Island Lake Recreation Area

Island Lake Recreation Area offers 4,000 acres of state land in southeast Michigan. The park is a popular destination for mountain biking, paddling, hiking, swimming, triathlon training, picnicking, hunting, fishing and trapping and is home to a modern shooting range. The park has an undeveloped and natural feel, featuring four inland lakes, the Huron River and a mixture of open brush, mature hardwood forest and pockets of open meadows.

The Huron River meanders through the park and offers breathtaking scenery and paddling opportunities that resemble an "up north" experience. The river is managed as a Designated State Natural River and National Water Trail System.

The park offers a 4-mile, out-and-back, paved trail that connects to the Kensington Metropark Bike Trail and the Huron Valley Trail, which are also paved.

Island Lake's track chair helps visitors explore areas of the park where traditional wheelchairs might not. These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and up to 8 inches of water and are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost.

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.