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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
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
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.
Cross Country Ski Trails
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
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.
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.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
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.
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.
Little Traverse History Museum in Petoskey
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.
Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
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
Arch Rock – A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.