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Ionia State Recreation Area
Ionia State Recreation Area
Located between Grand Rapids and Lansing, Ionia Recreation Area offers 4,500 acres of diverse landscape, including rolling hills, open meadows, mature forests, and wetlands. The park features a scenic lake, winding river and abundant wildlife habitat.
Popular activities include camping in the modern campground and cabins, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking and disc golf. With over 199 bird species identified by the Audubon Society, and plentiful wildflowers, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Beach house
Boat launch
Fishing pier
Modern restrooms
Track chair
Cross-country skiing
Disc golf
Dog trial area
Equestrian
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Metal detecting
Mountain biking
Nature programs
Paddling
Pet-friendly features
Picnic area
Sanitation station
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Vault toilet
Water access
Beach house
The beach house is in centrally located on the beach and includes restrooms.
Boat launch
An accessible boating access site provides access to Sessions Lake (second right inside the park). For carry-down access to the Grand River, proceed to Riverside Picnic Area on Riverside Drive.
Fishing pier
An accessible fishing pier is in Point Picnic Area.
Modern restrooms
Modern restrooms are available in the beach house building.
Track chair
The park's track chair expands access beyond traditional wheelchairs. The chair is available for visitors to borrow at no cost.
Cross-country skiing
Disc golf
A 24-hole course is open year-round.
Dog trial area
Three dog field trial areas are available. Hunting dogs may be trained year-round. Field dog competitions are held throughout the year. This activity is coordinated with Ionia Field Trial Grounds Association.
Equestrian
Horseback riders can enjoy 15 miles of trails on the Ionia Equestrian Trail, test their skills on the 10-challenge equine confidence course (with bypasses), and utilize a warm-up arena near the day-use staging area.
Fishing
A variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, panfish, walleye and channel catfish, are found in Session Lake. Additionally, a number of species are found in the Grand River and two creeks, including Sessions and Tibbets creeks.
Hiking
Hunting
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
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.
Mountain biking
Nature programs
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.
Paddling
Paddling is popular on the Grand River and Sessions Lake. Carry-down access is located on the Grand River (just outside the Riverside Picnic Area on Riverside Drive).
Pet-friendly features
Pets are allowed along the entire length of the shoreline with the exception of the buoyed swim area. Pets must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles
Picnic area
Two picnic areas are available in the day-use area, including picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. There are accessible picnic tables the beach building foyer.
Sanitation station
The park’s sanitation station is located near the entrance to the campground. There is potable water available and two lanes.
Snowmobiling
The park is open to snowmobiling when there is appropriate snow depth. Snowmobiles are prohibited on park trails and in campground areas.
Snowshoeing
Swimming
A buoyed swim area is in the park’s day-use area.
Vault toilet
Water access
The park is set along Sessions Lake and the Grand River (north border of the park).
Stay overnight
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Ionia Modern Campground
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Ionia Rustic Equestrian Campground
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Ionia Beechwood Rustic Hike-in Campground
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Ionia Camper Cabins
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Ionia Mini Cabins
Trails & area maps
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Interactive map
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Printable PDF maps
Upcoming events
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.