The park is jointly managed by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the DNR.
Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is best known for its quiet serenity, scenic lake, 5-mile walking trail, bird-watching opportunities and many other draws. The property features beautiful rolling land covered in a mixture of open meadow, mixed hardwoods, low wetland areas, open water and the property's most popular feature, Watkins Lake. The park has significant historical value because Royal and Sally Carpenter Watkins, who first farmed the land, played a key role in the Underground Railroad.
Due to important bird habitat, the lake and adjacent land is a designated waterfowl refuge and closed Feb. 15-May 15 and Sept. 1-Jan. 1. The refuge area is marked (in a hashed red line) on the map; however, wildlife viewing is available along Arnold Road all year long.
The park is recognized for its connection to the Underground Railroad via the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Such designation is aimed at the places with significant ties to the Underground Railroad, the effort of enslaved African Americans to become free by flight from their bondage.
The trailhead for the park's 5-mile linear trail is in the visitor parking lot off of Arnold Road. Plans to extend the trail from Manchester to Brooklyn are underway.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
There is an observation hill, located on the north end of the lake, overlooking Watkins Lake. There is a hiking path along the rail-trail.
Paddling is allowed May 16 to Aug. 31.
There are a few picnic tables along the shoreline.
The park is set along no-wake Watkins Lake, which is a designated waterfowl refuge. Access to the lake is restricted to reduce disturbance to resting and feeding waterfowl during the spring and fall migration seasons, Sept. 1 through Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 through May 15.
