Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southern Michigan, Highland Recreation Area is home to 10-plus inland lakes, a designated swim beach, picnic areas, a boating access site, dog trial areas, a radio-controlled flying field and much more. The park also boasts an impressive 44 miles of trails, open to equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers.
History buffs will appreciate the remnants of the Ford family estate, once a private retreat for the renowned industrialist Edsel Ford.
The park has all of southern Michigan's principal forest types within one small area and is home to a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, such as warblers, wildflowers and other unique flora and fauna. The Haven Hill Natural Area showcases the region's diverse ecosystems, from swamp forests to hardwood stands.
An accessible beach house, located in the day-use area on Teeple Lake, includes restrooms and a picnic shelter.
There are three picnic shelters (located near Teeple Lake, Goose Meadow picnic site and Dodge #10 unit) that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (except the Goose Meadow site) and modern restrooms (except the Goose Meadow site). Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
Biking is allowed on the Cedar Creek Trail.
There are 11 miles of trail open to horseback riding.
The park’s 10-plus inland lakes are popular with anglers.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
The park’s 10-plus, no-wake inland lakes are popular with paddlers.
Pets are allowed along park’s lakes except for the designated swim beach. 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.
The RC Flying Field is located on Teeple Lake Road, just east of Duck Lake Road. The field is often used by the United Flying Organization.
The park is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling), except for the day-use areas and campgrounds and field trial areas.
A bouyed swim area is in the day-use area at Teeple Lake.
Highland's Rustic and Equestrian Campground offers 25 campsites open to both equestrian and nonequestrian campers. Each site features a picket pole, fire ring and picnic table. While there are no modern restrooms, vault toilets and a water pump providing potable water are available. There are two accessible sites outfitted with concrete pads (sites 20 and 21).
From the campground, visitors can access the Cedar Creek Trail, which connects to the park's 44-mile trail system, including the equestrian trails.
The equestrian campground and trails are maintained with the help of Highland Trail Riders Association.
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The rustic group-use site is available for groups of up to 100 people. The campground provides picnic tables, a fire ring and a vault toilet.
Reservations can be made by calling the park office.
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The Bass Lake Lodge is located at 700 Pettibone Lake Road.
Accommodating up to six guests, the park's lodge includes two bedrooms and a loft (that includes two full beds and bunk beds), a full bathroom, a full kitchen, a family room and a dining room. It also includes an electric fireplace, a TV and DVD player, a furnace, and a seasonal AC unit. The kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, a stove, dishes, cutlery, cookware, a microwave, a blender, a coffee maker and a toaster. For added convenience, a basement and a deck are also available. Venture outdoors to enjoy a charcoal grill, a fire ring, and picnic tables.
During the summer, kayaks, a rowboat, paddles and life jackets are provided.
Bedding and towels are not provided. Visitors are expected to tidy up before departure.
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While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
