Out of the 103 state parks in Michigan, here are the top 10
Get to know the best state parks in Michigan, which offer an abundance of nature-based activities, from hiking and wildlife viewing to beaches and biking.
One of my favorite parts about living in the Mitten state is having the opportunity to visit all the wonderful state parks in Michigan. Every year, our family takes at least one camping trip to a Michigan state park—you just can’t beat visiting a state park in terms of value, affordability, and sheer beauty.
If you haven’t done it already, I highly recommend adding a Michigan Recreation pass to your license the next time you renew it. It’s only $14, and the pass gives you admission to any of the 103 state parks in Michigan. So worth it. There’s really no wrong state park to visit in Michigan, but if you have to narrow it down, we chose the top 10 state parks we’d recommend scheduling time to visit.
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Address: 41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI, 49768
Hours: Open year-round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second-largest state park in Michigan and boasts breathtaking views of the 200-feet-wide Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, and the Lower Falls, equally impressive in their own right. Four miles separate the Upper and Lower falls, but during seasonal months, a shuttle bus runs for visitors who are unable to walk the hiking trail between the two. (The shuttle bus is an extra fee.)
In addition to the views of the waterfalls, the Park also boasts the Taquemonon River; a blend of wilderness to explore; fishing, hiking, and various activity spots; 125 species of wildlife, including otter, fox, beaver, and birds; nature programs; and plenty of picnic areas. Like many state parks in Michigan, you can also reserve a campsite at Tahquamenon, although they tend to book up pretty quickly. There have also been some recent updates to the state park and campground, so check the DNR’s website for current conditions before you go.
2. Port Crescent State Park
Address: 1775 Port Austin Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
I’m almost hesitant to tell everyone about this state park, because it’s our family’s favorite in Michigan. Located at the tip of the Michigan “thumb,” Port Crescent is protected from some of the harsh winds that decimate other beaches on the east side of the state. The result is beautiful, seemingly endless sandy beaches.
Port Crescent has an ample day-use beach area, or you can camp at the state park, which I highly recommend. (The campgrounds also underwent a major renovation for the summer of 2025, so the facilities will all be brand-new.) The state park also has a dark sky preserve for magnificent stargazing, additional lodging facilities (geodesic domes, camper cabins, and cottages), and a weekly programming calendar. The shallow waters of Port Crescent are also ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, so bring your own or rent one in town. Don’t forget to visit the local downtown shops for ice cream too!
3. Palms Book State Park
Address: M-149 (a mile north of the Co Rd 455 junction), Manistique MI, 49854
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Palms Book State Park is one of Michigan’s “most alluring attractions.” Known as Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring), Palms Book is home to Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. The spring is 200 feet across and 40 feet deep, with over 10,000 gallons a minute gushing from fissures underneath limestone.
The park is family-friendly, and you can visit via a self-operated observation raft across teal-colored water to peer down at the emerald green bottom. Swimming or putting anything into the water is prohibited, but visitors are always welcome to visit and marvel at the Big Spring. There is also a wheelchair/stroller accessible paved path to the Big Spring observation deck and dock. For hiking, you can drive a short 7 miles away to the Indian Lake Pathway.
4. Grand Haven State Park
Address: 1001 Harbor Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Another majestic Michigan state park known for its superior sandy beaches, Grand Haven State Park is located just outside of Grand Rapids and boasts 48 acres and a half-mile of shoreline. The park is also a great place to view the iconic Grand Haven pier and lighthouses. And my favorite part of this park? It connects to the 3-mile Grand Haven boardwalk that runs through the marina and connects to the lighthouse. There’s just something about a good boardwalk that says “Michigan summer” to me. Plus, who doesn’t love ending a day at the beach with ice cream and a boardwalk stroll?
A day at this state park can include everything from climbing on towering dunes to wandering through forest trails to cooling off in the waters by the beach. The camping at Grand Haven State Park is also impeccable, and if you happen to dislike sand, you’re in luck—the campground facilities are all fully paved.
5. Warren Dunes State Park
Address: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI, 49125
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Serving as the unofficial gateway to Michigan’s state park system from the west, Warren Dunes State Park’s claim to fame is a rugged dune formation that rises 260 feet above the lake. You can even see all the way to Chicago on a clear day from the top!
The park is also ideal for bird lovers because it is a stopover location on a bird migration route. Other activities to enjoy at the park, aside from hiking up that massive dune, include hang gliding (with the proper permit), flying kites, and hunting for beach glass, fossils, and unique stones. There are also 6 miles of hiking trails and, of course, camping and three miles of shoreline for a beach day.
6. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Address: 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI, 49953-9087
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Um, did anyone else not know that Michigan was home to mountains fondly nicknamed “The Porkies”? Just me? Michigan’s largest state park, also considered the most rugged, is home to the state’s third-highest peak in the Porcupine Mountains. You can hike the Porcupine Mountains, but it will take you around 11 hours to complete the nearly 30-mile loop. If that’s not your jam, there are plenty of other, more manageable trails throughout the park, too.
Despite its ruggedness and 60,000 acres of old-growth, hardwood-hemlock forest, this state park also boasts plenty of visitor-friendly attractions, like the Lake of the Clouds, the scenic Presque Isle River corridor, the Summit Peak observation tower, Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex, fall chairlift rides, an 18-hole disc golf course, and the new Porcupine Mountains Shooting Complex. The Visitor Center is also a great place to plan a stop to learn more about the history of the prehistoric copper miners and lumber camps of the area.
7. Silver Lake State Park
Address: 9679 W. State Park Road, Mears, MI 49436
Hours: 8:30 am to dusk
If you have an off-road vehicle (ORV) and live in Michigan, you know about Silver Lake State Park, because it offers the best (and only) sand dune riding in the state. The Michigan DNR describes Silver Lake as the “only sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River,” with a whopping 450 acres of sand dunes open for ORV riding. (I’m going to need someone with an ORV to take me here, thanks.)
Those of us not privy to ORVs can still enjoy the dunes with rentable vehicles, guided dune tours, horseback riding along the shore, hiking, or fat-tire bicycling. And of course, there’s always Michigan-famous camping, enjoying the beach, and taking in the stunning views along Lake Michigan for nearly 3 miles. The park will also soon be offering an accessible park chair that can handle snow and water, available for no cost to borrowers.
8. Muskegon State Park
Address: 3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon, MI, 49445
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Muskegon State Park is home to a one-of-a-kind summer luge track (visitors can slide down it when winter is over!) and an archery range. The highest point in Muskegon County, Muskegon State Park boasts three miles of breathtaking shoreline (2 miles along Lake Michigan and 1 mile along Muskegon Lake) and access to Snug Harbor. The park features forested dunes, diverse wildlife, and an attraction the kids (okay, and adults) will be sure to love: a dual zip line.
There are two trailheads for hikers, one at Muskegon Luge and one at Snug Harbor boat Launch, featuring accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, and dogs are welcome on a leash. Plus, don’t forget to plan time to nearby Michigan’s Adventure, where you can ride Michigan’s only wooden rollercoaster! (Word to the wise: the refillable soda cups are well worth the money if you go.)
9. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Address: 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck Dunes, MI, 49453
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Stretching along 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck Dunes features 200 feet of tall coastal dunes, forested areas, and 13 miles of trails that wind over rolling terrain and through sandy paths. Those looking for a short walk can take the .75 Beach Trail, which is the shortest hike. Visitors can look forward to a quieter and more peaceful beach experience via the North Trail Loop, while rustic hikes along the waterline contribute to the secluded feel.
The park is also home to the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area, which contains a coastal dune system and three endangered plant species. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy the beach, hiking, and picnicking, while the winter months bring cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
10. Ludington State Park
Address: 8800 W. M-116, Ludington MI, 49431
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Home to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, three campgrounds, and a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, and forests, Ludington State Park represents the variety of nature that can be found in the state of Michigan, all in one place. The park is known for its picturesque canoe pathway, which launches at Hamlin Lake Beach and takes canoers on a 1-3 hour journey through bayous and wildlife.
Visitors to the Ludington State Park can also hike one of 8 marked trails across 18 miles, go tubing along the Big Sable River, or head over to downtown Ludington or the nearby Historic White Pine Village to experience a living history tour. A large majority of the park is closed for renovations through July 1, 2025, but the hiking trails and 3-mile stretch of shoreline are still accessible.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
