20 Attractions to Explore Near Barnes Lake

Shay Lake, nestled in the beautiful Tuscola County of Michigan, is a serene and picturesque destination. With crystal clear waters and an abundance of wildlife, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The lake offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer months, while the winter season brings snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Take a walk along the quaint shoreline, or simply sit back and admire the stunning views.

Richfield County Park is a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors. Beautifully situated on 200 acres of land, the park has two lakes, a beach area, and many trails for walking or biking around them. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and canoeing in Long Lake or swimming and sunbathing at Edgewater Beach. The picnic areas offer plenty of room for a family gathering along with six grills and three pavilions. Additionally, the park features beautiful natural scenery along.

Lake Lapeer is a beautiful destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With a maximum depth of 43 feet, waterskiing and fishing are popular activities on the lake. Visitors can take advantage of several public access sites around the lake or find a rustic cabin to rent along its shores. The miles of scenic trails host hikers, cyclists, and snowmobiallers while local boat launches provide access to kayaks and paddle boards.

The Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Spanning over 2,000 acres of woods, marshland, meadows, and ponds along the Shiawassee River, the recreation area provides opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. There are also several picnic areas perfect for a family get-together or an outdoor lunch with friends. Visitors can also explore local wildlife.

The Masonic Temple is a structure steeped in history and tradition. Built over 100 years ago, the temple has seen three major remodels in its lifetime. Today, the temple stands proudly at just over five stories tall. Inside, members enjoy spacious and comfortable meeting areas where they can come together to share their Masonic ideals and practice their rituals. Outside of the meeting space, members can take advantage of banquet halls and other amenities.

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is a wonderful combination of days gone by and modern adventure. The village offers 25 original buildings depicting a typical Michigan small town of the late 1800s. In addition to these well-preserved homes, visitors can explore the antiques, museums, activities such as panning for gems and blacksmithing demonstrations that make this such an interesting experience. The village also features several eateries.

Seven Ponds Nature Center is a beautiful, serene destination perfect for anyone looking to spend a day or two away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Boasting over 6 miles of walking trails that are open year-round and lakes teeming with fish, it's an ideal spot to explore nature and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Onsite activities include fishing, bird watching, biking, picnicking as well as educational programs.

The Flint River Trail spanning nearly 30 miles and four different towns, this extensive trail follows alongside the Flint River and is perfect for exploring key historical sites in the region. Whether you choose to tackle a small portion of it on foot or its full length by bike, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views along the way. From glimpses of the rolling hills along its western banks to appreciating historic landmarks on its east side, there's something for everyone here.

The Dort Financial Center is a first-class business and leisure destination for tourists and locals alike. From its rich history - attributed to the development of General Motors in the 1920s - to its contemporary facilities, you will find something to keep your attention. Along with a variety of restaurants, lodging options, and retail outlets, there are green parks, an amphitheater, walkways throughout the grounds, magnificent artwork at every turn and plenty of events year-round.

Kearsley Park is a popular destination that boasts acres of lush green space with wetlands, woodlands and meadows, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching. Other features include three playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas and a pond stocked with fish. During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy free outdoor concerts in the pavilion. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate on the rink or venture into the nearby trails for snowshoeing adventures.

The Longway Planetarium is an awe-inspiring public facility dedicated to exploring and educating the public about the wonders of astronomy. With a 47 foo t domed ceiling and high definition projectors, viewers are immersed in an awe-inspiring and stimulating show that utilizes full dome video technology. Throughout the year, the planetarium offers a variety of shows that explore stars, planets, black holes, galaxies, and more.

Whiting Auditorium is an amazing entertainment venue that always brings something special to the table. From top-of-the-line musical concerts and plays, to riveting stand-up comedy shows, every event held at Whiting's auditorium is one to remember. With comfortable seating as well as nearby parking facilities, it's no surprise that this landmark has been a staple in the local community for over 60 years!

The Flint Institute of Arts is a public art museum with a long history of providing excellent works of art to the state. Founded in 1928, the Flint Institute of Arts has a diverse collection of art from all over the world with pieces ranging from 15th-century Asian paintings to contemporary artifacts. In addition to its permanent collection, It also offers classes and workshops for children, teenagers, and adults as well as special exhibits.

The Sloan Museum of Discovery is the perfect spot for a family outing. With interactive exhibits to engage all members of the family, exploring the museum offers something for everyone. From learning about natural history in the Earth and Beyond exhibit, to hands-on experiences with electricity science experiments in Lightning Bolts & Bells, visitors are sure to find something that captures their curiosity at Sloan Museum of Discovery.

The Flint Public Library has been a pillar of the community since its opening in 1896. It offers an advanced collection of books, magazines, and other documents to the citizens of Flint. Resources at Flint Public Library include access to physical books and periodicals, multiple computers with internet access, audio and video materials, a rare book room filled with historical artifacts, and even archives. In addition to its resources, the library also hosts numerous lectures and activities.

The Whaley Historic House Museum is an amazing reminder of our cultural past. Built in 1867 and originally used as the county clerk's office, the house has since been completely restored to its original grandeur. Visitors are invited to travel back in time to experience what life was like for a prominent 19th century pioneer family. The museum provides guided informational tours about the family through its furnishings, artifacts and documents that help to tell their story.

The Flint Farmers' Market is a vibrant destination for fresh produce, local baked goods, and more. With vendors located both outdoors and indoors, it's also a great spot to pick up homemade jewelry and pottery. Founded in 1921 by local women from a neighborhood Improvement Club, the Farmers' Market stands on its original site, offering shoppers a truly unique experience featuring farm-fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the area using sustainable methods.

University of Michigan-Flint is a vibrant university located in Genesee County, Michigan. With over 7,000 students enrolled, UM-Flint strives to create an intellectually stimulating environment and to provide only the highest quality education to its students. The Academic Programs offered at UM-Flint range from certificates, associate degrees and undergraduate majors all the way up to graduate medical degrees and doctoral programs.

The University of Michigan-Flint Theatre offers a wide range of wonderful entertainment to residents of Genesee County. From classic Broadway musicals to edgy plays exploring current social issues, there is something for everyone. The theatre hosts an impressive lineup of performances throughout the year, often featuring local talent in addition to renowned regional and national acts. Not only are the shows awe-inspiring, but the venue itself is equally breathtaking.

Flint Park Lake is a hidden gem among the natural beauty present in the state. With its peaceful surroundings, the lake is perfect for relaxing, fishing, and swimming. Boaters and jet skiers also frequent the lake due to its size and features like boat ramps and beaches. Because it is so close to Flint, it also makes it a favorite among locals who don't have to travel far for all that the lake has to offer.