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Hartwick Pines Visitor Center

A sign that reads Michigan Forest Visitor Center Old Growth Forest in front of a wood staircase with trees in background

Hartwick Pines Visitor Center

Hartwick Pines Visitor Center

989-348-2537

Craig Kasmer, interpreter
kasmerc@michigan.gov

 

Hours of Operation

Visitor center hours:

  • Jan. 2 - April 30: Sat, Sun 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • May 1 - Labor Day: Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Labor Day - Nov. 14: Sat, Sun 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Nov. 15 - Dec. 31: Closed

Logging Museum hours:

  • May 1 - Labor Day: Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Labor Day - Oct. 31: Sat, Sun 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Nov. 1 - April 30: Closed

Located within Hartwick Pines State Park, the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center draws thousands of visitors, campers and school children each year to see one of Michigan's last stands of majestic, old-growth pine forest. Miles of trails offer hikers of all ages and abilities the chance to explore the diverse wildlife and forest landscapes. The year-round, accessible visitor center is a gateway to the towering pine forest and the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum.

Visitor center and park information

  • Hartwick Pines State Park, located in Grayling, is one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. Rich in scenic beauty and diverse habitats, the park features 49 acres of old-growth pine forest, 21 miles of trails, four small lakes and unique timber lands.

    Visit the Hartwick Pines State Park webpage for information about the park's campgrounds, trails, amenities and more.

  • Inside the 1,500-square-foot exhibit hall, visitors will find hands-on exhibits and a talking "living tree" that tell the story of "Michigan's Forests ... Past, Present and Future."

    The self-guided tour takes you on a journey through time that begins with the Ice Age and ends with a look at how Michigan's healthy forest lands of today are growing more trees each year than are harvested. Six interpretive areas focus on different aspects of the forest.

    The center also has an auditorium that holds 105 guests and a classroom that holds up to 35 guests (call for reservations).

  • Friends of Hartwick Pines

    The Friends of Hartwick Pines is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support recreational activities, assist in the protection of the natural resources, and provide financial support for the interpretive programming and other park improvements. For more information or to become a member, call 989-348-6924.

    Friends of Hartwick Pines' bookstore

    The bookstore is operated by the Friends of Hartwick Pines and offers materials that help to enhance our visitors' experience at Hartwick Pines, including books on Michigan's natural resources, a full array of field guides, historical books specializing on Michigan's white pine logging era, children's books and turn-of-the-century children's toys, as well as bird feeders, bug spray, sweatshirts and T-shirts, snacks and much more.

  • The Logging Museum, located in Hartwick Pines State Park, depicts the state’s 19th-century logging era, an industry that changed Michigan’s landscape, people and economy in ways that can still be seen today.

    Visit the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum webpage for museum hours and information.

Programs for families and classrooms

Our education staff has put together a series of live, virtual lessons for teachers to book for their classrooms, and a wide variety of videos, virtual tours, activities and webinars for children to do at home.

Learn more about these resources at Michigan.gov/DNREducation.

Programs for the public

Fun, educational programs available throughout the year.

Upcoming programs

School programs

Bring your students for a great field trip experience.

Field trips available