Are you looking for a little-known Michigan State Park where you can paddle your kayak, ride your bike, and wander down abandoned railroad tracks? Look no further than Island Lake Recreation Area, which just happens to be one of the 22 Best Camping Grounds in Michigan!
One of the things that first surprised me when I moved to Michigan was how beautiful it is. From the Great Lakes to meandering rivers, lush forests, and fields of flowers, the state of Michigan is a delight for the senses.
You can indulge all five senses at the little-known Island Lake Recreation Area. There is a mature hardwood forest, four lakes, and the gorgeous Huron River, which is part of the National Water Trail System.
There are many trails to choose from in Island Lake Recreation Area, enough to keep you in the park for multiple days. In early June, the wild phlox blooms, making this Brighton, Michigan hidden gem a wonderful place to see our butterfly friends.
The diverse beauty at this Michigan State Park never disappoints.
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In addition to the gorgeous trees and flowers, Island Lake Recreation Area also features an incredible history with Spanish-American War encampments and more!
There are so many activities at this hidden gem of a Michigan State Park. From hiking to fishing and picnicking to paddling, there's sure to be something to entertain kids and adults alike.
One of the things I love about this Michigan State Park is that it makes an effort to make its nature accessible to everyone. Island Lake Recreation Area offers "track chairs" which can access areas traditional wheelchairs cannot.
These chairs are off-road, electric, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including snow, sand, and up to 8 inches of water! They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at zero cost to visitors.
Bonus: the Island Lake Recreation Area even has a wheelchair-accessible pier.
In addition to all the other recreational activities at this Michigan State Park, there are many bike trails to choose from, some are even paved.
These multi-use trails are maintained by the Motor City Mountain Biking Association. Like the trails, the rest of the Island Lake Recreation Area is impeccably maintained.
As with most Michigan State Parks, Island Lake Recreation Area makes a wonderful fall visit. The burst of color that seemingly appears magically overnight offers a relaxing site to take in... or bring your art supplies to sketch or paint the bounty that stretches before you.
Make a weekend of it and rent one of the rustic cabins available on the property. Each cabin comes with a fire pit, grill, horseshoe pit... and an outhouse. So you'll be just on the edge of roughing it!
Just imagine catching this breathtaking sunset as you wind down from a day filled with outdoor activities, knowing you have a cozy cabin to spend the night in.
After hiking the nearly 10-mile-long Island Lake Recreation Area Blue Trail, you'll need a place to rest your weary head (and legs, I bet.)
Lake Island Recreation Area is conveniently located just an hour outside of the Metro Detroit area, making it a wonderful stop for locals and visitors alike. Our friends at AllTrails have even created a short list of the 10 best trails in the Island Lake Recreation Area. Folks looking for accessible trails should take a close look at number 6 on that list.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat after a long day on the trails, we cannot recommend Cheryl’s Place enough. The exterior is shaped like a small castle and it’s one of the most quaint things you’ll ever see.
Have you discovered a hidden gem of a State Park in Michigan? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
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