20 Attractions to Explore Near Jones Lake

This State Park spanning 28 miles of former railroad lines, the trail offers plenty of vast open space to explore along with several historical sites and relics from the past. Along with multiple entrances and access points, visitors enjoy a variety of amenities including picnic areas and pavilions, restrooms, fishing ponds and observation decks. The trail has been rated one of the highest for its beauty and is home to over 300 species of birds plus 150 species of wildlife.

The Waterloo Farm Museum is a great destination for those interested in learning about the history and culture of the region. Visitors can explore the unique exhibits that provide valuable insight into what life was like on a rural farm in 19th-century Michigan. The museum includes a variety of artifacts showcasing everything from everyday tools to antique furniture, as well as an expansive collection of vintage photographs featuring local families and workers.

The DTE Energy Foundation Trail is a nature lover's paradise. With its paved paths and scenic views, it's perfect for walking, hiking, biking, and even rollerblading. The trail covers a distance of over 25 miles and is wheelchair accessible. Along the way, you'll come across several parks, forests, and water bodies, making for a beautiful and diverse experience. Whether you're looking for a quick stroll or a longer adventure, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail has something for everyone.

Pinckney Recreation Area, is a popular spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With over 10,000 acres of lakes, rivers and woodlands, there is something to please everyone. Visitors can partake in activities such as biking and hiking along the many trails or fishing at one of the park's six glacial lakes - Base Line, Crooked, Halfmoon and Zukey Lakes - all teeming with bass, panfish and trout. The Pinckney Canal Festival features a 5K race and paddling trips.

The 6,000 acres of parkland are home to many attractions, including twenty different hiking trails, a mountain biking course, and Lake Falls- a stunning natural pond that provides hours of kayaking and canoeing. In addition, the area is teeming with wildlife; visitors to the recreation area can expect to spot birds of prey soaring overhead as well as deer grazing on the mountainside. With its kaleidoscope of activities amid idyllic surroundings, this is an irresistable state park experience.

Meridian-Baseline Historic State Park is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. The park consists of 350 acres of wetlands boardwalk trails and a historic limestone survey marker known as the 'Meridian Stone'. The large stone marks the baseline used by surveyors to map out Michigan's Lower Peninsula in 1815. Visitors to the park can take part in several different activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking and bird watching along the nature trails.

The Gerald E Eddy Discovery Center is a fascinating destination that offers visitors an in-depth look into the natural wonders of the region. With interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and knowledgeable staff, the center is a great place to learn about the unique geology, wildlife, and ecology of the area. Visitors can explore the indoor exhibits or venture out onto the nature trails to experience the natural beauty of the region firsthand.

Tioga Lake is a beautiful lake known for its pristine water quality and abundant natural beauty. The deepest point in the lake is 15 feet, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Tioga Lake offers plenty of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, skiing, and more. A variety of wildlife can be seen while out on the water or along the trails that circle the lake from every angle. There are also camping spots nearby to allow visitors to take in its stunning scenery with ease.

Rush Lake is a beloved summer destination for many. With its pristine water and sandy beaches adjacent to tranquil forests, Rush Lake draws in visitors from throughout the Great Lakes region looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The wonderful scenery includes an abundance of wildlife, colorful birds, and abundant smallmouth bass. Rush Lake also serves as a great launching point for canoeing, fishing, tubing ,kayaking and swimming.

Hudson Mills Metropark offers a scenic and relaxing nature experience for visitors. Spread across 1,549 acres, the park boasts stunning views of the Huron River and plenty of outdoor activities for individuals and families to enjoy. Visitors can hike or bike on the park's trails, have a picnic on the shaded grassy areas, or spend the day fishing or golfing at the park's 18-hole disc golf course. In the winter months, the park also offers cross-country skiing and sledding options.

This vast and beautiful expanse of natural scenery offers visitors a plethora of activities to engage in, from hiking the numerous trails and catching glimpses of wildlife, to camping alongside serene bodies of water. The park boasts not only small ponds and streams, but also the majestic and expansive Hell Lake, which offers the chance to fish for a variety of species. With its stunning views, diverse recreational options, and tranquil atmosphere, Pinckney Recreation Area is truly a hidden gem.

The Howell Depot Museum houses a plethora of fascinating artifacts and stories. Visitors to the museum can learn about how the railroad transformed the towns and villages into a thriving, interconnected community. On display in the museum is an extensive collection of historical documents and photographs from the 1800s and 1900s, showcasing the vibrant history of this area. Interpreters dressed in 19th-century clothing offer insight into the early settlers' lives.

Dauset Trails Nature Center offers a serene environment with something for all ages to enjoy. Take a leisurely walk through the wooded trails or explore the interactive museum featuring local wildlife. There's also an aquaculture hatchery and a hands-on children's area that teaches visitors about Georgia's natural history. Events like wildlife lectures, guided hikes and classes offer more ideas to engage with the center.

Brighton Recreation Area is a crowd-pleaser. With its large array of activities including camping, fishing, boating and swimming, there is something for everyone. Boaters will enjoy the easy access to Pretty Lake and Forlorn Lakes for days of motorized or no-motorized fun. Fishermen will find an abundance of bass and panfish from the park docks and waterside beach areas. Campers have their choice of sites with beautiful foliage along scenic loops.

Bass Lake is a beautiful area of Michigan located in Livingston County. It features a 28 acre lake and is surrounded by lush woodlands, perfect for a relaxing outdoor adventure or fishing trip. The lake itself has been stocked with bass and panfish, making it a great spot to cast your line. There are also hiking trails that meander through the woods and offer you opportunity to appreciate the surrounding beauty.

Thompson Lake itself is gorgeous with crystal clear water and plenty of room for swimming, boating, skiing, or just peacefully drifting along. There are lovely cottages built around the edge of the lake which offer guests amazing views from their spacious balconies. In addition to the lake activities, there are plenty of hiking trails where visitors will get to experience breathtaking natural beauty as well as see some of Michigan’s diverse wildlife.

Whistlestop Park Depot is a popular attraction for many families and individuals throughout the region. Located along a scenic lake, the depot features an old steam train, miniature golf course, large gift shop and snack bar. Visitors can take a step into history by riding on the original 19th century train or playing a game of miniature golf while admiring superb views of the lake. After a day of adventure, visitors can refuel at the concession stand stocked with delicious foods.

Zukey Lake is a popular destination for all kinds of recreational activities. Located near Howell and just off the I-96 corridor, it is ideal for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Zukey Lake covers over 600 acres and has depths up to 55 feet, making it perfect for fishing, swimming, sailing, or kayaking. It also features two public parks with beachfront access, boardwalks, playgrounds, and other amenities.

Gillett's Lake, renowned for its high quality fishing experiences. This lake sits in a picturesque setting of rolling hills, overlooked by a century-old barn. Popular among anglers, this lake is stocked over and over with buckets of Brook Trout, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout - making it one of the best spots to fish in the area. In addition to its vibrant fishing grounds, visitors can enjoy the hiking trails that meander along the wooded shoreline and access to boat launches for easy launching.

Strawberry Lake is an idyllic spot for both summertime fun and winter scenic views. Located just a few miles off the main highway, it is easily accessible but still provides a feeling of privacy and peacefulness. The lake itself is small yet capable of hosting activities like fishing or sailing. It also boasts beautiful sandy beaches ideal for swimming or picnicking with a view of the crystal clear waters. During the colder months, the lake is coated in white frost.