year without an admission charge.