Hayes State Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Evans Lake is an amazing spot, with clear, pristine waters, lush hills of trees, and a variety of wildlife. Whether fishing or kayaking on the lake, or exploring the trails through meadows and forests, it truly offers something for everyone! There are plenty of campsites around the lake that are perfect for tent camping or lodging in cabins. The area also offers picnic spots with grills next to the lake's shoreline that make for a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends.

Allen Lake, is a popular spot for swimming and fishing. Measuring around 2 miles across and 20 feet deep at its maximum depth, this lake is home to several species of fish including northern pike, largemouth bass, andbluegill. Locals enjoy relaxing on the sandy beach or out on a canoe. During the summer months, visitors can also take advantage of the nearby campgrounds so they can truly experience the beauty of this picturesque lake.

Hidden Lake Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the midst of countryside. Featuring hiking trails and boardwalks, it is an outdoor haven with 750 acres of stunning botanical gardens and nature reserves. Inside the gardens, visitors can find a stunning array of flowers, trees, shrubs and other vegetation within the landscaped areas. Through education activities such as formal classes, lectures, demonstrations and tours offered throughout the year.

The Walker Tavern Complex/Cambridge Junction Historic State Park is a fascinating reminder of the past. Located just outside of Brooklyn, Michigan, the site rests on land that was granted to Reuben Waller in 1833 with the settling of Cambridge Township. Over the years, many of the existing structures have been maintained and restored giving visitors an insight into how people lived in early nineteenth-century Michigan.

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is a beautiful destination, boasts over 12 miles of trails along with its namesake - Watkins Lake - which provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Then there is the old growth forest which makes up the bulk of the park that's reminiscent of what our area looked like several hundred years ago - peaceful oak trees, abundant flowers and grasses, and of course plenty of wildlife.

Michigan International Speedway is a world-famous racetrack that has hosted some of the most exciting NASCAR racing events in history. Located on 1,000 acres of land, this state-of-the-art facility includes two twisting oval tracks which total 2 miles in length. Every June and August, thousands of race fans flock to witness heart-pounding speed and thrilling finishes as NASCAR’s top drivers compete for checkered flags on the track’s daunting Turns 3 and 4.