Just about any given Friday, there’s a long line of vehicles headed up 131, and for a good reason. It’s the vacation capital of the Midwest. It conjures images of towering pine forests, quiet lakes, and sweeping dune vistas. “Up North” is a special phrase to Michiganders. Holland has a campground right on the beach, and another tucked back in the woods to suit all sorts of camping styles. Pisgah, rent a paddleboard on Lake Macatawa, or have a campfire and spend the night. But there’s more to Holland State Park than the beach. Speaking of iconic Michigan moments, taking in a sunset behind Holland’s“Big Red” lighthouse is definitely near the top. You can’t beat those rosy sunsets at the pier, kite surfers bobbing on the waves, the smell of campfire smoke wafting over the beach… this is what being a Michigander is all about. If one state park could be picked out of the line-up as the most quintessentially ‘Michigan,’ it’d be Grand Haven. Grand Haven State Park Image via | Instagram If “long walks on the beach” is your thing, Saugatuck Dunes is your place. Miles of trails cut paths through the dunes, all leading out to a vast expanse of completely undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. And if you prefer to avoid the beach crowds, it’s a better option anyway. Hoffmaster is adjacent to Ottawa County Parks’ North Ottawa Dunes, so there’s always plenty of trails for hikers, skiers, and snowshoers to explore! Saugatuck Dunes State Parkīelieve it or not, Saugatuck Dunesis actually a shorter drive than the beaches of Holland. With its myriad of trails and dunes, it’s no wonder many locals call Hoffmaster one of their favorite Lake Michigan state parks. Hoffmaster State Park Image via | InstagramĪ 38-minute drive from downtown is all it takes to reach the golden sand beaches of Hoffmaster State Park. In the winter, Ionia keeps the trails well maintained for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Fall is the perfect time in Ioniato pitch a tent or rent a mini-cabin! Hike the trails around Sessions Lake, or bike into town on the Grand River Valley Trail. This charming small town on the Grand River is home to one of the most versatile state parks around. Most GR-Lansing commuters barely regard the Ionia exit on I-96, and that’s too bad. If you’re a mountain biker, test your skills at the annual Lord of the Springsevent on 38 miles of glorious singletrack! Ionia State Recreation Area Image via | Instagram Hikers on the 4,600-mile North Country Trailoften stop overnight at Deep Lake, while Gun Lake hosts countless kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboats daily. The hilly terrain of Yankee Springs state parks is a haven for backpackers, boaters, and bikers. Yankee Springs State Recreation Area Image via | Instagram When you’re done adventuring, cool off at one of the many rope swings on Max Lake. Equestrian trails venture into the seldom-traversed heart of the park. Canoers, kayakers, and paddleboarders can choose a slow float, winding creek, or open water on which to paddle. Mountain bike single-tracks lace the woods near the western entrance. Experience a slice of small-town Americana and Northern Michigan charm-it all starts in downtown GR! Bass River State Recreation Area Image via | InstagramĪt the Bass River-Grand River confluence lies a true hidden gem: 1,665 acres of hidden bayous, pristine lakes, and winding trails. Whether you bike a mile through Riverside Park, or the full 184-mile round-trip to Cadillac, the White Pine Trail is sure to make for a satisfying experience. Grand Rapids’ closest state park starts right here in the city! White Pine Trail State Parkis one of several “linear” state parks across the Mitten. Check these out: White Pine Trail State Park Image via | Instagram It’s an ambitious endeavor to visit them all, but you can get a pretty good scope of the state parks within a one-hour radius of Grand Rapids. From the Saharan sand dunes of Silver Laketo the rugged profiles of the Porcupine Mountains, Michigan’s state parks feature a diverse array of natural beauty. Recreation culture runs strong in the Wolverine State, and Michigan’s numerous public lands are certainly refle ctive of how much we value our natural assets. With 111 parks, scenic sites, and recreation areas, Michigan boasts the largest state park system in America.
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