Photo by Josh Whelton
Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
What a spectacular state park! Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
Waugoshance Point is a part of Wilderness State Park along with Temperance Island and Waugoshance Island off the tip of the point. The area around this point is the habitat for the endangered piping plover. Approximately one-third of the nation’s nesting areas for the piping plover are in Wilderness State Park.
Much of the park cannot be accessed by roads- yes, this is indeed a wilderness state park. More than 22 miles of mapped trails are in the park along with 5.5 miles of the North Country Trail.
The park’s 26 miles of beaches are great for walking, swimming, and stone skipping. The beaches are mostly rocky but the beach area near the campground is sandy with a sandy bottom.
Camping at Wilderness State Park’s draws campers from around the country because of the gorgeous setting. The two campgrounds total 250 spots. There are six rustic cabins and three bunkhouses located around the park that can be rented throughout the year. During the winter months, visitors can cross country ski or snowshoe into the cabins and bunkhouses.
Wilderness State Park has a boat launch area, picnic areas with grills, fishing, and hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails. The campground is open April-December and the park is open year ’round. Bring your kayak- the Lake Michigan shoreline area is a popular one for kayakers.
During the warm weather months, a variety of education programs take place for children and adults. So put on the hiking shoes, pack the sun tan lotion and head to Wilderness State Park!
For more information on Wilderness State Park:
903 Wilderness Park Drive, Carp Lake MI, 49718
(231) 436-5381
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Maple Syrup Season
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.

North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.

Hike and Bike the North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.

McGulpin Rock Near Mackinaw City
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.

Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

Young State Park Near Boyne City
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.

Ski Resorts in Northern Michigan
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.

Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.

Charlevoix’s History Museums
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.
Northern Michigan Arts Scene
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!

Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.

Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British

Ride the Breezeway Scenic Highway Between Atwood & Boyne Falls
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.

Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.