Pure Michigan - Michigan's Official Travel and Tourism Site

Nature and Parks

A day in the park. It fills our lungs with fresh air. Awakens our spirits. And gets us back in touch with the world. From misty morning walks through six state forests, to picnics in our four national parks, to afternoons whiled away in any one of our 97 state parks, nature preserves, refuges, gardens and arboretums. And of course, no day at the park is complete without spending a few moments marveling at the sun setting over the hills, valleys and waters of Pure Michigan.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find a number of rising sand dunes on which you can gaze out over the beautiful landscape. Here are the sand dunes along Silver Lake nears Mears.

Photo courtesy of Silver Lake Sand Dunes - Hart VB

Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville

There are 100 inviting state parks in Michigan and thousands of local municipal parks and recreational areas. Each offers a variety of activities to enjoy. One special park is the Legacy Art Park that is on the grounds of the Crystal Mt. Resort near Thompsonville. The Art Park is a cultural and recreational destination and is a place to be enjoyed with family, friends or in solitude.

Photo courtesy of Michigan Legacy Art Park

Keweenaw National Historical Park, Calumet

Keweenaw National Historic State Park - The Keweenaw Peninsula was home to one of our nation's first mineral rushes. Prospectors seeking copper traveled here in the 1840s, a few years before the "49ers" sought gold out west. This park preserves and presents the heritage of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Photo courtesy of Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association

Windmill Island Gardens, Holland

Delight in the vast array of recreational activities, visual and performing arts, Dutch attractions, magnificent beaches and an award-winning downtown with exceptional shops, galleries, and eateries.

Photo courtesy of Sara Simmons

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids

Within this 118-acre park you will discover the largest tropical conservatory in Michigan, premier sculpture galleries and exhibitions with over 100 sculptures by world renowned artists, indoor specialty gardens, and outdoor gardens designed by James VanSweden and Penelope Hobhouse.

Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids/Kent County CVB