Best nature preserves for hiking in Michigan

Pyatt Lake: The Bill Carls Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located on Pyatt Road in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This beautiful nature preserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of Pyatt Lake, while also enjoying the diverse wildlife and plant species that call the area home. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, go for a hike, or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the area, Pyatt Lake: The Bill Carls Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Pelizzari Natural Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6852 Center Road in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This natural area offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with scenic trails, lush greenery, and a variety of wildlife to observe. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike, Pelizzari Natural Area provides the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this hidden gem in the heart of Michigan's stunning landscape.

Betsie Dunes Nature Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located in Frankfort, Michigan, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore the beautiful dunes and pristine beaches that make up the preserve. With its diverse wildlife, breathtaking views, and peaceful atmosphere, Betsie Dunes Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to hike, bird watch, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the wonders of Betsie Dunes Nature Preserve for yourself.

Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at Gilbert Road in Arcadia, Michigan, United States. Spanning over 3800 acres across Benzie County and Manistee County, this preserve offers 20 trail miles for visitors to explore and enjoy. Managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Arcadia Dunes provides a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, mountain biking, and hunting. The preserve is open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of dunes, forests, and working farms.

Railroad Point Natural Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 3860 N. #D Long Lake Road in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This serene natural area offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of Northern Michigan, including lush forests, scenic trails, and peaceful waterfront views. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll through nature or a place to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, Railroad Point Natural Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden gem in Traverse City.

Medenbrook Nature Preserve is a serene and picturesque park located on Saffron Road in Honor, Michigan, United States. This nature preserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors, with lush greenery, peaceful walking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind or explore the local flora and fauna, Medenbrook Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in the heart of Michigan!

The Oliver Family Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 5400 West 30 1/4 Road in Harrietta, Michigan, United States. This tranquil oasis offers visitors the chance to explore and connect with nature through its lush forests, meandering trails, and peaceful surroundings. Whether you're looking to go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply unwind in the great outdoors, the Oliver Family Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of this stunning natural gem in the heart of Michigan.

The Boardman River Nature Center is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 1450 Cass Road in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This beautiful center offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, including the scenic Boardman River. With hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and educational exhibits, the Boardman River Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in Northern Michigan.

The Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 1450 Cass Road in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This beautiful reserve offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with lush forests, sparkling rivers, and diverse wildlife to explore. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply relax in nature, the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Come and experience the wonder of this pristine natural sanctuary in the heart of Michigan.

Magoon Creek Natural Area is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts in Manistee, Michigan. This large recreation area offers hiking and biking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the surroundings. The park is an ideal spot for a peaceful afternoon picnic on the quiet beaches. With numerous picnic tables and covered pavilions situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the dunes to the south and the Manistee North Pier Lighthouse to the north. Whether you enjoy biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, Magoon Creek has something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to scoop up beach glass and rock finds at this enchanting park by the lake.

Reffitt Nature Preserve is a peaceful and picturesque park located on West Lane in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This stunning tourist attraction offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with well-maintained trails for hiking and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. The preserve is a perfect destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're seeking a relaxing stroll through the woods or a challenging hike with breathtaking views, Reffitt Nature Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the tranquility and serenity of this hidden gem in the heart of Michigan.

Boardman Valley Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, with miles of hiking trails, lush forests, and serene wetlands to explore. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure in the great outdoors, Boardman Valley Nature Preserve has something for everyone.

Miller Creek Nature Reserve is a stunning park located in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This peaceful and serene nature reserve is a must-visit tourist attraction for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. With lush greenery, winding trails, and a tranquil creek running through the reserve, visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll, birdwatching, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Miller Creek Nature Reserve is the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is a sprawling park located in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This scenic tourist attraction offers visitors the chance to explore lush forests, winding trails, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of wildlife, Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a fun-filled adventure, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty of the great outdoors at Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area.

Ransom Lake Natural Area is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 5533 Lake Ann Road in Lake Ann, Michigan, United States. This beautiful natural area offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings of the lake. With walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views, Ransom Lake Natural Area is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or a place to explore and reconnect with nature, this institution is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

Located at 2003 Perry Street in Holland, Michigan, the Kuker-Van Til Nature Preserve is a peaceful park and tourist attraction just minutes away from the bustling city. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the preserve's rolling hills and towering trees, experiencing the diverse habitats of wetlands, forests, and open areas that provide a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. The preserve protects a recovering oak forest in an area that has been heavily impacted by residential development. The mature hardwood swamp at the east end of the preserve is home to many rare plant species and serves as a natural filter for water flowing into Lake Macatawa. Efforts are ongoing to remove invasive species and establish a native oak forest in place of an old scotch pine plantation.

Gahagan Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 209 West Maplehurst in Roscommon, Michigan, United States. This stunning preserve is a peaceful oasis where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and scenic views, Gahagan Nature Preserve is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors, this preserve offers something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Gahagan Nature Preserve during your visit to Roscommon.

Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve, located at 15160 Leonard Road in Spring Lake, Michigan, is a peaceful park and tourist attraction that offers a well-marked trail system through towering hardwood forests and over a babbling stream. The preserve is particularly stunning in early spring when colorful carpets of skunk cabbage and marsh marigold cover the wetlands. The trails are marked with blue blazes on the trees and offer a natural surface with occasional boardwalks. The preserve is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including Michigan lily, swamp saxifrage, and various songbirds during migration seasons. The preserve is situated on a flat, sandy lake plain formed by Glacial Lake Chicago and contains an important wetland complex that protects water quality in the Grand River. The property was once owned by Ruth Skwarek, who lived on the land for most of her life and wanted to ensure it would never be developed. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked with Ruth to preserve the property through her will, and the preserve was named in honor of her mother, Minnie.

Wau-Ke-Na, William Erby Smith Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1599 Lakeshore Drive in Fennville, Michigan, United States. The institution offers three miles of trails through woods and fields, perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, and more. The preserve features a variety of natural communities, including oak-hickory forest, wet meadow, pond, and prairie grassland, making it a special place for wildlife. The preserve is dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Visitors can track their progress on the trails in real-time using the Avenza Maps App. The preserve is accessible from US-196/Hwy. 31 and Kalamazoo, with detailed directions provided on the website.

Coolbough Natural Areas is a picturesque park and tourist attraction nestled on South Hazelwood Avenue in Newaygo, Michigan, United States. This beautiful natural area offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush greenery, serene walking trails, and tranquil atmosphere, Coolbough Natural Areas is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply unwind in a serene setting, this park has something for everyone. Come explore the beauty of Coolbough Natural Areas and experience the wonders of the great outdoors.

Ensley Township Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 6985 136th Street in Sand Lake, Michigan, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, with scenic walking trails, lush vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature, go birdwatching, or simply relax and take in the surroundings, Ensley Township Nature Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plan your visit today and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in Michigan.

The Maas Family Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 10450 Summit Avenue Northeast in Rockford, Michigan, United States. Visitors can enjoy the stunning carpet of purple lupine blooming in May and June, as well as the tall prairie grasses and wildflowers later in the summer. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the federally-endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Land Conservancy is working to restore and expand the oak-pine barrens ecosystem on the preserve, making it a unique and important natural community in Michigan. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail to protect the delicate ecosystem and wildlife. The Maas Family Nature Preserve is a peaceful and scenic destination for hikers and bikers on the White Pine Trail, offering a chance to experience the beauty of nature in West Michigan.

Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 13010 Northland Drive Northeast in Cedar Springs, Michigan, United States. This serene sanctuary offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with miles of scenic trails, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife to explore. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, birdwatch, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and experience the tranquility and natural beauty that this hidden gem has to offer.

Dolan Nature Sanctuary is a peaceful and picturesque park located at 10350 Baker Avenue Southeast in Alto, Michigan, United States. This beloved tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with winding trails, lush greenery, and serene wildlife habitats. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll through the woods or a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic, Dolan Nature Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come and discover the natural wonders that await you at this enchanting sanctuary.

East Paris Nature Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 5995 East Paris Avenue Southeast in Kentwood, Michigan. This tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore and connect with nature in a beautiful setting. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and diverse wildlife, East Paris Nature Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, birdwatch, or simply unwind in a peaceful environment, this park has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of East Paris Nature Park during your visit to Kentwood.

Pickerel Lake Park - Fred Meijer Nature Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 6001 Ramsdell Drive Northeast in Rockford, Michigan. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Michigan's natural landscape. With picturesque views of Pickerel Lake, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities, this nature preserve is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, go for a scenic hike, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors, Pickerel Lake Park is a must-visit destination in the United States.

Love Creek Nature Center is a tranquil park and tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Berrien Center, Michigan. Located at 9292 Huckleberry Road, this nature center offers visitors a peaceful escape into the beauty of the great outdoors. With scenic hiking trails, educational programs, and interactive exhibits, Love Creek Nature Center is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come explore the natural wonders of Michigan and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of Love Creek Nature Center.

Kesling Nature Preserve, located at 8559 West Forest Lawn Road in Three Oaks, Michigan, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction that offers visitors a peaceful natural setting to explore. The preserve features a deep ravine surrounded by towering beeches and maples, making it a picturesque destination year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking along shady trails that wind along the banks of the Galien River and through a beech-maple woods, offering scenic views of the wooded ravine. The preserve is also a great spot for bird watching, with a variety of species nesting in the area, including State-listed warblers and hawks.

The Jens Jensen Nature Preserve is a serene park and popular tourist attraction located at V L Parkway in Sawyer, Michigan, United States. This beautiful preserve is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area and providing visitors with a peaceful retreat in nature. With winding trails, lush greenery, and scenic views, the Jens Jensen Nature Preserve offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking to hike, bird watch, or simply relax in a tranquil setting, this preserve is the ideal destination for a day of outdoor exploration and relaxation.

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in South Haven Charter Township, Michigan, United States. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the spring wildflowers, explore the beech-maple forest trails, search for water critters in Dyckman Creek, or relax on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The institution offers maps, information on how to get there, details on natural features and conservation efforts, preserve history, and a photo gallery. Accessibility is a priority at Pilgrim Haven, with a gently sloping concrete path leading to the beach for those using mobility devices. The beach itself may vary between sandy and rocky, depending on the year. Visitors are welcome to collect a small number of rocks for study or souvenirs, but large quantities are prohibited.