Yankee Spring's terrain, punctuated by bogs, marshes and tranquil lakes, offers a haven for outdoor adventure. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails wind through the park, catering to explorers of all abilities. Two buoyed swim areas invite relaxation, while picnic shelters and accessible fishing piers provide comfort and convenience. The park's 10 lakes beckon anglers, boaters and paddlers to enjoy their waters.
For a unique experience, visit Devil's Soupbowl, a captivating glacial formation, or enjoy the breathtaking views from Graves Hill Overlook. The park is home to a modern campground and dedicated campgrounds for equestrian groups and youth organizations.
The park is steeped 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.
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.
The accessible beach house is in the Gun Lake day-use area and includes restrooms, food concessions and paddlesport rentals.
There are developed and undeveloped boating access sites on Deep, Chief Noonday, Gun (accessible), Green (accessible), Payne, Hall, Williams and Long lakes and a carry-down launch on McDonald Lake.
Yankee Bill’s, located in the beach house in the Gun Lake day-use area, sells firewood, ice, hot food, camping items and more.
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 the boating access site at any time (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).
An equestrian day-use area features pull-through parking, a water pump, vault toilets, tie-up poles, one manure pit and access to the equestrian trails.
The park is popular with anglers, and the many inland lakes found throughout the park include excellent panfish, northern pike, muskie and bass fishing.
A universally accessible fishing pier is located on Gun Lake (coming 2025 ). A second fishing pier is on Deep Lake.
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.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
The park’s many inland lakes are popular with paddlers.
Pets are allowed along the park’s various lakes, except for the designated swim beaches. 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 picnic area, located in the Gun Lake day-use area, includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served.
There are two picnic shelters located in the day-use area that include picnic tables, charcoal grills, electrical service (reservations only) and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MiDNRReservations.com.
The park is open to snowmobiling on open land (backcountry snowmobiling). Snowmobiles are prohibited on designated foot trails and in campground areas.
There are buoyed swim areas in the Gun Lake day-use area. There is an accessible beach wheelchair available to use.
The park is set along the east side of Gun Lake. The park is home to several other inland lakes popular with anglers and paddlers.
The modern campground includes a combination of shaded, semi-shaded and open-air sites set along Gun Lake. It’s located near a buoyed swim beach, a boating access site and trails. There is 20/30-amp electrical service available on each site and a sanitation station.
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This rustic campground offers is situated near the mountain bike parking lot/trailhead and the Deep Lake Boating Access Site. Vault toilets and hand pump water sources are conveniently located throughout the campground. Alcohol use is prohibited.
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This rustic campground offers is situated near the mountain bike parking lot/trailhead and the Deep Lake Boating Access Site. Vault toilets and hand pump water sources are conveniently located throughout the campground. Alcohol use is prohibited.
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There are four rustic cabins part of the historic Chief Noonday Outdoor Center and overlooks Chief Noonday Lake, a no-wake lake with abundant fishing and a boat launch on the shore opposite the cabin area.
Bear Den cabin – sleeps 6:
The cabin has a sleeping area and eating nook, and is equipped with bunk beds, dining table and chairs, benches, a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, a ceiling fan and fireplace. Linens and kitchen supplies are not provided. Picnic table and fire ring are located outside. Distance to vault toilet is 100 ft. A hand water pump is available on entrance road. Distance to lake is 30 yards.
Chickadee cabin – sleeps 4:
The cabin has a sleeping area and is equipped with bunk beds, benches, electric heat, microwave and coffee maker. Linens and kitchen supplies are not provided. Picnic table and fire ring are located outside. Hand pump is located on entrance road. Distance to vault toilets is 20 ft. Distance to water supply is 200 yards. Distance to lake is 20 ft.
Crane House cabin – sleeps 8:
This cabin is also known as the Jee-Jak Wigwam. The cabin has a sleeping area, a breakfast nook and electricity. It is equipped with bunk beds, a dining table and chairs, benches, lamps, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and ceiling fan. Linens and kitchen supplies are not provided. A large stone fireplace is part of the cabin and visitors can use it from inside or outside. Picnic table and a fire ring are located outside. Distance to vault toilet is 100 ft. A hand water pump is available on entrance road. Distance to lake is 30 yds and parking is adjacent to the facility.
Deer Lodge cabin – sleeps 8:
This cabin has a sleeping area and breakfast nook, and is equipped with bunk beds, a dining table and chairs, benches, lamps, a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, ceiling fan and fireplace. Linens and kitchen supplies are not provided. Picnic table and fire ring are located outside. Distance to vault toilets is 100 ft. A hand water pump is available on entrance road. Distance to lake is 30 yds.
There are four semi-rustic, one-room cabins that are all part of the historic Chief Noonday Outdoor Center. The cabins are set along Chief Noonday Lake.
The cabins have electricity and electric heat but no running water. You’ll find a mini refrigerator, a microwave, eating nooks, tables/chairs, a coffee maker and a ceiling fan. A picnic table, a fire pit and a waist-high cook grill can be found outdoors. A hand water pump is available on the entrance road. A vault toilet is located at each unit.
You must provide your own linens and cooking supplies.
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The group-use campground is in the first loop of the Deep Lake rustic campground. There are four camping site areas that are considered more secluded and shaded. Each site includes a campfire ring and picnic tables and is set along Deep Lake. A hand pump for water is available.
Call the park for reservations.
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