Best Wildlife Parks Near Detroit
Michigan has some unbelievably beautiful nature parks, ranging from the stark and serene wetlands of Metro Beach to the rolling hills and stately trees of the West Bloomfield Nature Preserve to the river backwaters of Lake Erie Metropark.
Metro Beach MetroPark
31300 Metro Parkway
Mt. Clemens , Mich. 48046
(937) 275-PARK
www.metroparks.org
Metro Beach, a 750-acre peninsula that extends into Lake St. Clair, is an excellent place for bird watching. Birds cross Lake St. Clair on their annual migrations, using the park as a haven in which to rest and feed before continuing their journeys. The park offers more than 7 miles of shoreline, 1,600 feet of boardwalk and nature trails extending into the wetlands. Barrier-free trails have a wood chip base.
West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve
West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission
4640 Walnut Lake Road
West Bloomfield, Mich. 48323
(248) 738-2500
www.dnr.state.mi.us
This 162-acre site could easily be mistaken for northern Michigan even though it is only 20 miles from the bustling suburb. Rolling hills are covered with stately oak and hickory trees, leading to forest and wetland areas. The West Bloomfield Trail Network offers the 4.25-mile rails-to-trails project that meanders through areas of wildflowers, wetlands, woodlands and residential communities. Bicycles are allowed on the trail network only.
Lake Erie Metropark
32481 West Jefferson Avenue
Rockwood, Mich. 48173
(734) 379-5020
www.metroparks.com
Lake Erie Metropark offers lakes, river backwaters and coastal wetlands situated on nearly 3 miles of near-shore waters of the Detroit River and Lake Erie. Portions of this park are highly developed and receive heavy visitor traffic. However, its ideal location along Lake Erie makes this site home to some tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities.