Michigan State Parks with Unique Features

Camp on the beach

While they have Lake Michigan—and its spectacular sunsets—in common, each of the state parks along its shore offer something unique to its location. At Grand Haven State Park, you can camp right on the beach, and Silver Lake Dunes State Park is one of the few places to drive your own vehicle across the sands; ORV rentals are available. Not up to the challenge? Hop aboard one of Mac Wood’s Dune Rides for a guided excursion. 

Ludington State Park is located between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, with beaches on both bodies of water. Rockhounds like Van Buren State Park in South Haven, and at Petoskey State Park you can focus on finding the state’s official stone, the fossilized pre-historic coral known as the Petoskey stone—a perfect souvenir of the Great Lakes State.


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Island hopping

Surrounded by four Great Lakes and thousands of miles of shoreline, Michigan is home to more than 3,000 islands. Read More

Torch River, Chain of Lakes Water Trail (PADDLE ANTRIM)

Making waves

Michigan’s lakes may get most of the attention, but the state’s water trails offer a different way to experience the ... Read More

Maxton Plains Preserve (THE NATURE CONSERVANCY © JASON WHALEN)

Secret Gardens

Michigan’s wildflower season doesn’t arrive all at once—it unfolds over time and across the landscape. Read More