Wilderness State Park

Waves lap the beach at Wilderness State Park, which has 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Wilderness State Park covers 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. This is a geologically "new" area, formed 2,000 years ago by shifting sand dunes.

Sixteen miles of hiking trails, ranging from a quarter of a mile to 5.5 miles, explore the wilderness. Particularly scenic is the 1.25-mile Red Pine Trail that travels through dune and swamp habitats.

Red and white pines and rare wildflowers make the route especially scenic. The Dwarf Lake iris and calypso orchid, which bloom in spring, are sought out by photographers.

The forest is home to pileated woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbits, red fox, coyote, bald eagle and the rare ring-necked snake. Loons and endangered piping plover are also seen.

Fishermen come for the smallmouth bass and perch. Canoeing on Lake Michigan can be rough except in the best of weather. Paddlers prefer the Straits of Mackinac or nearby Crane and Temperance islands.

The park has a beach, boat launch and campground. Six rustic cabins, including some on Lake Michigan's shoreline, can be rented.