21 Underrated Michigan State Parks | Exploring Off the Beaten Path

Onaway

Located just a few miles away from Onaway and situated on the shores of the sparkling Black Lake, Onaway State Park is the perfect natural escape. Perhaps the most notable feature of the park is its cobblestone shorelines, which are distinctly different from the soft white sands that line many of the beaches throughout the state.

Onaway State Park is home to a modern campground, and visitors love the brand-new pavilion that is located near the day-use area. The pavilion features a covered porch — which is the best place to watch a summer storm — as well as modern restrooms, an outdoor grill, a countertop, a sink, tables and chairs, and a wood-burning fireplace.

With a designated swimming beach and a 3-mile-long trail, Onaway State Park is a favorite destination among campers who are in search of picturesque views, state-of-the-art amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Clayton

South of the small town of Clayton and located just before the Ohio border, the Lake Hudson Recreation Area is an oft-overlooked state park that is known for being a serene escape. During the daytime, fishing, swimming, and boating are some of the most popular activities here.

While there is a boating access site in the park, Lake Hudson is a no-wake lake, so you should leave your speedboat behind. Rather, bring along your favorite paddleboat, and be prepared for a day of excellent fishing — Lake Hudson is known for its abundant muskie population.

Nighttime, however, is when this park truly shines. The Lake Hudson Recreation Area is home to a dark sky park. In fact, it was the first state park in Michigan to earn the designation. With minimal light pollution, stargazers can clearly see constellations of stars and far-away planets.

Norway

The Menominee River State Recreation Area is an underrated Michigan state park in Norway that’s also co-managed by the state of Wisconsin. The expansive parkland reaches across two counties in Michigan and into one Wisconsin county, allowing you to easily visit both states in one day trip.

Comprising more than 7,600 acres, visitors appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty that can be enjoyed. The most notable feature in this park is the Menominee River, which winds for more than 17 miles throughout the park.

Along the river’s edge, visitors can spot the local wildlife easily, with eagles, waterfowl, and osprey being common in the region. Those who prefer to traverse the river itself will find plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are favorite activities among visitors.

Whitehall

While avid campers often find themselves at nearby Muskegon State Park, Duck Lake State Park is a hidden gem just a few miles north.

This day-use park is known for its iconic West Michigan features, including sandy dunes, Lake Michigan shorelines, and inland lake access. A channel connects the waters of Lake Michigan to the smaller Duck Lake, and a boat launch in the park allows boaters to enjoy both bodies of water.

Featuring more than 7 miles of trails, as well as kayak rentals and a picnic area, this state park is a bit less crowded and equally impressive as other larger parks nearby.

Lakeport

Favored by Southeast Michigan residents who want to enjoy the Great Lakes without traveling far from home, Lakeport State Park is a camper’s paradise. This park features two distinct campground areas with more than 250 sites combined. Each campsite has electrical access, a fire circle, and a picnic table, as well as modern restrooms located nearby.

With the Village of Lakeport situated between the two campgrounds, families and campers can easily get anything they may need, making it one of the most convenient places to camp along the shores of Lake Huron.

Manistee

Resting atop a 100-foot bluff in Manistee, Orchard Beach State Park features some of the most magnificent views of Lake Michigan. While the views during the daytime are spectacular, most visitors find themselves coming to the park at dusk to witness the sun setting over the waters below.

Detroit

Located along Detroit’s Riverwalk, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is the first urban state park in Michigan. The park itself consists of just 31 acres, but it is perfectly situated in the heart of Detroit, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the serenity of their surroundings, as well as the excitement of the city.

At the park itself, you will find a paved path that is perfect for walking, jogging, or rollerblading, as well as a picnic shelter. Visitors are even invited to go fishing in the river. In addition, the park is home to a harbor that has more than 50 slips, as well as grills and picnic facilities.

Just outside the park’s boundaries, you can easily walk to some of the best attractions in Downtown Detroit, including the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.

Carp Lake

About 10 miles from Mackinaw City, Wilderness State Park has become a welcome reprieve for campers who are searching for peace and privacy outside one of Michigan’s largest tourist hubs.

Boasting more than 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, this park is perfect for those who love to be on or near the water. It is, perhaps, most well-known for its unique camping opportunities, which include:

• Bunkhouses designed for many occupants
• Campsites along the shoreline
• Rustic cabins
• Spacious, walk-in rustic campsites for those who truly love to surround themselves with nature’s bounty

Ontonagon

Affectionately known to residents as The Porkies, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the largest state park in Michigan, boasting more than 60,000 acres of land. It has more than 90 miles of hiking trails, giving visitors an opportunity to see crushing waterfalls, Lake Superior shorelines, sparkling streams, and dense forests.

Its remote location makes it one of the lesser-visited parks, but those who are willing to make the effort are rewarded in droves. Some of the most popular spots to visit here are the Lake of the Clouds overlook, the Presque Isle River Corridor, and the Summit Peak Observation Tower.

Harrisville

While the land that comprises Negwegon State Park is protected and preserved, it appears more like an untouched wilderness to the untrained eye. Known as one of Michigan’s rustic state parks, it is frequently visited by those who prefer space, solitude, and quiet. It’s a popular park among bird-watchers, with bald eagles often flying overhead.

Also, the park is home to more than 8 miles of Lake Huron shoreline, including a 1-mile stretch of sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing and soaking up your surroundings. You probably won’t find a lot of families and young children playing in the waves because this park does not have the same amenities as nearby beaches, so you can count on peace and privacy during your visit.

South Haven

Just south of the idyllic town of South Haven, you will find Van Buren State Park. Known for its towering sand dunes and wooded trails, this park is a favorite among day-trippers. However, a modern campground within the park’s boundaries invites and encourages visitors to stay a while to enjoy the beauty to its fullest.

Perhaps the most beloved feature of the park is the Spur Trail, which is a 4-mile-long paved trail that leads from the park directly to South Haven. Along the way, hikers and bikers enjoy scenic views and lakefront vistas.

Harrisville

As a hidden gem, Harrisville is an often-overlooked small town in Michigan but popular with families wanting to spend time beachside on Lake Huron. Just steps from this tiny resort town is Harrisville State Park, one of the state’s smallest and oldest state parks. With just 107 acres, it’s an intimate park that features a small modern campground, a day-use area, and a designated swimming beach.

Metamora

With Lake Minnawanna at the center of the park, the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area is the perfect place to spend a summer day in Michigan. The quiet inland lake is ideal for fishing, and the fishing pier makes it easy for people of all skill levels to cast their reels.

In addition, the park has a designated swimming area so that visitors can splash and play in the water. Throughout the summer months, guests can enjoy weekly programming that is provided by naturalists who have an in-depth understanding of the park’s flora, fauna, and wildlife.

Laingsburg

While many state parks are considered summer destinations, Sleepy Hollow State Park is a year-round playground for those who enjoy spending their time outdoors. Comprised of more than 2,600 acres, it is one of the larger state parks in Michigan, and visitors of all ages and skill levels enjoy traversing the 16 miles of trails.

In addition to hiking and biking trails, the park has designated horseback riding trails and even dog sledding trails. You will discover nearly every type of landscape in this park — from clusters of towering pine trees to whispering prairie grasses — not to mention the breathtaking views of Lake Ovid and the Little Maple River.

Plus, this park attracts some of the state’s most dedicated bird-watchers, largely because there have been recorded sightings of more than 228 species. The park’s location along the migratory route means that visitors may see waterfowl, eagles, and bluebirds during their visit.

Howell

Exploring the more than 4,900 acres of the Brighton Recreation Area often feels like walking through the pages of a fairy tale. With changing elevations and a handful of inland lakes scattered throughout the park, it feels as if there is something new to discover along every turn of the trails.

Horseback riding is particularly popular at the Brighton Recreation Area, and if you are looking to experience the scenic trails for yourself, you can book a ride at the Brighton Recreation Riding Stable. Along with one-hour rides, there are pony rides, horseback riding lessons, and hayrides.

Augusta

The land that comprises the Fort Custer Recreation Area was originally used as farmland, but today it is one of the most well-loved state parks in Michigan. In addition to having a modern campground, it features an equestrian campground, making it a favorite among horse lovers in the state.

With three lakes, more than 40 miles of trails, and a swimming beach, people of all ages and interests can enjoy their favorite outdoor activities at this park.

East Tawas

Often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas is a picturesque park that can be found on sand split between Tawas Bay and Lake Huron. In the summer months, visitors often relax on the swimming beach, but perhaps the most well-known attraction at the park is the Tawas Point Lighthouse.

Northport

Leelanau State Park is the reward that visitors enjoy when they reach the tip of the scenic Leelanau Peninsula. Comprised of more than 1,500 acres, this spacious park is a favorite among families. It features a rustic campground and mini cabins for those who need a few more amenities, as well as a playground area and picnic pavilion.

No visit to Leelanau State Park would be complete without a stop at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, which is a stately lighthouse known for being one of the oldest of its kind along the Great Lakes’ shorelines.

Garden

Both history and natural beauty have been perfectly preserved at Fayette Historic State Park, which is located along the shores of the Big Bay de Noc on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Along with having a modern campground and extensive trail system — like many other state parks throughout Michigan — Fayette Historic State Park is home to the Fayette Historic Townsite.

The townsite consists of historic buildings and homes that were once part of the thriving industrial community located here during the 19th century. When you walk through the townsite, you will develop a better understanding of what life was like for those living on the shores of the Great Lakes during the Industrial Revolution.

Grayling

Considered one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula, Hartwick Pines State Park is known as the gateway to one of the last remaining stretches of Michigan’s pine forests. Its modern campground is open for reservations during the summer season, but there is a year-round rustic cabin available for those who want to visit during the winter months.

While there are more than 20 miles of trails throughout this park, the Old Growth Forest Trail is, perhaps, the most popular. This paved trail spans a little more than 1 mile and gives visitors an opportunity to experience the wonder of Michigan’s majestic pines.

Paradise

The most famous waterfalls in Michigan are the centerpiece of Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, and as a result, visitors from around the state and the country make their way here to experience the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

While the Upper Falls and Lower Falls are the most iconic attractions in the park, this 50,000-acre park has so much more to enjoy — 35 miles of trails, multiple campgrounds, and boating access.

The 16-mile North Country Trail is one of the most frequently traversed trails in the park because it offers a connection to the Upper and Lower Falls. Along the trail, you may be lucky enough to spot black bears, deer, porcupines, and otters.