Turkey
ParkMichigan, US
Stony Creek Metropark
Stony Creek Metropark offers a magnificent natural escape in Southeast Michigan, spanning 4,435 scenic acres across Macomb and Oakland counties.
About
Stony Creek Metropark offers a magnificent natural escape in Southeast Michigan, spanning 4,435 scenic acres across Macomb and Oakland counties. Centered around the picturesque 500-acre Stony Creek Lake, this beloved metropark provides a diverse tapestry of woodlands, serene wetlands, and expansive tallgrass prairies. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an "up north feeling" without venturing far from the metro Detroit area, with opportunities for recreation and wildlife observation available year-round.
The park boasts an impressive array of habitats and attractions, including over 27 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, complemented by a 6.2-mile paved Hike-Bike Trail looping the lake. The Stony Creek Nature Center serves as an educational hub, featuring live native animals and exhibits, and is a great starting point for exploring the area's rich biodiversity. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, from the majestic White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey to the vibrant Eastern Bluebird and Sandhill Crane soaring overhead. Keep an eye out for Monarch butterflies fluttering among the butterfly milkweed and wild bergamot, or discover fascinating fungi like chicken of the woods and Dryad's Saddle. The park's wetlands and ponds are home to Eastern Skunk Cabbage in spring, and you might even glimpse a Wood Frog, Painted Turtle, or a Common Garter Snake.
Whether you're looking for an active adventure or a peaceful retreat, Stony Creek Metropark delivers. From swimming and boating on the lake in summer to cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter, the park transforms with each season, offering new experiences. Its blend of well-maintained facilities and preserved natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for families, photographers, and anyone looking to connect with Michigan's stunning natural heritage. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.
Stony Creek Metropark was established in 1959 by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA), an initiative driven by the need to preserve large natural tracts for public recreational use amidst rapid suburban expansion in the Detroit metropolitan area following World War II. A significant early development was the creation of the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake in the early 1960s, formed by damming Stony Creek, a tributary of the Clinton River. The park officially opened to the public in 1964, and subsequent decades saw the addition of key amenities, including beaches, a golf course in the early 1980s, and a modern Nature Center in 2005. The park also encompasses historical sites like the remnants of the Shelden family estate and the area where William Inwood Sr. discovered Native American artifacts, now known as the Inwood Trails.
What to do here
Go boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming in Stony Creek Lake. Fishing is also popular, with a physically challenged accessible fishing pier.
Winter sports: Enjoy cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Educational programs: Participate in events and programs at the Nature Center, including guided hikes and nature investigations.
Seasonal info
Spring: Witness the emergence of Eastern Skunk Cabbage and other early wildflowers, and observe migratory birds returning.
Summer: Enjoy warm weather for beach activities, water sports, and spotting various insects and butterflies like the Monarch.
Fall: Experience breathtaking fall foliage, especially along the lake and trails. It's also a great time for cooler weather hiking and bird migration.
Winter: The park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Accessibility
The park offers an accessible fishing pier and has All-Terrain Beach Wheelchairs and Floating Beach Wheelchairs available for free rental at Eastwood Beach during summer, allowing access to the sand and water. The paved Hike-Bike Trail is generally flat, though it includes one steep hill. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks system is committed to removing barriers and improving access, offering accommodations with two weeks' notice.
Don't miss
1
Stony Creek Lake
The park's centerpiece for boating, swimming (at Eastwood and Baypoint beaches), and fishing.
2
Nature Center
Offers interpretive exhibits, live native animals (reptiles, amphibians, arthropods), and programs.
3
Hike-Bike Trail
A paved 6.2-mile loop around the lake, popular for cycling, inline skating, and walking.
4
Shelden Trails
Over 14 miles of heavily wooded dirt trails, renowned for mountain biking and hiking.
Wildlife you might spot
10Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Arrive Early
Especially on weekends and holidays, arriving early helps secure parking and allows for a more peaceful experience before crowds gather.
Check Conditions
Before visiting, check the Huron-Clinton Metroparks website for current park hours, trail conditions, and any seasonal closures or event schedules.
Hydrate and Protect
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, particularly during warmer months or when exploring wooded and wetland areas.
Explore the Nature Center
Start your visit here to learn about the park's ecosystems and wildlife, and discover specific trails or areas of interest.
Consider an Annual Pass
If you plan to visit Stony Creek Metropark or any other Huron-Clinton Metropark multiple times throughout the year, an annual pass offers cost savings.
Bring Binoculars
For birdwatching enthusiasts, binoculars will enhance your chances of spotting diverse species such as Osprey, Sandhill Cranes, and Eastern Bluebirds.
Frequently asked questions
- Stony Creek Metropark offers a wide range of activities including hiking, road and mountain biking, swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, golf, disc golf, picnicking, and playgrounds. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing. The Nature Center also provides educational programs and exhibits.
- Dogs are generally permitted in the park when kept on a leash not over 6 feet in length and under immediate control. However, pets are not allowed in nature and farm areas, on beaches, or inside buildings. There is also an off-leash dog area available.
- A daily vehicle or boat pass costs $10 for entry into Stony Creek Metropark. Annual passes are also available for $40 for residents of the five-county area (Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne) and $45 for non-residents, which are valid across all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Recent snaps at this place
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