Part of the Detroit Metropolitan Area, the city of Highland Park, MI, features beautiful nature reserves and parks both within its urban limits and in the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a place to have a picnic with friends or check out some hiking trails, these are some excellent spots that can be reached in less than two hours by car from Highland Park. Pack some snacks, invite your friends, and hit the road!
1. Palmer Park
Located just two miles north of Highland Park, Palmer Park features over 300 acres of green areas crisscrossed by hiking and biking trails, and boasting well-equipped picnic areas with public grills, restrooms, pavilions, and tables. This park also features an 18-hole golf course that attracts visitors from the Detroit Metropolitan Area. Open from 7 am to sunset, this park is a perfect spot to get away from the city and have fun with your family or a group of friends.
Some of the amenities that make Palmer Park a great destination include a series of historic woodlands where you can go on a relaxing walk, as well as a large community garden, numerous tennis courts, a water park, and a playground. Here you can also find Lake Frances, an artificial body of water with several small islands and a miniature lighthouse. Getting to Palmer Park from Highland Park takes about five minutes by car along Woodward Ave.
2. Island Lake Recreation Area
Covering over 4,000 acres of territory in Livingston County, Island Lake Recreation Area is located a little under 35 miles northwest of Highland Park, making it possible to reach it in about half an hour by car along routes MN-10 and i-96. This public recreation area is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and welcomes over a million visitors each year, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, boating, and kayaking.
Island Lake Recreation Area is located along the banks of the Huron River and not far from Kensington Metropark. The park’s expansive and quiet green areas make it a great place to visit if you want to truly get away from the routine and the bustle of the city. One of the features that make this place unique is a hot air balloon launch area, the only one in a Michigan park.
3. Belle Isle Park
If you live in any town within the Detroit Metropolitan Area, chances are you have heard about Belle Isle Park more than once. One of the most popular recreation areas in the entire state, this place covers an area of a little under a thousand acres and dates back to 1845. Home to the Belle Island Aquarium, the Belle Isle Nature Center, and other recreational facilities, it is an excellent spot for a picnic with friends.
No matter which of these spots you decide to visit, stop by Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram before you set off. Our premier dealership has a massive inventory of new and used vehicles, as well as a talented sales team that is ready to help you design a great financing plan.
Connect with us
