Very spacious and gives a different kind of woodsy feeling…read more There is a small parking lot in front. I didn't see any birds though and was disappointed by that.

This is my favorite place to hike in Ann Arbor - hands down! The trail system at Bird Hills is so…read morecomplex and even though you're surrounded by roads and definitely on at least one side by a busy highway, you truly feel like you're in the middle of nowhere when you're here, which I love. But don't worry, this place is relatively popular and well trafficked, so you'll never be alone alone if that worries you. But there's plenty of space for everyone because these trails are wide, a lot of the trails overlap/criss cross all over the place so you'll see or hear people nearby but not be necessarily on the same trail as them. This place is extremely dog-friendly, has tons of unique changes to its landscape that keeps the hike interesting, and truly a great one to do in all seasons, although I am super partial to fall and winter hikes at Bird Hills especially because it's just absolutely gorgeous!

Check the county website or facebook page before you go!! Recently, the beach at Independence Lake…read morehas had to be shut down several times for high e coli levels. One of the posts said that this is because of the amount of geese that have been frequenting the lake this year or because of runoff from rain. We went once before we knew about the e coli issues and actually had a great time. The beach (we thought) appeared clean and the water was the perfect cool temperature on a hot summer day. The swimming area went deep enough that we could float away from the littles on the shoreline. There were two life guards on duty. They have really amazing facilities where a get together was being held under the pavilion. They have a snack station, but we brought our own chips and sodas. They also have a splash pad with water slides. This area was closed when we went, and you have to pay a little more to access this area. They also have some cool trails and a frisbee golf course. You can bring dogs, but not to the designated swimming area. I hope they figure out the e coli issues because we would love to go back.

Very nice park. Clean water , beach , trails. Not too…read morecrowded. It's hidden in backroad. Definitely will be back again. My daughter enjoyed this park.

There are lots of lakes nearby for swimming and hiking. Brighton State Rec is not one I would go…read moreback to. The beach at Bishop Lake was too small for the amount of people and the water quality wasn't great. The water was shallow, murky, and slimy. The trail around the lake was also crowded and not peaceful. Many people were riding their bikes or walking in between the camp grounds and the beach. Some signs or trail activities were falling apart and in need of repair. If you want to be around a ton of people while enjoying the outdoors, you'd have fun. It wasn't for me.

I visited on Saturday, October 4th driving a rental vehicle registered through my insurance…read morecompany. We purchased a grey rec sticker attached to the windshield. My family purchases rec passes for all of our vehicles. When the booth worker, Connie, asked if I have a rec pass on my vehicle, I replied yes, and she waved me in. She did not stand up to view the sticker. I parked in the Bishop parking lot and soon after noticed a white vehicle speeding through the parking lot. Connie the booth worker blocked the back of my car into the parking space with her personal vehicle and jumped out screaming, so angry she was nearly foaming at the mouth. Connie jumped out of her car, and ran to my driver's side window screaming at me as I sat bewildered in the driver's seat of my car. "What do you mean you have a rec pass, you don't even have a Michigan plate?!! Go back to the booth!!" I asked Connie to remove her personal vehicle from blocking my vehicle and obstructing my movement. I told her I don't feel comfortable with her behavior and that I wanted to leave the park. Connie said, "Good, leave!" I stopped at the booth and asked for Connie's name and the contact information for a park's supervisor. Connie replied- you don't need my name. They know who I am in the park's office. She then walked into her booth and slammed the door. I had Deb with DNR drive to the booth to speak with Connie and address her bizarre and over the top behavior. When I asked Deb whether booth workers are deputized or authorized to pursue and block parks goers with their personal vehicles, she smartly replied, "What do you think?" MI Legislature allows DNR officers to write civil tickets only to visitors without a rec pass. Under no circumstances should a civilian booth worker impersonate an officer, chase, pursue or physically block a person who they believe is not carrying a rec pass.

Went today for their Superb Owl event - it was cute! It was set up in stations so you could stroll…read morearound and do different things. Got to see a great horned owl which was very cool. The other owls were tucked away and asleep in their enclosures, which makes sense. Also saw a bald eagle, a couple hawks, and critters like a tarantula, snapping turtle and others in their critter house. Staff/volunteers on site were super knowledgeable and friendly, and there was a lot to learn about owls during this event. Believe the trails and outdoor bird enclosures are free and open to the public year round.

This is a nice center! We stopped by for their Critter House (limited hours, check their website…read morebefore you go if you want to see it) and enjoyed seeing the snakes, turtles, and more. We then headed outside, dodging raindrops, to see the exterior raptor enclosures. There were a variety of owls, hawks, and more. We especially enjoyed watching the owl that was having a good time on its swing. They are currently also working on creating a nearby nature playscape. The section that is complete so far is very nice - a very neat slide, places to climb, a higher up area to look out from, and more. They also offer some trails to explore. Paved parking is available and staff were friendly.

Small and quaint little park. There is a short boardwalk area and a bridge…read more We saw baby Robins in a nest and a Purple Finch. Lots of dragonflies during this time (July)! I just love all the trees in Michigan's parks. So beautiful!

Fun set of easy trails to explore…read more Map should be updated- green wasn't listed Small lot No dogs and no garbage can or potty

An explosion of color from the wildflowers. It is a short trail running along the Huron River (1/2…read moremile each way?). On either end are footbridges. One by railroad tracks and the other by a dam. No markers. The main path is wider with various forks leading to water views. The brush can be overgrown, so I suggest long pants and bug spray. It is also a launching point for a kayak company. If you would like to extend your hike, try Bird Hill across the road from the picnic area.

Perfect place for: -…read moreslow walks - people watching - enjoying the nature Lot of small trails you can take. I typically take the main trail to Bandemer Park, then circle around Amtrak station to Kellogg park and back. Getting here is bit easier if you come around 5pm, since you'll avoid M-14 and all the constructions going around town.

Most of the trails offer little shade. Five loop sections (A-E). C-E loops run through a…read moreredundant field of wildflowers. A&B is wooded but very short. There are two entrances but the one listed on Yelp is the main one at the foot of cornfields and portable bathroom with a picnic table nearby.

I am proud to share my neighborhood preserve with you! I live at the edge of this 500 acre trail…read morepark and live to see people enjoying it. It was a battle to keep this land away from bloodthirsty developers. The crooked, lying, pretend (bluedog) Democrats (the ones in office now, unfortunately) are liable to sell this parcel off to their nature-hating, concrete loving pals at any moment, so please- come and enjoy! Do slather on the mosquito repellant and bring your rugged bike for some easy (but not paved) trails. This is a perfect place to bring your dogs (on leash). If nobody is around and you are SURE, you can let them run wild a little bit (I didn't tell you that) The other review is wrong about the farmlands- it had been farmed up until the late 90's, when we were able to get the township to purchase this land with surplus money made from allowing all the Targetowns in the early 90's. I have lived next to this magical place (summer and winter!) for 24 years. It truly is a lovely preserve, unspoiled by refinement.