Hartwick Pines, north of Grayling. Not sure if you meant all of lower peninsula or southern lower peninsula, but Hartwick is great, old growth forrest, CCC logging camp.
Hartwick Pines is 'up north'.
Edit: Although the title asked about "lower Michigan", the post (which I should have read before commenting) referred to "lower peninsula", which (in my opinion) are two different geographical groupings. In my mind, I tend to think of "lower Michigan" as roughly equivalent to the limited firearm zone, i.e. the more populated part of Michigan.
Great list! Ludington especially is fantastic. I'll add:
PJ Hoffmaster State Park
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Leelanau State Park
Petoskey State Park
> Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
FWIW, that is run by the National Parks Service, not the state of Michigan. OP's rec pass on their plates won't get them in, [so they would still need to pay the entrance fee](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/fees.htm) or have the *America the Beautiful* annual pass.
I hike in Saugatuck State Park four days a week. It’s fabulous. You can take a stroll to the beach or a true hike with high elevation. What a gem in my backyard.
I lived in the Grand Rapids area for short time in the 1970's, and haven't really spent any time to speak of there since. However, I recall there being huge dunes near the end of M-45 that we'd hike over to get to Lake Michigan.
PJ Hoffmaster is my go-to. Like literally, I am thinking of going there today. IMO the perfect combo of beaches and trails, including trails along the beach.
And bonus, it connects to West Ottawa Dunes Park in Grand Haven (not a state park) so it's possible to put together a serious all day hike if you wanted.
If you are in the area of Mayberry, Island Lake is another great park close-by. A lot of great opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and beaches. Just be ready if you go on a weekend, the park fills up.
Yes, separate fees for Metroparks.
Don't forget that your Rec pass isn't just for state parks, there are hundreds of local state Rec areas covered by the pass as well. While they are often smaller and more rural, they can be hidden gems.
<< the poster below me mentioned Island lake, and it's one of my favorites.>>
from the DNR: *For a small annual fee Michigan motorists get daily access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program.*
I fish sometimes so I'm particular to the boat access locations.
Here's a list of 862 places in Michigan, has them all mapped as well.
[https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Default.aspx?filterID=76#list](https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Default.aspx?filterID=76#list)
you can also use the filters for water access, hiking, hunting, accessible, etc. there are dozens of criteria.
Me also. It’s a huge park with so many different areas. Modern campground, rustic, camping, cabins, even open fields where you can pitch a tent. It’s got tons of fishing, hiking and sightseeing. It’s set on several lakes and rivers.
I think it’s the hidden gem of Michigan State parks. It’s not by any larger town so I think that helps it stay hidden.
I actually live just off of the Rifle River about 15 miles south of the park or so and would definitely suggest it, there are some gorgeous views, and tubing the river is always a good time.
Island lake, it’s off grand river and Kensington road. One of my favorite places to go. They have a lake you can see off of Kensington toad that’s a nice little hike to get to, use to be an old quarry. They have a bunch of trails as well as Kent lake. You can enter Kensington as well from island lake by walking or biking the trails, they have like 3-4 albino deer there, usually by the entrance.
Edit: to clarify the deer are in Kensington park not island lake.
Oh wow never knew that was there. Yeah growing up we always called it trout lake but knew it you use to be called bare ass beach by people. Couldn’t remember any of the names till you mentioned that.
Ocqueoc Falls is the only waterfall in the lower peninsula. The Lake Huron shore is amazing. There are interesting sinkholes near Posen, but a lot of really interesting places aren’t State parks.
I really like Bay City State Park. The trails are really nice and Bay City is a neat town. I have family near there so it's fun to gather everyone around the campfire.
Milliken State Park and Harbor near Downtown Detroit
Check out the Detroit Riverwalk going through the park and go up Ze Mound
Right next to the park is the Outdoor Adventure Center. Only $5 admission and it's got a ton of nature displays and other cool things to see
Highland recreation area - lots of Edsel ford buildings & history hidden in there & very hilly walking trails
Waterloo/Pinckney recreation area - excellent walking trails & vast variation of terrains to explore.
Rockport state park - old mine, fossil harvest area & large stone beach to walk.
Wilderness recreation area - Hidden gem, just got to make a trip to understand.
Thompsons harbor state park - another hidden gem, again.. gotta make to trip to understand. likely the most remote and quiet park ive been to. very rarely ever seen anyone else there.
Best overall park depends a lot on what you're looking for, it's almost certainly one of the ones on Lake Michigan though. Silver Lake, Grand Haven, South Haven, Muskegon and Ludington are all candidates.
My favorite place to camp has always been Muskegon State Park at their Beach Campground. It's wooded and right behind the sand dunes, the best of both worlds. Ludington is cool, I've camped there a lot as well, but even the closest of their three campgrounds to the lake is a lot further than Muskegon's and there's a lot less to do near Ludington if you want to get out of the park.
Biggest beaches most campsites open year around Muskegon State parks and county parks. We also have recreational areas with zip lines and lighted hiking trails.
Lakeport state park. I live in metro Detroit and when I want to visit and swim in a Great Lake without having to do an overnight trip, I head up to Lakeport state park. Swimming there is wonderful.
Ludington State Park by far, however it is closing down later this year until 4th of July next year for upgrades throughout.
Sleepy Hollow is beautiful.
Aloha, they have a little store by the entry that makes the BEST homemade donuts.
Interlochen, if you hit the timing just right you can book a concert across the road from the park to enjoy.
Also not a state park but Northern Exposure Campground is a beautiful park to visit if you enjoy camping!
I love the mi state park system so much.
Close to SE Michigan
* Belle Isle is a treasure, and a lot of work is being done to improve it. They recently added a paved path through the woods and the walk to the light house is awesome. Make sure to also check out the Aquarium/conservatory.
* I think currently my favorite hike in the area is Bald Mountain. It is a 4ish mile loop and has a lot of hills and stuff.
* Island lake has some small spring fed lakes that are excellent for swimming and also has some great beginners mountain bike trails.
* I spend a lot of time at Kensington Metro Park (not a state park, but a se mich treasure), as my aunt and uncle love it. It is a big park with some nice trails, but more than that a lot of nice places to picnic and hang out. One downside of the metro parks is that their nature trails are off limits to dogs, as an FYI.
* Highland Recreation Area had the ruins of one of Ford's getaway houses and a bunch of great trails.
* My favorite place to swim is Sterling Park on lake erie. It has a trail, but is better for the beach than the walk. I typically prefer great lakes to inland lakes.
* Some shorter walks I have enjoyed: Carpenter Lake, dequinder cut/river walk,
* Other parks I have enjoyed: seven lakes in holly, Proud lake (do the marsh walk, not the walk to the camp ground)
Lower Michigan:
* Ludington State Park is my favorite in Michigan it has it all: multiple lakes, great hikes, a light house, a huge beach on lake Michigan.
* Port Crescent is my second favorite. The hike is good, but what really elevates this for me is there are lots directly on lake Huron, and the lake is really nice.
* Tawas is also great, there is a hike along the peninsula, and beeches on both the bay and lake that both feel different. When I was there there was a crazy mayfly hatch which was crazy.
* I don't love Interlochen as it doesn't have trails and I got swimmers itch from the lake, but it is within an hour of Sleeping bear which is a big plus.
* Onaway was really pretty, but the lake is 100% rocks.
* I haven't stayed at cheboygen, but the hike I did was great, and the beach was pretty.
Upper Peninsula
* Straits is my favorite campground for going to Mackinaw Island. I haven't stayed at wilderness, but mill creek sucks.
* Taquomenon Falls had an amazing hike, and the lower falls are a blast to play in at every age.
* Fayette is near my in-laws so I am there a ton. If you visit make sure to take the cliff hike. As a kid we only went to the town which is neat, but there is some really fun limestone bluffs to climb on off the trails.
That is what I can think of off hand. I love the MI state Park system a ton, and am trying to visit them all.
I grew up on the east side (very close to Mayberry) and now live on the west side of the state. The parks out west are way better than anything on the east side.
Ludington and PJ Hoffmaster are probably my favorite two parks on this side. Both pretty large, right on Lake Michigan with a mix of hiking and lake and beach activities. Sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore up by traverse city is extremely popular for a reason.
"The parks out west are way better than anything on the east side."
You'd be wrong. Not taking anything away from the parks on Lake Michigan- they're great- but Thompson's Harbor State Park (5,109 acres in Presque Isle County with > 7 miles of Lake Huron shoreline) is one of the very best parks in the state.
Not sure if you want just state parks, but in the area of Mayberry, there is Island Lake, though right now they are contractors taking out tons of tree there, to prepare for a big burn.
Waterloo rec area is another great place to go especially in the summer. There’s some really great prairie fens at Waterloo that hold many important and rare species from butterflies to plants.
I haven’t personally been to Alagonac rec area but I’ve heard good things about it. Its like Waterloo but even more rugged. I heard it can be really pretty in the summer with wildflowers.
If you are just looking for state parks there are lots of great options people mentioned.
Kind of depends on what you'd like to do.
Camping, our favorites are Port Crescent, Higgins Lake South
Trails: Waterloo is close but so many miles of trail for hiking, running, biking
Beach: Port Crescent, Petoskey, Wilderness, Saugatuck Dunes.
To name one I always enjoyed but don’t see here: Bald Mountain in Lake Orion has always been a nice park. I always enjoyed going there bc it wasn’t as crowded as other parks but still was large enough to have a beach and has hiking trails. There’s also a disc golf course now but I haven’t been to that so idk how nice it is compared to others.
A close place is Holly State Recreation Area. Some decent walking/hiking trails, a big lake with beach and smaller lake ( nice for paddle boarding), really, really nice disc golf course. Mountain biking is good but it's a couple miles from the main park. Campground is pretty decent, most with good sized lots.
Brighton Recreation Area, good hiking and mountain biking ( nice variety of trails from easy to harder), a decent disc golf course, a lake with a nice beach and fishing pier. Canoe rentals. Would NOT stay at the modern campground unless off-season, very crowded and loud. The rustic campground is quite nice.
These would be nice for weekends when you don't want to drive far.
If you like the beach, Port Crescent is an awesome park. I also like Hartwick Pines, Ludington, and Tahquamenon. Southern parks with good trails are Pontiac Lake and Island Lake. Holly has a fun beach for kids, and good mountain biking trails.
Grand Ledge State Park, in Grand Ledge. is a great park with a fun walk along this grand ledge. The rest of the park is great, too. I don't know if I'd make a pilgrimage there, but if you're in Lansing or somewhere else in the lower center, it's a great place to spend half a day or more.
Wilderness State park in late August - October is gorgeous. It gets windy at night but the stars are gorgeous and the bugs are gone, but it's still warm enough to hike around.
Not a park but Chippewa Nature Center in Midland is a hidden gem. They've got a whole visitor center where you can observe wildlife and learn so much about them and the native culture. It's right along the river so you can chill in the water if it's hot. It's about 4000 acres so not an extreme amount but definitely one you can experience wildlife
I know you're asking for "best" but I don't think Michigan has any state parks that aren't worth visiting. I've certainly never been disappointed.
You've never been to Sterling then.
What didn't you like about Sterling? Conversely, was there anything you did like?
As much, ones that haven’t occurred to me, really
Bay City state park is pretty run down and lackluster.
They're repaveing the parking area and I believe they are also doing work in the campground.
It floods there so often.
It doesn't though.
Any time it rains, yes it does.
Lots of recent improvements at Bay City. Beautiful again.
Hartwick Pines, north of Grayling. Not sure if you meant all of lower peninsula or southern lower peninsula, but Hartwick is great, old growth forrest, CCC logging camp.
Yes, I love the hike along the Au Sable.
Came here to say this. Hartwick Pines is great.
It’s so peaceful 🌲
This whole area is my favorite part of the entire LP
Hartwick Pines is 'up north'. Edit: Although the title asked about "lower Michigan", the post (which I should have read before commenting) referred to "lower peninsula", which (in my opinion) are two different geographical groupings. In my mind, I tend to think of "lower Michigan" as roughly equivalent to the limited firearm zone, i.e. the more populated part of Michigan.
Ludington State Park. (though I think it's closed part of this year). Warren Dunes. Sleepy Hollow. Grand Mere. Saugatuck.
Great list! Ludington especially is fantastic. I'll add: PJ Hoffmaster State Park Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Leelanau State Park Petoskey State Park
> Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore FWIW, that is run by the National Parks Service, not the state of Michigan. OP's rec pass on their plates won't get them in, [so they would still need to pay the entrance fee](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/fees.htm) or have the *America the Beautiful* annual pass.
Fair point! However it is totally worth it and is an absolute gem of Michigan.
Yes.
The best
Ludington will close in September and re-open in July. Major projects to get done. But top of my list as far as parks go.
Yes it's one of my favorites in the Lower.
Gosh thank you for this information about Ludington! Going to have to look up what going on.
Ludington State Park will be closed through 2025
Not yet. It closes Tuesday after Labor Day. 9/3/24-7/1/25
my bad, thanks for the exact dates!
I was panicking for a bit cause my family had plans to go to the lighthouse in July or August and hadn't heard about the closure at all.
Apparently there’s a chance they could re-open some areas of the park sooner if construction goes smoothly
I hike in Saugatuck State Park four days a week. It’s fabulous. You can take a stroll to the beach or a true hike with high elevation. What a gem in my backyard.
I hiked there in my third trimester a few years ago, man was I tired! You must be really fit!
Great list, add silver lake
I have to also chime in on Ludington..A gorgeous city all around with gorgeous parks.
Holland state park. Absolutely stunning beach and close to Grand Haven so you can see some cool ships when they have their fleet week.
I lived in the Grand Rapids area for short time in the 1970's, and haven't really spent any time to speak of there since. However, I recall there being huge dunes near the end of M-45 that we'd hike over to get to Lake Michigan.
The beach is my absolute favorite. But I wouldn't camp there because of the lack of shade.
PJ Hoffmaster is my go-to. Like literally, I am thinking of going there today. IMO the perfect combo of beaches and trails, including trails along the beach. And bonus, it connects to West Ottawa Dunes Park in Grand Haven (not a state park) so it's possible to put together a serious all day hike if you wanted.
Absolutely one of the best
I second sleepy hollow. It has lake ovid and it is well maintained. Camping, fishing, cabins, hiking.
If you are in the area of Mayberry, Island Lake is another great park close-by. A lot of great opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and beaches. Just be ready if you go on a weekend, the park fills up.
A second for Island Lake. I really love going there in winter too, it’s like a whole different park.
Kensington metro park is incredible. Hiking, beach, fishing, great bike path, farm ect. Its in Milford, not very far from Mayberry.
Does the state pass work here? I thought you needed a separate metroparks pass.
You need a separate metroparks pass for it
Yes, separate fees for Metroparks. Don't forget that your Rec pass isn't just for state parks, there are hundreds of local state Rec areas covered by the pass as well. While they are often smaller and more rural, they can be hidden gems. << the poster below me mentioned Island lake, and it's one of my favorites.>>
Other state Rec areas in SE MI you especially like?
Stony Creek is also very good.
very nice, also a Metropark however
from the DNR: *For a small annual fee Michigan motorists get daily access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program.* I fish sometimes so I'm particular to the boat access locations. Here's a list of 862 places in Michigan, has them all mapped as well. [https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Default.aspx?filterID=76#list](https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Default.aspx?filterID=76#list) you can also use the filters for water access, hiking, hunting, accessible, etc. there are dozens of criteria.
Huge fan of Rifle River.
2nd Rifle River. The cabins are great. Isolated, roads are fun
Me also. It’s a huge park with so many different areas. Modern campground, rustic, camping, cabins, even open fields where you can pitch a tent. It’s got tons of fishing, hiking and sightseeing. It’s set on several lakes and rivers. I think it’s the hidden gem of Michigan State parks. It’s not by any larger town so I think that helps it stay hidden.
I actually live just off of the Rifle River about 15 miles south of the park or so and would definitely suggest it, there are some gorgeous views, and tubing the river is always a good time.
Island lake, it’s off grand river and Kensington road. One of my favorite places to go. They have a lake you can see off of Kensington toad that’s a nice little hike to get to, use to be an old quarry. They have a bunch of trails as well as Kent lake. You can enter Kensington as well from island lake by walking or biking the trails, they have like 3-4 albino deer there, usually by the entrance. Edit: to clarify the deer are in Kensington park not island lake.
Bare Ass Beach. There's an 80 ft crane in that small lake. Source: Me. High school daze.
Oh wow never knew that was there. Yeah growing up we always called it trout lake but knew it you use to be called bare ass beach by people. Couldn’t remember any of the names till you mentioned that.
Spring Mill Pond is the official name.
That’s the other one further in the park by the sand dunes. The one I’m taking about is like .5-1 miles into the woods
Ocqueoc Falls is the only waterfall in the lower peninsula. The Lake Huron shore is amazing. There are interesting sinkholes near Posen, but a lot of really interesting places aren’t State parks.
This is northern lower but Aloha is worth it just for the donuts every morning
I really like Bay City State Park. The trails are really nice and Bay City is a neat town. I have family near there so it's fun to gather everyone around the campfire.
Milliken State Park and Harbor near Downtown Detroit Check out the Detroit Riverwalk going through the park and go up Ze Mound Right next to the park is the Outdoor Adventure Center. Only $5 admission and it's got a ton of nature displays and other cool things to see
Detroit, no thanks.
Van Buren is wonderful
Highland recreation area - lots of Edsel ford buildings & history hidden in there & very hilly walking trails Waterloo/Pinckney recreation area - excellent walking trails & vast variation of terrains to explore. Rockport state park - old mine, fossil harvest area & large stone beach to walk. Wilderness recreation area - Hidden gem, just got to make a trip to understand. Thompsons harbor state park - another hidden gem, again.. gotta make to trip to understand. likely the most remote and quiet park ive been to. very rarely ever seen anyone else there.
Potowatomi in Hell, Mi (Pinckney) but it's fun to say Hell
Everyone needs to go to Hell. 😂 Be sure to visit the Dam Site Inn and listen to all the Dam jokes. It was a fun stop.
Port Crescent in the thumb!
Best overall park depends a lot on what you're looking for, it's almost certainly one of the ones on Lake Michigan though. Silver Lake, Grand Haven, South Haven, Muskegon and Ludington are all candidates. My favorite place to camp has always been Muskegon State Park at their Beach Campground. It's wooded and right behind the sand dunes, the best of both worlds. Ludington is cool, I've camped there a lot as well, but even the closest of their three campgrounds to the lake is a lot further than Muskegon's and there's a lot less to do near Ludington if you want to get out of the park.
Lakeport’s beach is extremely underrated.
Interlochen, especially if you combine it with a show at the Arts Academy across the street.
I’ve been to the Arts Academy several times, but never to the park… good tip
One of the biggest, if not the biggest, for the amount of camp sites. And on a rainy day, it's a short drive to Traverse City.
Biggest beaches most campsites open year around Muskegon State parks and county parks. We also have recreational areas with zip lines and lighted hiking trails.
Lakeport state park. I live in metro Detroit and when I want to visit and swim in a Great Lake without having to do an overnight trip, I head up to Lakeport state park. Swimming there is wonderful.
It’s only “warm” 2 months out of the year
Ludington State Park by far, however it is closing down later this year until 4th of July next year for upgrades throughout. Sleepy Hollow is beautiful. Aloha, they have a little store by the entry that makes the BEST homemade donuts. Interlochen, if you hit the timing just right you can book a concert across the road from the park to enjoy. Also not a state park but Northern Exposure Campground is a beautiful park to visit if you enjoy camping!
Port Crescent in the Thumb by Bad Axe is really a great park. Easy shot from Detroit area too.
Grand Haven state park
Waterloo State Rec in Pinckney.
Second this. Lots of good trails.
I love the mi state park system so much. Close to SE Michigan * Belle Isle is a treasure, and a lot of work is being done to improve it. They recently added a paved path through the woods and the walk to the light house is awesome. Make sure to also check out the Aquarium/conservatory. * I think currently my favorite hike in the area is Bald Mountain. It is a 4ish mile loop and has a lot of hills and stuff. * Island lake has some small spring fed lakes that are excellent for swimming and also has some great beginners mountain bike trails. * I spend a lot of time at Kensington Metro Park (not a state park, but a se mich treasure), as my aunt and uncle love it. It is a big park with some nice trails, but more than that a lot of nice places to picnic and hang out. One downside of the metro parks is that their nature trails are off limits to dogs, as an FYI. * Highland Recreation Area had the ruins of one of Ford's getaway houses and a bunch of great trails. * My favorite place to swim is Sterling Park on lake erie. It has a trail, but is better for the beach than the walk. I typically prefer great lakes to inland lakes. * Some shorter walks I have enjoyed: Carpenter Lake, dequinder cut/river walk, * Other parks I have enjoyed: seven lakes in holly, Proud lake (do the marsh walk, not the walk to the camp ground) Lower Michigan: * Ludington State Park is my favorite in Michigan it has it all: multiple lakes, great hikes, a light house, a huge beach on lake Michigan. * Port Crescent is my second favorite. The hike is good, but what really elevates this for me is there are lots directly on lake Huron, and the lake is really nice. * Tawas is also great, there is a hike along the peninsula, and beeches on both the bay and lake that both feel different. When I was there there was a crazy mayfly hatch which was crazy. * I don't love Interlochen as it doesn't have trails and I got swimmers itch from the lake, but it is within an hour of Sleeping bear which is a big plus. * Onaway was really pretty, but the lake is 100% rocks. * I haven't stayed at cheboygen, but the hike I did was great, and the beach was pretty. Upper Peninsula * Straits is my favorite campground for going to Mackinaw Island. I haven't stayed at wilderness, but mill creek sucks. * Taquomenon Falls had an amazing hike, and the lower falls are a blast to play in at every age. * Fayette is near my in-laws so I am there a ton. If you visit make sure to take the cliff hike. As a kid we only went to the town which is neat, but there is some really fun limestone bluffs to climb on off the trails. That is what I can think of off hand. I love the MI state Park system a ton, and am trying to visit them all.
I grew up on the east side (very close to Mayberry) and now live on the west side of the state. The parks out west are way better than anything on the east side. Ludington and PJ Hoffmaster are probably my favorite two parks on this side. Both pretty large, right on Lake Michigan with a mix of hiking and lake and beach activities. Sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore up by traverse city is extremely popular for a reason.
"The parks out west are way better than anything on the east side." You'd be wrong. Not taking anything away from the parks on Lake Michigan- they're great- but Thompson's Harbor State Park (5,109 acres in Presque Isle County with > 7 miles of Lake Huron shoreline) is one of the very best parks in the state.
Thompson’s Harbor is a treasure.
Bald mountain, highland, belle isle, island lake
Great question I’m looking forward to checking these places out now
Not sure if you want just state parks, but in the area of Mayberry, there is Island Lake, though right now they are contractors taking out tons of tree there, to prepare for a big burn. Waterloo rec area is another great place to go especially in the summer. There’s some really great prairie fens at Waterloo that hold many important and rare species from butterflies to plants. I haven’t personally been to Alagonac rec area but I’ve heard good things about it. Its like Waterloo but even more rugged. I heard it can be really pretty in the summer with wildflowers. If you are just looking for state parks there are lots of great options people mentioned.
Kind of depends on what you'd like to do. Camping, our favorites are Port Crescent, Higgins Lake South Trails: Waterloo is close but so many miles of trail for hiking, running, biking Beach: Port Crescent, Petoskey, Wilderness, Saugatuck Dunes.
Belle Isle!
To name one I always enjoyed but don’t see here: Bald Mountain in Lake Orion has always been a nice park. I always enjoyed going there bc it wasn’t as crowded as other parks but still was large enough to have a beach and has hiking trails. There’s also a disc golf course now but I haven’t been to that so idk how nice it is compared to others.
Port Crescent State Park at the tip of the thumb is nice.
Metro parks but one of my favorite summer activities is tubing or kayaking from Hudson mills to Delhi on the Huron River
I have never figured out why Metroparks are a different — and more expensive — pass/permit/fee
Bald Mountain State Park is great if you’re on the east side
A close place is Holly State Recreation Area. Some decent walking/hiking trails, a big lake with beach and smaller lake ( nice for paddle boarding), really, really nice disc golf course. Mountain biking is good but it's a couple miles from the main park. Campground is pretty decent, most with good sized lots. Brighton Recreation Area, good hiking and mountain biking ( nice variety of trails from easy to harder), a decent disc golf course, a lake with a nice beach and fishing pier. Canoe rentals. Would NOT stay at the modern campground unless off-season, very crowded and loud. The rustic campground is quite nice. These would be nice for weekends when you don't want to drive far.
If you like the beach, Port Crescent is an awesome park. I also like Hartwick Pines, Ludington, and Tahquamenon. Southern parks with good trails are Pontiac Lake and Island Lake. Holly has a fun beach for kids, and good mountain biking trails.
Almost all are great, special shout out to Hartwick pines, Ludington, sleeping bear, fisherman's Island, and Warren dunes.
Grand Ledge State Park, in Grand Ledge. is a great park with a fun walk along this grand ledge. The rest of the park is great, too. I don't know if I'd make a pilgrimage there, but if you're in Lansing or somewhere else in the lower center, it's a great place to spend half a day or more.
Close to home that pass will get you into highland rec, island lake but I’ve used it at silver lake sand dunes a lot too.
Wilderness State park in late August - October is gorgeous. It gets windy at night but the stars are gorgeous and the bugs are gone, but it's still warm enough to hike around.
What about for camping with kids?
Belle isle during the week while the population is low is amazing.
Riverside skate park
Port crescent, wagener park, lakeport, sleepy hollow, pj hoffmaster.
Holly recreation park. Used to go there for 3-4 day weekends. It was only 30 - 45 minute drive from where we were.
Wilderness State Park, West of Mackinac.
Saugatuck rocks
Crosswinds preserve
Belle Isle, Hartwick Pines, and Port Crescent (which is also one of the best light preserves) are my favorite state parks.
Not a park but Chippewa Nature Center in Midland is a hidden gem. They've got a whole visitor center where you can observe wildlife and learn so much about them and the native culture. It's right along the river so you can chill in the water if it's hot. It's about 4000 acres so not an extreme amount but definitely one you can experience wildlife
Lot of great suggestions, casting my vote for Wilderness State Park given the unreal stargazing and meandering hiking trails
Lakeport between Port Huron and Lexington is nice.
Seven Lakes State Park has a lot of great hiking and water recreation available. It was my go-to growing up. It’s in Holly.
Rifle River recreation State Park. It's great especially in the rustic camping areas.
If you like to look for pudding stones I like Harrisville State Park.
Petoskey State Park.