County park birdwatching in Traverse City, Michigan

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.

Bass River Recreation Area is a beautiful park located along the Grand River in Ottawa County, Michigan. With 3.5 miles of river frontage, this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hunting. The park features over 8 miles of trails that traverse diverse habitats, making it perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. To reach the park, simply head east on Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) from US-31 for 7 miles, then go north on 104th Avenue for 3.4 miles. Look for a gravel road on the east side of 104th Avenue.