Nature reserves in Portage, Michigan

Nara Nature Park is a picturesque 100-acre nature park located in Houghton, Michigan, just two miles east of the Michigan Tech University campus. Donated to the city by Bob and Ruth Nara, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing on over 50 miles of interconnected trails. The park also features a beautiful boardwalk along the Pilgrim River, perfect for fishing, launching kayaks and canoes, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings. After a historic thunderstorm caused damage to the wetland boardwalk system in 2018, the city worked with FEMA to rebuild and upgrade the boardwalks to current accessibility standards. The newly constructed boardwalks now feature improved stability and durability, ensuring visitors can enjoy the wetland areas safely.

The Eliason Nature Reserve Trail is a serene park located in Portage, Michigan, United States. This beautiful natural reserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and connect with nature through its well-maintained trails. With lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and peaceful surroundings, the Eliason Nature Reserve Trail provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the beauty of the outdoors at the Eliason Nature Reserve Trail.

Eliason Nature Reserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1614 West Osterhout Avenue in Portage, Michigan, United States. Spanning 141 acres, the reserve boasts a 1.6 mile asphalt trail that winds through upland and wetland ecosystems. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. One of the highlights of Eliason Nature Reserve is the wetland wildlife boardwalk, which connects to Bishop's Bog and Schrier Park, providing even more opportunities for outdoor exploration. The reserve was generously donated to the city in 2011 by Linda Eliason in memory of her late husband. The land was originally part of the Eliason Corporation, where David Eliason served as an innovative general manager in the 1980s and 1990s.

The Eliason Nature Reserve Pavilion is a beautiful park located at 1604 West Osterhout Avenue in Portage, Michigan. This serene and picturesque setting offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery, winding trails, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. The pavilion provides a gathering spot for events, educational programs, and community activities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, birdwatch, or simply unwind in the great outdoors, the Eliason Nature Reserve Pavilion is the perfect place to connect with the natural world.

Located on the scenic St. Mary's River in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Soo Locks Campground offers a peaceful retreat for campers and travelers. With 100 sites equipped with water and electric hookups, guests can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by nature. The campground features amenities such as a dump station, restrooms, a store, and a game and recreation room for entertainment. Situated just a short distance from the locks, visitors can watch majestic freighters pass by on the river. Stay connected with special offers and events by signing up for notifications from the Sault Ste Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled camping trip, the Soo Locks Campground is the perfect destination for all.

Bird's Eye Outfitters is a unique establishment located at 107 East Portage Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This institution is a combination of a bar, cafe, food, restaurant, and store all rolled into one. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or outdoor gear for your next adventure, Bird's Eye Outfitters has you covered. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a great meal or pick up some supplies for your outdoor activities. Come visit Bird's Eye Outfitters for a one-of-a-kind experience in Sault Ste. Marie.

Westfield Park is a vibrant neighborhood community park located at 4500 West Milham Avenue in Portage, Michigan. With a prime location just east of 12th Street, this park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. From two large parking lots to sand volleyball courts, Westfield Park has something for everyone to enjoy. The sports fields at Westfield Park are a popular spot for youth team practices, making it a hub of activity for local sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the park has a cancellation policy in place for any event reservations, ensuring that visitors are informed of the guidelines in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Central Park, located at 7810 Shaver Road in Portage, Michigan, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction hidden along Portage Creek. The park features a shelter and playground perfect for picnics, as well as a peaceful walkway along the creek leading to an overlook bridge. In the summer, visitors can enjoy concerts at the Overlander Bandshell. Pets are welcome in most areas of the park, as long as they are on a leash and their owners clean up after them. The park has a strict cancellation policy, with refunds varying depending on how far in advance the cancellation is made. In the event of inclement weather, the park will make every effort to reschedule reservations. Visit Central Park for a relaxing day outdoors in Portage.

Schrier Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 850 West Osterhout Avenue in Portage, Michigan, United States. It offers a variety of facility options for visitors to enjoy, including an indoor building that can be reserved up to one year in advance. Take a virtual tour of all the amenities and activities available at Schrier Park by clicking the link provided. Whether you're looking to host an event or simply relax in nature, Schrier Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Hidden Marsh Sanctuary is a peaceful park located at 57437 Buckhorn Road in Three Rivers, Michigan, United States. This sanctuary offers a serene woodland stroll with beautiful views of Hoffman Pond, making it a perfect spot to bring a sketchbook. The flat, forested trails along the banks of Portage River and Hoffman Pond provide a scenic retreat for visitors. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash, and dog waste must be packed out. The sanctuary features a diverse range of plant species and is a great spot for birdwatching in the spring. Wetlands on the property are home to ducks, herons, turtles, frogs, beavers, muskrats, and more. The upland areas harbor foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and groundhogs, while various bird species nest in the trees above.

Gourdneck State Game Area is a popular tourist attraction located in Portage, Michigan, United States. This vast area offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and open fields. The area is also home to a diverse range of wildlife species, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Whether you're looking to spend a day outdoors or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature, Gourdneck State Game Area is the perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

Welcome to Big Manistique Lake Town Boat Launch, your gateway to the stunning natural beauty of Portage Charter Township, Michigan. Nestled in the heart of the Upper Peninsula, our park offers the perfect starting point for your aquatic adventures on the picturesque Big Manistique Lake. Whether you're an avid angler, a kayaking enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day on the water, our well-maintained boat launch provides convenient and easy access to the lake's crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes, Big Manistique Lake Town Boat Launch is more than just a point of entry; it's a place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Our facilities are designed to accommodate both small and large watercraft, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all visitors. Ample parking spaces are available to make your visit as smooth as possible.

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.

Welcome to Nara River Boardwalk South Trails, a serene escape nestled in the heart of Houghton, Michigan. Located at 47331 U.S. 41, our park is a 100-acre natural haven generously donated to the City of Houghton by Bob and Ruth Nara. Just two miles east of the Michigan Tech University campus, our park is the eastern gateway to the Houghton Waterfront Trail and connects seamlessly with the extensive Michigan Tech trail system, offering over 50 miles of trails for hiking, running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Explore the Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk, an impressive 4,500-foot elevated wooden pathway that meanders along the picturesque Pilgrim River. Enjoy fishing spots, cozy benches, and easy access for launching kayaks and canoes as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding nature. The boardwalk underwent significant renovations in 2020, ensuring accessibility for all visitors with modernized features like regrading, widened paths, and sturdy railings.

Welcome to Nara River Boardwalk North Trails, a serene oasis located within the Nara Nature Park in Houghton, Michigan. Spanning 100 acres, this picturesque park was generously donated to the City of Houghton by Bob and Ruth Nara. Nestled just two miles east of the Michigan Tech University campus, the park sits at the eastern end of the Houghton Waterfront Trail, seamlessly connecting to the extensive Michigan Tech University trail system. At Nara River Boardwalk North Trails, you'll discover over 50 miles of interconnected trails perfect for hiking, running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The highlight of the park is the 4,500-foot-long elevated wooden boardwalk that elegantly follows the banks of the Pilgrim River. This boardwalk not only offers scenic views but also features fishing sites, benches, and convenient access for launching kayaks and canoes.

Welcome to Nara Chalet and Interpretive Center, your gateway to exploring the natural beauty of Houghton, Michigan. Nestled at 501 Nara Loop, our 100-acre Nara Nature Park is a cherished gift from Bob and Ruth Nara to the City of Houghton, offering a serene escape just two miles east of the Michigan Tech University campus. This lush haven connects seamlessly with the extensive Michigan Tech trail system, providing over 50 miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Discover the tranquility of the Pilgrim River from our 4,500-foot elevated boardwalk, complete with fishing sites, benches, and convenient kayak and canoe launch access. After the historic 2018 thunderstorm, our boardwalks were meticulously rebuilt to meet modern accessibility standards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.