Wilderness State Park is located about 11 miles southwest of Mackinaw City and is a nature lover's paradise. It has over 8,000 acres and 26 miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline. It's home to many unusual flowers, wide open spaces, wetlands, and dense forests. There are campsites for those wishing to spend the night, 16 miles of trails for those who want to squeeze some hiking into their vacation, and 20 miles of cross country skiing trails. Because of the diverse landscape in the park, there is a variety of wildlife. Open pockets of wetlands and small ponds scattered throughout the park make the perfect habitat for black bears, bobcats, coyotes, mink, muskrats, otters, snowshoe hares, white-tailed deer, beavers, ruffed grouse, ducks, geese, and more.
Visitors are also welcome to fish, hunt (during the correct seasons), boat, picnic, and more. Both hunters and hikers would do well to bring a map and compass and wear blaze orange clothing.
