This Small State Park In Michigan Is A Magical Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
By Jackie Ann|Updated on November 21, 2023(Originally published November 16, 2022)
×
Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
With over 100 state parks and state recreation areas peppered throughout Michigan, you can rest assured you’re never too far away from an escape into Michigan’s beautiful natural side. While state parks like P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon State Park, and Van Buren State Park are some of my favorite parks to visit, there’s something about a smaller state park that I enjoy. Clear Lake State Park in Michigan is a lesser-known park that’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to beat the crowds without compromising on scenery. Let’s explore this hidden gem in Michigan and see all that it has to offer.
Located in the town of Atlanta, Clear Lake State Park isn’t the smallest state park in Michigan, but it isn’t the largest, either. It’s just right.
Clear Lake State Park, 20500 M-33, Atlanta, MI 49709, USA
The smallest state parks in Michigan hover around the 30-acre mark, while the largest covers a staggering 60,000 acres (Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park). This one clocks in at 290 acres, just the right size.
As the name may suggest, Clear Lake is a beautiful lake that's a great spot for kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the warmer months.
You're in the heart of Elk Country, and you never know what furry friends you'll see, like this white-tailed deer.
YouTuber and adventurer Zachary Viaene gives us a great glimpse inside Clear Lake State Park. Watch the video to see all the fun you can have on the scenic lake.