There’s so much to love about The Mitten State. The thriving economy and thrilling winter sports scene both play a part in the region’s overall appeal to new homeowners. Of course, the main attraction for many people, both young and old, is the natural landscapes and gorgeous views.
If you are an adventure junkie passionate about exploring the great outdoors, then Michigan may be the perfect place to set your sights on. Spend a weekend on the Great Lakes or hike along the winding mountain trails. Get cozy by a campfire on chilly winter nights or camp in a family-style lodge. Whatever your ideal getaway may be, you can find it in one of Michigan’s breathtaking parks. And when you do, you’ll be ready to settle down in your brand-new home.
To help get you started on the right path, here are the top 10 state parks in Michigan:
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Named for its crowning jewel, the magnificent 50-ft waterfall that stretches more than 200 feet across, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is absolutely breathtaking. The maximum flow recorded cascading over the Upper Falls is more than 50,000 gallons per second, all of which crashes down only to flow seamlessly into the peaceful Lower Falls. Eventually, the falls cascade around an island, which can be accessed by a rowboat. Located 281 miles from Milwaukee, the park holds close to 50,000 acres across 13 miles. It offers year-round camping from its multiple campgrounds and overnight lodging. More than 35 miles of scenic trails allow visitors a glimpse into the perspective of the park’s diverse wildlife.
2. Mackinac Island State and Fort Mackinac Historic Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Established in 1895, Mackinac Island State Park holds many national treasures, from spectacular natural vistas to historic sites. Located 15 miles from Cheboygan, over 80 percent of the island is state park property. This allows a large portion of the natural landscape and diverse wildlife to be preserved in its breathtaking beauty. Within Mackinac Island State Park, visitors may check out Fort Mackinac Historic Park, which boasts the oldest building in Michigan and several other important structures which housed families and soldiers since the 19th century. Now, tourists may take part in daily programs to demonstrate the changes in the fort since its beginnings. Tours led by costumed interpreters occur daily and various programs are scheduled weekly, so be sure to plan ahead and view the online schedule before your trip.
3. Warren Dunes State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Located only 53 miles from Chicago, Warren Dunes State Park is perfect fun for the whole family. Situated on the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, the park includes three miles of shoreline, six miles of multi-use trails, and two campgrounds for overnight guests. The area is known for its incredible dunes and grassy wetlands. One dune formation rises as high as 260 feet and creates a breathtaking overlook of the lake below. Birdwatchers also frequent the park to view the many diverse species as they make their annual migration routes.
4. Holland State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Holland State Park, known for its gorgeous seaside landscapes and prime views of the historic “Big Red” lighthouse, is easily one of the most visited parks in the state, and for good reason! Located 150 miles from Chicago, the park includes both a wooded and forested campground. Sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa boast incredible sunset views and opportunities for swimming and fishing. Visitors are required to purchase a day pass or Recreation Passport, both of which are discounted for Michigan residents.
5. Fort Michilimackinac State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Located 117 miles from Traverse City, Fort Michilimackinac State Park is also situated on Mackinac Island. Visitors come to check out the 18th-century fort and fur trading village. To tour the site is to take a step back in time to the American Revolution as costumed historical interpreters conduct key crafts and trades of the represented era. Visit the park’s official website to plan your visit around special programming that occurs on a seasonal basis.
6. Grand Haven State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Grand Haven State Park is a 48-acre park located 101 miles from Milwaukee and nestled along a half-mile sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. There is a modern campground, beach pavilion, and a popular fishing pier across the way along the Grand River. Visitors enjoy a bit of respite from everyday stressors as they find solace and comfort at the family-friendly beach. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, and socializing.
7. Sterling State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
The only Michigan park on Lake Erie, Sterling State Park is located 34 miles from Detroit. Its 1,300 acres include a stretch of sandy beach that is perfect for shore fishing, boating, lakefront camping, and swimming. Visitors come from all over the state to enjoy outdoor recreation and to experience an immersion into the diverse ecosystem of stunning wildlife. Not to mention the seven miles of multi-use trails that wind through the park, making for a pleasant hike or afternoon walkabout.
8. Silver Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Silver Lake State Park is located 87 miles from Milwaukee and stretches along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Its nearly 3,000 acres include nearly 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a large campground, and the famous 450-acre Silver Lake State Park Off-Road Recreational Vehicle (ORV) Area making it a unique addition to any road trip itinerary. If you plan to take advantage of the ORV Area, which happens to be the only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River, be sure to learn the special rules and regulations before you visit to ensure smooth entry.
9. Island Lake Recreation Area
Google Rating: 4.7
Located 36 miles from Aurora in southeast Michigan, Island Lake Recreation Area encompasses 4,000 acres open for hiking, camping, mountain biking, swimming, paddling, triathlon training, fishing, hunting, and other types of outdoor recreation. Made up of mostly undeveloped state land, the park has a peaceful, natural feeling with a diverse range of scenery from dense hardwood forests to open meadows. The Huron River winds its way through the park to create a comforting presence and give life to marshy riverbed ecosystems. Island Lake Recreation Area is the ideal place to step away from your busy everyday life and sink into the quiet balance of calming nature.
10. Bay City State Park
Google Rating: 4.4
Positioned on the shores of Saginaw Bay, Bay City State Park holds the Tobico Marsh, which is one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes. Located five miles from Bay City, the park encompasses a large, sandy beach and more than 2,000 acres of cattail marshlands, oak savannah prairies, and wetland woods. This makes it the ideal place for migratory birds to gather along their journey. Many visitors travel to Bay City State Park to enjoy its vast array of wildlife, and in particular, its diverse bird species.
Isle Royale National Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 6,493
Michigan’s only official national park is Isle Royale National Park, located just 25 miles from Big Bay. It is an archipelago, meaning it is made up of a collection of islands that can only be accessed by ferry or seaplane across Lake Superior. The main island is approximately 50 miles long and 9 miles wide with spectacular water and mountain views. The park is open annually from April 16 to October 31 for camping, hiking, fishing, and a whole range of outdoor recreation. Vehicles are not permitted on the island, so visitors should plan accordingly. Because the preserved lands are fairly rugged and remain mostly in their natural form, visitors should make sure to prepare well for their visit.
The Great Lake State
Interested in moving to Michigan? Discover more about the region by reading some of our other articles, including the best places to live, the safest cities, and how to build a house in Michigan. And when you’re ready to make your big move, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Melanie Theriault is a writer, counselor, and lifelong learner. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Southwestern University, where she discovered her passion for fostering human connection through storytelling.
Best Tiny Home Builders in Arizona