Dodge #4 State Park, just a 30-mile drive from Detroit, is best known for its sandy beach and 1-mile stretch of shoreline along Cass Lake. This 1,280-acre natural lake is the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan and considered one of the busiest recreational lakes in the region. The park is a draw for anglers, boaters, paddlers and those who want to enjoy the swim beach.
The land that now comprises the state park was donated to the State of Michigan by the Dodge Brothers Corporation in 1922.
If you have have questions about your upcoming visit, please email DNR-PRD-Dodge4@Michigan.gov.
A boating access site and a carry-in kayak launch, which is part of the accessible pier, are both located in the near the swim beach.
Please note that watercraft can't enter the buoyed swim area and vehicles without trailers must park in the Bay parking area.
There is an accessible fishing pier on Cass Lake, which includes an accessible carry-in kayak launch. Please remember to clean up all fishing tackle equipment because wildlife tends to get caught in stray fishing line / hooks.
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area. There is an accessible walkway to the water from the beach.
The park is located on a peninsula on the north shore of Cass Lake, the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan. This 1,280-acre natural lake is considered one of the busiest recreational lakes in the region.
You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time in the park, (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
The beach house is in the park’s day-use area and includes restrooms. There is an adjacent area for rotating food trucks that generally run Fridays and Saturdays Memorial Day through Labor Day.
There is a crushed limestone trail throughout the park that is suitable for biking.
Food concessions are available via the rotating food trucks outside the beach house in the day-use area (generally open Fridays through Saturdays Memorial Day through Labor Day). There are watercraft rentals available near the designated swim beach.
Anglers fish the 150-acre Cass Lake from the shoreline, the pier and boats.
Multiple launch points are available for paddlers. The pier features an accessible kayak launch. While all watercraft can launch from the boating access site, it often fills up by 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Please note that watercraft can't enter the buoyed swim area.
There is a pet-friendly beach just outside the buoyed swim area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
There are multiple areas within the park that include picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
The accessible Bay Picnic Shelter includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. The Hill Shelter has access to modern restrooms and electrical service. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
