With Pristine Beaches And Lush Forests, This Underrated Michigan State Park Is A Must-Visit

Wilderness State Park in Michigan sits on the shores of the northern part of Lake Michigan and is near where it meets Lake Huron. If you can’t decide between a day at the beach, wandering through the wetlands, or hiking through a forest, why not do all three?

This massive park spans over 10,000 acres and the stunning landscape includes a designated dark sky preserve so that you can stargaze in the most beautiful surroundings. This park is a popular place for swimming, birding, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and a whole lot more.

Make sure to bring a map and compass if you go hiking because it’s easy to get lost here among the vast array of hiking trails. Thankfully, there are occasional trail maps to help you get oriented.

26 miles of gorgeous shoreline along Lake Michigan means you’re sure to find a spot to swim or simply sit and gaze at these pristine blue waters.

If you want to stay for more than a day trip, there are six rustic cabins here, many near the beach, as well as 250 modern campsites, 18 full hookup sites, and 9 tent-only sites so you can camp however you like.

The forests are interspersed with multiple ponds and areas of wetlands which provide a great variety of wildlife to observe. This park is a breeding ground for several endangered species like piping plovers which only have 17 breeding pairs left. The forests here are a mix of mature hardwoods and dense coniferous woods and the ponds, meadows, and wetlands create a lovely, varied landscape.

Along the way, you’ll see endemic plant species like Pitcher’s thistle and Houghton’s goldenrod as well as endangered plants like Pumpell’s bromegrass, butterwort, and Lake Huron Tansy.

When it’s getting close to sunset, light up a campfire, roast some marshmallows, and take in the awe-inspiring beauty that Wilderness State Park has to offer.

This park is open year-round and most of the campsites have accessibility features. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family to learn about nature and enjoy its magnificent beauty.  Have you been to Wilderness State Park in Michigan? Let us know in the comments what your experience was like. While you’re wandering around this beautiful state, here are 12 more breathtaking state parks in Michigan.