Beautiful Northern Michigan State Parks to Explore This Summer

June 22, 2021 12:23 pm

There’s no better summer activity than an outdoor getaway to one of the many Michigan state parks. Whether you like camping under a sparkling night sky, hiking, biking, strolling through a forest, or sunbathing on the shores of Lake Michigan, you can be certain there is a state park just for you. 

Here is a list of our favorite Northern Michigan state parks that offer an extensive list of summer activities and fun for the entire family. Before you go, remember that you’ll need a state park pass which allows you to visit more than 100 state parks and recreation areas. The purchase of the pass also helps fund, maintain, and improve the resources you use!

Leelanau State Park 

Located on the tip of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, this state park is home to more than 1,550 acres of forests, trails, and beaches for visitors to explore. The park is home to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a rustic campground, mini cabins, the park’s trail system, and a sandy beach overlooking Lake Michigan. 

Interlochen State Park 

Located southwest of Traverse City, this was the state of Michigan’s first officially recognized state park. It is located between two well-known fishing and swimming lakes: Green Lake and Duck Lake. Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, paddling, fishing, and swimming. 

Fisherman’s Island State Park 

This lakeside park is home to beautiful rolling dunes and forests lining Lake Michigan. Fisherman’s Island has over 80 rustic campsites, a 2.5-mile hiking trail, and 6 miles of pure Lake Michigan shoreline. 

Wilderness State Park

Wilderness State Park is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, over 20 miles of trails, designated swimming and pet-friendly beach, and numerous camping grounds. It also has a designated “dark sky preserve” offering stunning views of the night sky without the light pollution of the city. Visitors at the park can enjoy fishing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing during the summer months. 

Ludington State Park 

With miles of beach shoreline, the iconic Big Sable Lighthouse, and 3 campgrounds, Ludington State Park has something for everyone. In addition, the park boasts over 21 miles of marked trails through scenic sand dunes, forests, and wetlands. A 1-mile stretch of the Big Sable River runs through the park providing excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling, and tubing.

Traverse City State Park 

This small, urban state park is open for camping year-round and offers heated restrooms, biking trails & a beautiful quarter-mile beach. It’s the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the gorgeous summer days for anyone visiting the Traverse City area.

Enjoy the Best of Summer at Delamar Traverse City

As the newest addition to the Delamar family, Delamar Traverse City offers exquisite views of Grand Traverse Bay, a waterfront Restaurant, and is the perfect home base from which to explore Michigan’s numerous state parks and outdoor activities. Book your summer stay with us today!