With a 3,288-mile coastline, it’s no wonder Michigan is known for its incredible fishing opportunities.
Thankfully, some of that coastline can be found in Michigan’s state parks, particularly near Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor, like every town in Michigan, offers a great fishing experience. This gorgeous city was nicknamed “Tree Town,” so it’s not surprising that its state parks are carpeted by lush green grass.
Spend your day running across the fresh grass or your night laying on it when you visit a state park near Ann Arbor.
This article details some of the best state parks near Ann Arbor.
For a city with as much green space to start several farmlands, it can be tough picking its best state parks which is why we have done it for you.
The parks in this list are one of a kind and should definitely be on your vacation destination list.
Map of State Parks Near Ann Arbor MI
Here is a map of the Michigan state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Ann Arbor
Here is the list of the most incredible state parks near Ann Arbor, Michigan. We’ve added a short but detailed description of each park, so you know what to expect.
1. Island Lake State Recreation Area
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 14 miles north of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: Blue Trail, Green Oak Charter Township, Michigan 48116
Island Lake State Recreation Area is a state-run park in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, within the Metro Detroit area in Michigan.
Highlights associated with Island Lake State Recreation Area include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
See our full Island Lake State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Maybury State Park
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 15 miles northeast of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167
Compared to other state parks, Maybury State Park gives other state parks a run for their money.
It is located just 22 miles away from Ann Arbor, and it offers more recreational activities than most other parks.
With a park like this, a regular day trip is not enough. If you don’t spend the night at one of their lovely lodging facilities, you will find yourself returning every day to tick all the activities off your bucket list.
From cycling to mountain biking to cross-country skiing to fishing, this park has it all and more. Guests can ride a bike down the 4-mile paved road or a mountain bike through the 8-mile trail.
There is also a separate 8-mile trail for hiking. The park has an adjacent farm where guests can enjoy educational programs and farming demonstrations.
The park has four shelters available for rent. You can rent a shelter for special occasions like wedding receptions or graduation parties.
There are playgrounds beside the picnic areas so children can have fun while their parents keep a close eye on them.
Website: dnr.state.mi.us/…
Maybury State Park is a public recreation area in Northville Township, Wayne County, Michigan composed of 944 acres (382 ha) of gently rolling terrain, open meadow, and mature forest.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground and hiking trails.
See our full Maybury State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Pinckney State Recreation Area
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 15 miles northwest of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 8555 Silver Hill Road, Pinckney, MI 48169
Pinckney State Recreation Area is a Michigan state recreation area in Dexter, Sylvan and Lyndon Townships, Washtenaw County and Putnam and Unadilla Townships, Livingston County in the U.S.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a designated swimming area.
See our full Pinckney State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Brighton State Recreation Area
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 17 miles north of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 5408 Pine Lake Drive, Hamburg Township, Michigan 48116
Brighton State Recreation Area is an 4,947-acre (20.02 km2) recreation area, located near Mount Brighton ski area in Livingston County, Michigan.
Highlights associated with Brighton State Recreation Area include beach access, lake recreation, and mountain scenery.
See our full Brighton State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 18 miles northwest of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: Henrietta Township, Michigan
Lakelands Trail State Park, officially the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park since January 20, 2017, is a state park in Michigan that runs east–west from southwest of Munith to Hamburg Township, Michigan.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a marina.
See our full Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Proud Lake State Recreation Area
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 22 miles northeast of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 3500 N. Wixom Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382
Proud Lake State Recreation Area is a state-managed public park and recreation area located in Commerce Township, Oakland County, Michigan, near Wixom.
Highlights associated with Proud Lake State Recreation Area include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
See our full Proud Lake State Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. W.J. Hayes State Park
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 24 miles southwest of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 1220 Wamplers Lake Rd, Onsted, MI 49265
Hayes State Park is located about 37 miles from Ann Arbor in the peaceful city of Onsted.
There are four named lakes on the park grounds, and there are a few smaller lakes close by. Guests are welcome to fish in the lakes, and you can expect to catch various fish, including bass and bluegill.
The park also offers boat rentals for guests who can’t bring their own boats.
You can also swim in the lake or hike through the trails. For a calmer experience, you can relax at the picnic area and eat with your family.
For overnight guests, there are lovely camping facilities available. You can get your tent up on the campgrounds, or for a more comfortable night, you can rent a mini-cabin, cottage, recreational yurt, lodges, or safari-like tents.
The campgrounds come with designated fire rings so you can start a fire and tell stories while roasting marshmallows.
Website: dnr.state.mi.us/…
W.J. Hayes State Park covers 654 acres in Lenawee Jackson Washtenaw County, Michigan. Established 1920.
Highlights associated with W.J. Hayes State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, a fishing pier, a marina, and picnic areas.
See our full W.J. Hayes State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Meridian-Baseline State Park
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 33 miles west of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: Pleasant Lake, MI 49272
From the name of this park, you might have already guessed that it is dripping with history.
The Meridian-Baseline Historic State Park is 42 miles from Ann Arbor, and it houses two monuments.
This park is a great vacation spot for anyone who loves history and wants to know more about it.
Surround yourself with the memories of the people who found the land and stand on the historical landscapes as you relive the past events.
This park is any history buff’s dream getaway. But if history is not your thing, you can spend the day walking or hiking through the trails.
The park has a sturdy bridge that goes over the creek. From this bridge, guests have an amazing view of the park.
Guests can visit the park with their pets, but they need to be on a leash so the other guests feel safe.
Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are other recreational activities that you can do in the park.
Website: dnr.state.mi.us/…
Meridian-Baseline State Park is a historic preservation area covering 108 acres (44 ha) in Ingham County and Jackson County, Michigan, containing the intersection of the Michigan meridian and the baseline used for the Michigan Survey.
See our full Meridian-Baseline State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. William C. Sterling State Park
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 33 miles southeast of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 2800 State Park Rd, Monroe, MI 48162
This park spans 1,300 acres and is located 38 miles from Ann Arbor. You can start your journey in the morning and be there before noon.
The park has an over seven-mile multi-use trail that can be used for hiking and biking.
Pets are allowed on campgrounds, but they must be closely watched and remain on a secure leash. You can rent a picnic area and relax with your furry friend under the shade of the trees.
Guests are also allowed to drive a snowmobile when there are more than four inches of snow on the park grounds.
Due to the park’s impressive size, campers have 256 modern campsites to choose from.
The park also has a designated metal detecting area so you can look for lost treasure.
Other recreational facilities in the park include a 36-hole golf course, a beach, and playgrounds.
Website: dnr.state.mi.us/…
William C. Sterling State Park covers 1,300 acres in Monroe County, Michigan. Established 1935.
Highlights associated with William C. Sterling State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground and a marina.
See our full William C. Sterling State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Seven Lakes State Park
Distance from Ann Arbor: about 37 miles north of Ann Arbor (straight-line).
Location: 14390 Fish Lake Rd, Holly, MI 48442
This state park has six named lakes that contribute to its 230 acres of water, the largest one being Big Seven Lake which covers 170 acres.
This clear blue lake is great for fishing. It contains various fishes, including bass, crappie, catfish, northern pike, walleye, etc.
You can schedule a fishing trip with your family and enjoy sailing across the lake in one of the boats available for rent.
Guests can rent out canoes, paddle boats, and kayaks.
The park allows pets, but owners need to keep them on a secure leash and clean up after them.
There are swimming beaches on the park grounds for guests who want to swim and picnic areas where you can host family gatherings or get-togethers.
If you want a more adventurous experience, you can hike through the multi-use trails or drive through on a mountain bike.
For campers, you can spend the night at the park on one of the campsites.
The park also has hunting areas and historic sites. It is located 44 miles away from Ann Arbor.
Website: dnr.state.mi.us/…
Seven Lakes State Park is a public recreation area covering 1,434 acres (580 ha) one mile northwest of Holly in Holly Township, Oakland County, Michigan.
Highlights associated with Seven Lakes State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and coastal dunes.
See our full Seven Lakes State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Conclusion
Spending a day away from the city is a surefire way to relieve stress and get rid of any aches in your body.
Take a day trip or a mini-vacation to these state parks and enjoy a relaxing day under the warm sun with your family and friends.
