Hartwick Pines State Park, Visitors Center & Logging Museum

Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling, is one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. It is named for its 49 acres of old-growth pine forest, some of the last remaining in the state. The park’s rolling hills overlook the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River, four small lakes and unique timber lands. It is a great destination for hiking, paddling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, birding and exploring Michigan’s great outdoors.

The park is home to a seasonal modern campground, year-round rustic cabin, group-use area, boat launches, a picnic area and 21 miles of year-round trails, including the accessible, 1.25-mile paved Old Growth Forest Trail adjacent to the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center. A quarter-mile walk from the visitor center, the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum depicts the state's 19th-century logging era, when Michigan led the nation in sawed lumber production. Historical interpretation is provided by the Michigan History Center.

The Hartwick Pines Memorial Building is a popular landmark in the park. The rustic, lodge-style building was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This year's host program will take place June 1-Sept. 4, 2023.

Before visiting a state park, boating site or trail, it’s always a good idea to check the latest closures due to weather-related events, planned improvement projects and repairs. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.