Aug 12, 2022

Located just 8 miles east of Ann Arbor and 35 miles west of Detroit, the city of Ypsilanti, MI, is a great base to explore the wonders that Michigan has to offer. If you are searching for new destinations to visit in your 2022 Honda Odyssey, these are three sprawling state parks where you can enjoy some time in nature and go picnicking with your family and friends.

1. Seven Lakes State Park

Boasting a large variety of ecosystems and featuring beautiful forests, rolling hills, and expansive farmlands, Seven Lakes State Park is a well-known weekend destination among Ypsilanti residents and visitors from all over the state. Covering a little under 1,500 acres, this public recreation area is a great spot for fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, selective hunting, and other sports and outdoor activities.

Located a little over 50 miles north of downtown Ypsilanti, Seven Lakes State Park can be reached in less than an hour by car along route US-23. Established in 1971 and managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this state park is also a popular camping destination, featuring well-equipped campsites and shelters with public grills, electric plugs, drinking water, modern bathrooms, and showers.

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2. Marybury State Park

Spanning an area of about 950 acres, Marybury State Park is a scenic nature reserve that features open meadows, thick forests, and rolling hills that host a wide variety of wildlife species. Established in the early 1970s, this public recreation area is located about 18 miles northeast of downtown Ypsilanti and can be reached in about half an hour by car along Prospect Road and Curtis Road.

While Marybury State Park is a great destination for anyone wanting to take a break from the city, it also offers excellent opportunities for numerous outdoor sports and activities, including fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, and photography. Featuring a large network of well-maintained trails, this place is also a great spot for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

3. William C. Sterling State Park

The only Michigan state park located along the shores of Lake Erie, William C. Sterling State Park is another fantastic weekend destination. Covering about 1,300 acres, this nature reserve opened its doors to the public in 1935 and features a 256-site campground, public boat launches, fishing piers, and a swimming beach. Getting here from downtown Ypsilanti takes about 40 minutes by car along routes I-94 and I-275.

Are you looking for a local dealership to buy a new or used car and go on a cross-country adventure with your friends or family? Visit us today at Fischer Honda! Book a test drive, talk to one of our friendly agents and learn about the latest deals we have available for you.