Huron-Clinton Metroparks Are Yours to Enjoy

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks consists of 13 individual parks spread out over five counties in southeast Michigan. The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority which administers the Metropark system was approved by the Michigan State Legislature in 1939 and Metroparks began popping up throughout Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. The parks currently offer nearly 25,000 acres of woods, water, and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy and receive roughly 7 million visitors each year.

Four of the Metroparks sit within the downriver region. They are Lower Huron Metropark in Belleville, Willow Metropark and Oakwoods Metropark, both in New Boston, and Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown."A lot of people assume they have to drive up north to have these really great outdoor experiences but that is not the case. Each Metropark is a little bit unique in what it offers and the type of habitat that you'll see when you're there so you definitely don't have to drive all the way up north to see some of those things and the Metroparks are a really great place to consider doing that," says Danielle Mauter, Chief of Marketing and Communications for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Mauter says all four downriver parks are connected by a network of trails including trails developed by Downriver Linked Greenways and the Huron River Water Trail, if you prefer to explore the parks by canoe or kayak. "There are routes in neighboring trail systems that will actually get you all the way down to Lake Erie Metropark as well. As our name implies- Huron-Clinton Metroparks, all 13 of our parks are situated along the Huron and the Clinton Rivers. Those Metroparks in the downriver area all sit on the Huron River," she adds. Theentire Metropark system boasts several hundred of miles of trails, including 55 miles of paved trails and the 104-mile long Huron River Water Trail.

Amenities and attractions at the Metroparks include biking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, picnic areas, playgrounds, soccer fields, basketball courts and so much more. Both Willow and Lake Erie Metroparks offer golfing for all ages.Willow Metropark features bicycle rentals and a family swimming pool. Trails at Lake Erie Metropark allow for exploring the Lake Erie/Detroit River shoreline and connected marshes. The Marshland Museum offers permanent displays to let viewers learn about the marsh's inhabitants. Lower Huron Metropark features the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center which boasts two water slides and a 300-gallon dumping bucket. Also part of the attraction is the Walnut Grove Rustic Family Campground. This Metropark also feature tennis courts.

Oakwoods Metropark features a Nature Center with attractions that include live animals such as a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl, a variety of reptiles and amphibians, nature displays, and trails, one of which includes a butterfly viewing area.

Mauter says the past three years have brought more visitors into the Metroparks. "What we've seen at the Metroparks throughout the pandemic is that people rediscovered their parks and outdoor spaces and reconnected with them," she says. "We have seen that many folks have changed their habits so that not only did they reconnect through the pandemic but they have continued to visit even as things have eased up and we've all gone back to a little more of what looks like normal."

All Metroparks are open 365 days a year. Visitors can either pay a daily park fee for entrance of purchase an annual vehicle pass. Additional fees apply for bike or boat rentals, camping, and the aquatic centers. For more information about the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and to view their calendar of activities which include fun programs on pollinators and wildlife, go to http://www.metroparks.com.

Mauter says, "The Metroparks are a great family destination because we have outdoor activities for everybody. There is something everybody can do from toddlers to seniors. Our trails are for every level of trail users. We pride ourselves on having amenities and outdoor activities for everybody, regardless of what your interests are."