Get Outdoors at Island Lake State Recreation Area
Island Lake State Recreation Area is a sprawling park with biking, walking, and hiking trails, as well as swimming, boating, and fishing areas. It’s one of the best places in Brighton, Michigan for outdoor sports and fun and it’s only a short drive from Brighton. Discover why Island Lake is a top attraction for both residents and tourists alike.
One of the Biggest Parks in Michigan
Island Lake State Recreation Area is a 4,000-acre park maintained by the state of Michigan. It’s one of the largest and most visited parks in the state. The terrain at Island Lake Recreation Area combines open meadows with hardwood forests and open brush, allowing for a variety of activities. The trails at Island Lake also link up with Kensington Metro Park, making it easily accessible by bike or on foot.
The park is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and has employees on-site to help with anything you might need on your visit and maintain the high quality of the Island Lake Recreation Area for all to enjoy.
Activities and Amenities at Island Lake
Island Lake is the only state park in Michigan with a hot air balloon port, letting you get a bird’s eye view over Brighton and parts of Detroit. Balloons usually take off early in the morning or late evening.
Island Lake also has a swimming beach, paddle-in camping area, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, metal detecting, fishing, mountain biking trails, kayaking, and canoeing. Once you discover Island Lake, uou will always have something to do in Brighton! In addition to picnicking and campsites, the park also has rustic cabins for rent. The park is also a great place for families and pets — with so many trails your dog will love going on walks here!
Plan Your Visit
Island Lake Recreation Area is located at 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116. The park is open year-round and every day from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. It’s usually the busiest on weekends, around the middle of the afternoon. It’s a large enough area, though, that you shouldn’t have trouble finding space to spread out even if you do go on a Saturday.
The park is only an 8-minute drive from downtown Brighton and a 42-minute drive from the center of Detroit. Situated right by the crossing of interstate 96 and highway 23, it’s not a difficult park to get to. Once you arrive, there’s also plenty of parking.
