Maple River State Game Area - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake Ovid is a natural one-mile long lake with an average depth of 15 feet. The lake offers a variety of recreational experiences due to the presence of waterfowl and fish abundant in its waters. Fishing is very popular here, as there are plenty of walleye and northern pike species along with largemouth bass and panfish species like bluegill and crappie. In addition to fishing, kayaking and swimming are also popular activities to enjoy on the lake.

Sleepy Hollow State Park is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway. Situated in woodsy rolling hills and bluffs near St. Johns, it offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Visitors can explore over 2,600 acres of parkland with 20 miles of trails for a variety of activities from camping and horseback riding to mountain biking and more.

The Portland Riverwalk is an incredible place to take a walk and get close to nature. From the boardwalk lined path, visitors can observe plenty of scenery along the way including views of the river, multiple species of birds, and native foliage. Visitors who want more of a challenge can access the mountain biking trails that wind through canopies of trees located off the main path. Don’t forget to take some time to sit on one of the many benches available along.

The John C. Blanchard House was built in 1864 by one of the first settlers of the area, and it also served as a home to many generations of the same family line. This particular Greek Revival living space stands out from others that were built around this time due to its beautiful symmetry and architectural details, such as its gable with bells and location near Red Cedar River. While the house has been restored over the years, much of its original features still remain intact.

Granger Meadows Park is the perfect outdoor destination offers a variety of amenities, including a splash pad and pet park with areas for small and large dogs. It also features a disc golf course, walking trails, fishing spots, playgrounds, and picnic tables. For those looking to stay active, there are basketball courts, baseball diamonds and sand volleyball courts available. On warm summer evenings, visitors can also enjoy an outdoor movie on a large inflatable screen.

Derby Lake offers the perfect destination for a leisurely getaway. Located near Lake Michigan, it is an idyllic spot surrounded by lush, green forests and tranquil waters that make it ideal for fishing, paddling and boating. The lake can be found within the Manistee National Forest, which provides plenty of opportunity to explore and also features 65 campsites with accessible amenities like running water and electricity.