Michigan is home to an impressive 103 state parks, each with its own unique charm and natural beauty. While parks in the Upper Peninsula and along the coast of Lake Michigan often garner the most attention among visitors, there are plenty of stunning locales to be discovered in Metro Detroit. If you’re searching for an outdoor adventure, immerse yourself in these underrated state parks near Motor City!

1. Sterling State Park
2800 State Park Rd, Monroe, MI 48162, USA
Google Reviews/Greg
This magnificent spot is the only state park in all of Michigan that offers access to Lake Erie, so its uniqueness is obvious from the get-go. Many Michiganders overlook Lake Erie in favor of our more easily accessible Great Lakes, but one trip to Sterling State Park will capture your heart. The park boasts a mile of beachfront, seven miles of hiking trails, and 1,300 brilliant acres to explore. Read more about this beautiful place in this article.
2. Seven Lakes State Park
14390 Fish Lake Rd, Holly, MI 48442, USA
Google Reviews/R Brot
If you’re interested in checking out a fascinating natural destination with an array of ecosystems that will keep you engrossed throughout your visit, Seven Lakes State Park is the perfect option. This 1,400-acre wonderland is home to forested beauty, lovely hills, 230 acres of water to enjoy, and so much more. There’s a real sense of peace here, which Motor City residents will surely appreciate. Learn more on the official Pure Michigan website.
3. Milliken State Park and Harbor
1900 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Google Reviews/Mark G.
While it might not be lesser-known among those who live in the heart of Detroit, Milliken State Park is a hidden gem to those from outside the immediate area. After all, it’s not every day that a state park is situated right in the heart of a major city - but we Detroiters like to think of ourselves as extraordinary. This scenic locale features a lighthouse, lovely views of the Detroit River, and lots of green space to enjoy. Learn more on the official PureMichigan website.

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4. Dodge #4 State Park
4250 Parkway St, Waterford Twp, MI 48328, USA
Google Reviews/plumgarden
Whether you drop by in the heat of summer or organize a wintertime excursion, you’ll be glad you chose to spent time at Dodge #4 State Park. This Oakland County locale is smaller than many other state parks, offering just under 140 acres of land, but its many delights cannot be denied. Visitors will enjoy access to Cass Lake, fishing opportunities, and a sense of natural charm throughout. Read more about Dodge #4 in this article!
5. Algonac State Park
8732 River Rd, Marine City, MI 48039, USA
Google Reviews/Warren Young
For marvelous views of the St. Clair River, you simply can’t go wrong with a visit to Algonac State Park. Whether you’re staying a few days at the campground or simply dropping by for a day trip, this lovely locale allows visitors to watch freighters as they make their way through the water. The park also houses a variety of wildlife and some of Michigan’s prettiest habitats, including prairies and oak savannas. Learn more in this article!
6. Maybury State Park
20145 Beck Rd, Northville, MI 48167, USA
Google Reviews/Panagiotis Tzerefos
With just under 1,000 gorgeous acres to enjoy, Maybury State Park is a genuine natural oasis, offering opportunities for everything from horseback riding to cross-country skiing to wildflower-spotting. You’ll wonder why it took you so long to make the jaunt to this gem, which also features educational programs throughout the year, fishing access, and picnic shelters. Click here to learn more.
7. Lakeport State Park
7605 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Gratiot Twp, MI 48059, USA
Google Reviews/Kenneth Nemchak
Tucked away along the magnificent shores of Lake Huron, Lakeport State Park is perfect for Metro Detroiters seeking a camping experience without venturing too far from the comforts of home. This park can be accessed from Detroit in just over an hour, so you can kick off your outdoor fun in no time at all. Whether you opt for traditional tent camping or rent an on-site cabin, you’ll fall in love with Lakeport. Read more about it in this article.

Are there any other fantastic outdoor attractions in and around Detroit that you’d like to see featured in a future article? Share your favorite photos and memories with us in the comment section below or make an official recommendation by filling out our nomination form here.

If you can’t get enough fresh air, check out these nine natural wonders in Metro Detroit.

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More to Explore

State Parks in Detroit

Tori Jane | January 29, 2022

What are the best city parks in Detroit?  

Detroit gets a bad rap, sometimes, and we don’t think it’s very fair. Every city and town have their seedier bits, and no one place is defined entirely by those alone. In fact, Detroit is a wonderful place for those who enjoy nice city parks; it’s home to a bunch of them, and each of them seems to have a handful of folks claiming that this park is the best in the city. Some of those most beloved city parks in Detroit include spots like Rouge Park, which features 12 playgrounds and three swimming pools, Riverside Park, which features incredible river views, and a bridge to Canada, the famous Grand Circus Park, Beacon Park, and Campus Martius Park. Of course, each is subjective; what one person considers the “best ever” may not be what someone else does, but one thing is for sure: Detroit has some truly wonderful city parks, and its diversity in terms of options is great for families with kids looking for things to do. And then there’s the hiking. 

What are some great hiking trails in Detroit?  

Who says being in the big city means you can’t enjoy a good hiking trail? We sure don’t. Detroit, Michigan, is an amazing place for hiking and walking enthusiasts to get outside and enjoy the weather while getting their steps in. Some of our favorite hiking trails in and around Detroit include trails at Kensington Metro Park, Paint Creek Trail, which is in northern Oakland County, trails within the Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, and trails at Maybury State Park. We also like the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Trail and the Blue Heron Lagoon Trail. These aren’t even CLOSE to all of your options – check out this article for more! What are your favorite hikes around metro Detroit?  

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