🏊 The Dodge Brothers’ Gift to Michigan — A Beach on the Biggest Lake in Metro Detroit — Dodge No. 4 State Park in West Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan, sandy swimming beach on Cass Lake (largest inland lake in SE Michigan), fishing pier, boat launch, kayak launch, picnic shelters, Dodge Brothers Corporation 1922 donation, bass and pike fishing — Oakland County, MI
In 1922, the Dodge Brothers Corporation — the same Dodge that built cars — donated a strip of lakefront to the State of Michigan. The condition: it must remain a public park forever. A century later, Dodge No. 4 is the last park still carrying the Dodge name, and it sits on the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan.
Cass Lake is 1,280 acres of warm, fishable, swimmable water surrounded by the suburbs of Oakland County — one of the wealthiest counties in America. The park’s sandy beach is the democratic equalizer: free public access to the same lake that $2 million homes back up to. Swim, fish, launch a kayak, and forget you’re 30 minutes from downtown Detroit.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming Beach | Sandy beach on Cass Lake — the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan. Shallow, warm water ideal for families. Beach house with restrooms and changing facilities. The sand is clean, the water is monitored, and the vibe is pure Michigan summer |
| Fishing | Fishing pier with direct access to the lake. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, bluegill, and perch. The lake structure supports excellent warm-water fisheries. Bank fishing from the pier or launch a boat |
| Boating & Kayaking | Boat launch for motorized vessels. Dedicated carry-in kayak and canoe launch. Cass Lake connects to several smaller lakes via channels — creating a navigable waterway system. Paddle from Dodge No. 4 through the channels and explore the entire lake system |
| Picnicking | Picnic shelters available for reservation. Tables and grills throughout the park. Shade trees along the shoreline. The park is compact but well-designed — every feature has lake views |
The History & Setting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dodge Brothers Legacy | John and Horace Dodge — founders of the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company — donated multiple parks to Michigan in the 1920s. Dodge No. 4 is the only remaining park that still carries the family name. The donation stipulated permanent public use |
| Cass Lake | 1,280 acres. The largest inland lake in southeast Michigan. Connected to smaller lakes via navigable channels. Maximum depth: 120 feet. The lake hosts regattas, fishing tournaments, and weekend boating. Named for Lewis Cass, territorial governor of Michigan |
| Oakland County | One of the wealthiest counties in America — and Dodge No. 4 provides free public access to its signature lake. The park is surrounded by upscale communities but belongs to everyone. The contrast between the mansions on the far shore and the public beach is the point |
| Accessibility | 30 minutes from downtown Detroit. 15 minutes from Pontiac. Easy highway access (M-59, I-696). The park serves a massive metro population — arrive early on summer weekends |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ☀️ Swimming. Beach days. Boating. Fishing. Michigan summer at its finest. Arrive early on weekends — the park gets busy |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fishing excellent — bass feeding before winter. Quiet beach. Foliage on the lake. Michigan’s golden season |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Fishing season opening. Bass spawning. The lake warming. Park greening. Kayaking before the crowds |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice fishing on Cass Lake — a Michigan tradition. Pike, walleye, and perch through the ice. The park accessible year-round |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this related to Dodge cars?
Yes — the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company donated this land in 1922. It’s the last remaining park from the original Dodge donations that still carries the family name. A piece of Detroit automotive history preserved as public lakefront.
Is the park free?
A Michigan Recreation Passport ($17/year with vehicle registration) is required for entry. If you didn’t purchase it with your registration, day passes are available at the park.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is a short drive away, and Proud Lake State Recreation Area is a short drive away.
🏊 The Dodge Brothers Built Cars. They Also Built This Beach. A Century Later, It’s Still Free.
Sandy beach on the biggest lake in metro Detroit. A fishing pier. Kayak channels connecting five lakes. And the knowledge that the car company’s founders insisted this land stay public — a hundred years ago — and Michigan kept the promise.
Wildlife & Nature
Dodge No. 4 SP — in Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula — provides quiet recreation in a forested lakeside setting. The park’s northern hardwood and conifer forest supports black bears, snowshoe hares, and porcupines. Common loons call from the lake. Barred owls hoot at dusk. Brook trout inhabit the cold streams.
Nearby Attractions
St. Ignace — to the south — has the Mackinac Bridge and ferry to Mackinac Island. Hiawatha National Forest — surrounding.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dodge No. 4 State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under the owner's immediate control.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in buoyed swim areas but allowed along the shoreline outside them (on a 6-ft leash, even in the water); 50+ parks have pet-friendly shoreline or designated dog beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Up to two pets (cats and dogs only) allowed at ~12 parks' designated pet-friendly cabins, yurts and lodges; $10 per night per pet (cabins) or $15 (lodges); otherwise pets barred from overnight lodging.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; pet-friendly lodging costs $10/night per pet (cabins) or $15/night per pet (lodges).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Leash laws do not apply to dogs used for hunting on land open to such use; pets may not be left unattended.
Are dogs allowed at Dodge No. 4 State Park?
Pets are welcome in Michigan state parks, campgrounds, harbors and state-designated trails, except designated swim beaches and other posted areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via michigan.gov. More: Michigan state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Dodge No. 4 State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
