Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve

(no mail - GPS only)
14801 Arnold Road
Brooklyn MI, 49230

1122 (Acres)

Required

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is best known for its quiet serenity, scenic lake, 5-mile walking trail, bird-watching opportunities and many other draws.
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More Information

The park is jointly managed by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the DNR.

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is best known for its quiet serenity, scenic lake, 5-mile walking trail, bird-watching opportunities and many other draws. The property features beautiful rolling land covered in a mixture of open meadow, mixed hardwoods, low wetland areas, open water and the property's most popular feature, Watkins Lake.

The park has significant historical value because Royal and Sally Carpenter Watkins, who first farmed the land, played a key role in the Underground Railroad.

Due to important bird habitat, the lake and adjacent land is a designated waterfowl refuge and closed Feb. 15-May 15 and Sept. 1-Jan. 1. The refuge area is marked in red on the map; however, wildlife viewing is available along Arnold Road all year long.

The park is recognized for its connection to the Underground Railroad via the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Such designation is aimed at the places with significant ties to the Underground Railroad, the effort of enslaved African Americans to become free by flight from their bondage.

The trailhead for the park's 5-mile linear trail is in the visitor parking lot off of Arnold Road. Plans to extend the trail from Manchester to Brooklyn are underway.

Trails

Watkins Lake - Hiking Trail
Trail Length: 5.00 (Miles)

About the Area

Don't miss other state parks in the Irish Hills: Within 10 miles, there are two other state parks that offer different experiences. Hayes State Park offers camping, a swimming beach, a recreational lake, concessions, trails and much more. Cambridge Junction Historic State Park is home to the Walker Tavern Historic Site, a farmer's market, a reconstructed 1840s barn, vintage baseball games and more.

Activities (Display as List)

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Paddling is allowed May 16 to Aug. 31.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing

Facilities (Display as List)

Observation Platform Item is accessible.
Observation Platform: There is an observation hill, located on the north end of the lake, overlooking Watkins Lake. There is a hiking path along the rail-trail.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: There are a few picnic tables along the shoreline.
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park is set along no-wake Watkins Lake, which is a designated waterfowl refuge. Access to the lake isrestricted to reduce disturbance to resting and feeding waterfowl during the spring and fall migration seasons, Sept. 1 through Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 through May 15.