Yankee Springs Recreation Area

To address Hall Lake Dam deficiencies, a proposed solution to lower the lake's elevation while still preserving outdoor recreation at a new, lower lake elevation is being planned. Find additional info, FAQ, proposed schematic design & more.

Address

2104 S. Briggs Road
Middleville MI, 49333

Phone

269-795-9081
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

5200 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

Yankee Spring's unique beauty and landscape lend the park's 5,200 acres to many forms of recreation, such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing, swimming and much more. View driving directions.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

Yankee Spring's rugged terrain, bogs, marshes, lakes and streams, lend itself to many forms of recreation outdoor recreation, including 30 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of mountain bike trails, 10 miles of horseback trails, two public beaches, picnic shelters and two universally accessible fishing piers (one at Gun Lake and one at Deep Lake). In addition, cross-county skiing on more than 10 acres of Nordic ski trails, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing are available in the winter. All together, nine lakes are located within the park boundaries and provide excellent opportunities for fishing and water sports of all kinds.

The park is home to a modern campground on the shore of beautiful Gun Lake and rustic camping at Deep Lake, as well as equestrian and youth organization campgrounds. Three special points of interest include Devil's Soupbowl (a glacially carved kettle formation), Graves Hill Overlook and the Pines

The park is stepped in history as it was once the hunting grounds of the Algonquin Indians and the famous Chieftain, Chief Noonday. The site was established in 1835 and the village was made famous by Yankee Bill Lewis who owned and operated a hotel along the stagecoach run from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.

Thanks to the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance for helping maintain the park's mountain bike trail.

Campgrounds

Yankee Springs Deep Lake-Rustic: 800-447-2757
(78)
Yankee Springs Gun Lake-Modern: 800-447-2757
(200)
Yankee Springs-Equestrian Campground: 269-795-9081
(25)
Yankee Springs-Group Use Area: 269-795-9081
(0)
Yankee Springs-Rustic Cabins: 800-447-2757
(4)

Trails

Yankee Springs-Chief Noonday Trail: Trail Length: 4.00 (Miles)
Yankee Springs-Equestrian Trail: Trail Length: 10.00 (Miles)
Yankee Springs-Gun Lake Trail: Trail Length: 0.50 (Miles)
Yankee Springs-Hall Lake Trail: Trail Length: 2.00 (Miles)
Yankee Springs-Long Lake Trail: Trail Length: 5.20 (Miles)
Yankee Springs-Mountain Bike Trail: Trail Length: 12.00 (Miles)
Yankee Springs-Sassafras Nature Trail: Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)
Yankee-Springs-Deep Lake Trail: Trail Length: 4.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

For more information about the Long Lake Outdoor Center and Cabin Rentals, please visit www.longlakeoutdoorcenter.com.

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the 1) Gun Lake day-use area April 1 through Labor Day or 2) Deep Lake campground, mountain bike parking lot and boating access site 8-18 at any time (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing: The wide diversity of terrain attracts skiers from the first timer to the expert.

Equestrian

Equestrian: The park is home to equestrian camping and 10 miles of trail, including the 4-Mile Trail (bridle trial), the 6-Mile Trail and the 9-Mile Trail, which sits on both park and game area lands. Equstrian trails are managed and maintained by the Yankee Springs Trail Riders Association.

Fishing

Fishing:

A barrier-free fishing pier provides access to the Gun Lake Channel.

Hiking

Hiking: See additional information about specific hiking trails. The Gun Lake Trail is the only trail that meets federal accessability standards. The North Country Trail includes six miles within the recreation area. This national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan.

Hunting

Hunting: About 3500 of the area's 5200 acres are open to hunting during regular, established hunting seasons. In addition, the recreation area is adjacent to the 13,000 acre Barry State Game Area which is managed primarily as a wildlife and hunting area. Wildlife is abundant, with deer and waterfowl hunting being the most popular. Small game hunting is primarily for rabbit, squirrel, woodcock and ruffed grouse. The wild turkey population is also becoming very well established. There are nine lakes within the State Recreation Area boundaries with all but two open to waterfowl hunting.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking: The 12-mile mountain biking trail, which includes a four-mile loop of the Deep Lake Trail, leads through some of the most rugged hills in the area. See trail listings for additional information.

Nature Programs

Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

Paddlesports

Paddlesports

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling:

Swimming

Swimming

Watchable Wildlife

Watchable Wildlife

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch

Boat Launch: Launch sites are available on Deep Lake and from the day-use area of Gun Lake. Non-accessble launch sites are located at Payne Lake, Hall Lake, Williams Lake, Long Lake and a remote access site at McDonald Lake.