Get Outdoors

Macomb County offers many places to enjoy all four seasons of pure Michigan outdoors. It provides world-class recreational opportunities throughout its 215 public parks, 32 miles of lakefront shoreline, 155 miles of bike trails, 32 miles of padding trails and 27 golf courses.

It is home to Lake St. Clair – the heart of the Great Lakes. The lake is renowned as a top spot for competitive bass angling and is a popular destination for fishing and boating as well as swimming and paddling. The Clinton River and its many tributaries offer kayaking, canoeing, waterfront restaurants and more. At times, the river system has class three rapids that can be enjoyed by experienced paddlers. Macomb County also features a state recreational facility – Wetzel State Recreation Area – as well as three Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and more than 3,800 acres of municipal parks.

Check out all the ways you can have fun outdoors in Macomb County here.

OUTDOORS IN THE NEWS

Macomb County Metroparks

Lake St. Clair Metropark

Birdwatching, windsurfing, kiteboarding, boating, bicycling and swimming are all available at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The 770-acre metropark runs along Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township, is close to downtown Mount Clemens and can be accessed from I-94. Its visitors are able to start and end a day of boating from one of its three marinas or eight boating ramps. Other features of the metropark include an Olympic-size swimming pool with waterslides, a 10,000 square foot Squirt Zone, nature center, trails, two family-friendly golf courses, a boardwalk, paved hike and bike trails, a newly renovated play area, and 1,000-foot-long sandy beach. It is open year-round, and in the winter, visitors can enjoy ice fishing for perch, cross-country skiing on groomed trails, a game of hockey and ice skating outdoors.

“Lake St. Clair is the best smallmouth fishery on the planet!”
Kevin Van Dam, Hall of Fame Angler - Bassmaster

Stony Creek Metropark

Stony Creek Metropark sprawls across nearly 4,500 acres that fall primarily in Washington Township and Shelby Township. It offers distinctive elements including two public beaches, a mountain bike skills course, disc golf course, a nature center, 18-hole regulation golf course, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, soccer fields and volleyball and basketball courts. Picnic areas with shelters and grills available for rent as well as comfort stations are located throughout the park. Patrons can spend a day boating, fishing or swimming in its 500-acre Stony Creek Lake. There are a multitude of opportunities to hike, bike, run or in-line skate through lush woodlands, serene wetlands and tall grass prairies along paved and unpaved paths. In the winter, activities at this metropark include cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and walking across marked trail as well as areas to snowboard, sled and toboggan hills.

Wolcott Mill Metropark

Wolcott Mill Metropark is a 2,845-acre park and preservation area nestled along the banks of the Clinton River in Ray Township. It features a 250-acre, late-20th century working farm with a variety of animals, including all six heritage breeds of dairy cow. The Historic Center is one of the few remaining historic grist and feed mills, complete with antique farming equipment and a restored Model T dump truck. Its learning center hosts programs, tours and educational tours for patrons. The park also includes an 18-hole golf course and Camp Rotary, a camping area equipped with activity and lodging facilities, as well as unique equestrian trails on which visitors can meander with their horses through 10 miles of riverside woods and meadows.

Macomb Trails – Change to “Macomb County Trails”

Macomb County Trails

Macomb Orchard Trail

The Macomb Orchard Trail is a 24-mile linear park and trailway that spans across seven northern Macomb County communities. The non-motorized path, constructed along a former rail corridor, provides users with a safe transportation and recreation route. It provides places for cyclists, hikers, walkers, runners, skaters and cross-country skiers to exercise and experience the many natural and cultural wonders found within a variety of urban, suburban and rural environments. The route also serves as a regional connection between the Clinton River and Paint Creek Trail in Oakland County. Read more about Macomb County trails here.

Macomb Water Trails

Throughout Macomb County are designated routes along the lake, river, canals and bays that are specifically designed for people using small watercrafts like kayaks, canoes, single sail boats and rowboats. The trails, sometimes called blueways, are the aquatic equivalent of hiking trails, also known as greenways. These water trails feature well-developed access and launch points; significant historical, environmental or cultural points of interest; and in many cases nearby amenities such as restaurants, hotels and campgrounds. A map of Macomb County’s water trails can be found here.

Freedom Hill County Park

Freedom Hill is one of Michigan’s most popular outdoor performance venues. Located in Sterling Heights, the spacious 100-acre park offers a premier spot for events and concerts of all kinds as well as various recreational activities. Special events at the park include cultural and community festivals as well as specialized trade shows. The grounds include a state-of-the art stage, a covered pavilion and ample lawn seating that make it a great atmosphere for performers and patrons alike. On site there is a newly remodeled banquet and event center perfect for a variety of celebrations. Freedom Hill also has a bike path, playground, covered picnic areas and nature trails.In addition to its entertainment and recreation amenities, it features a special commemorative monument garden that honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.