Nara River Boardwalk Parking lot 47331 U.S. 41, Houghton, MI 49931

Welcome to the Nara River Boardwalk Parking Lot, your gateway to the beautiful Nara Nature Park! Conveniently located at 47331 U.S. 41, Houghton, Michigan, our parking facility provides easy access to a stunning 100-acre nature park. Donated to the City of Houghton by Bob and Ruth Nara, this park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a vast network of over 50 miles of trails perfect for hiking, running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

The Nara Nature Park is seamlessly connected to the Michigan Tech University trail system, ensuring an expansive adventure through lush wooded areas. One of the park's highlights is the Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk, a 4,500-foot elevated wooden boardwalk that runs along both banks of the picturesque Pilgrim River. Enjoy fishing, relaxing on benches, or launching your kayak or canoe from this well-maintained boardwalk.

For those interested in history, the park's boardwalks have been thoughtfully reconstructed following a devastating storm in June 2018, with upgrades to meet current accessibility standards. The new design ensures minimal impact on the wetland soil structure while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

In addition to the boardwalk and trails, the park features the Peepsock Trail, a scenic 3/4-mile pathway leading to the Portage Lake shore. Enjoy sledding or explore the chalet, which houses an interpretive display of the park's diverse plant and wildlife and offers amenities like restrooms with showers and a cozy fireplace.

Whether you're here for a serene nature walk, an invigorating trail run, or a peaceful day of fishing, the Nara River Boardwalk Parking Lot is your starting point for a memorable outdoor adventure. For directions and more information, please visit the Parks and Rec Page. We look forward to welcoming you to this natural haven!