Wilderness State Park

Wilderness State Park, located just 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, 20-plus miles of trails, a buoyed swimming area, a pet-friendly beach, and unique camping opportunities.

The park is also a designated dark sky preserve offering stellar views of the sky and is just 9 miles from Headlands Dark Sky Park. From some areas of the park, you can see the 170-year-old Waugoshance Lighthouse (looking west) near the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge (looking east).

The terrain is a mixture of dense coniferous forest and mature hardwood forest, with pockets of open meadows and carpets of wildflowers in the spring. There is an abundance of small ponds mixed in with coniferous wetlands. Please pay attention to trail signage and carry a map.

Access Type: Via Paved Road

Launch Type: Carry-in Launching (Kayak)

Beach Type: Sand

Beach Approach: Moderate Banks

Vehicle Parking: 20 spaces

Facilities/Services: Restrooms, Water Faucet/Drinking Fountain

Day Use Facilities: Picnic Area

Notes: The carry-in to the lakeshore is around 200'. Big Stone Bay is shallow and about 1000' out before reaching 12' depth. Large stones can be a problem in heavy surf. Picnic area with parking lot.

Things To Do: Kayaking, Hiking

Open: Fall, Spring, Summer; Restrooms Available

GPS: 45.75001, -84.89186