Experience adventure by choice or by chance in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. From city and county parks, to area preserves and zip line courses, central Michigan offers fun for every type of adventurer. Thrill seekers, hikers, bikers and wildlife lovers will fall in love with the area’s beautiful outdoors. What follows is a list of our top outdoor adventures in Mt. Pleasant.
1. Deerfield Nature Park – Isabella County Park
Dubbed the most beautiful place in Isabella County by Pure Michigan – you should believe the hype. With more than eight miles of hiking and biking trails, Deerfield Nature Park is perfect for adventurers. Groomed trails guide you down a path along the Chippewa River, leading to the famous Covered Bridge. Combine two of our favorite things, physical activity and friendly competition, with a round of disc golf at one of Deerfield’s two courses.
2. Meridian County Park
Hikers, runners and fishing enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Meridian Park attractions include: Chippewa River access, hiking trails, excellent river fishing, a canoe landing, wildflowers, wetland area and diverse vegetation. This 145-acre park is a favorite among trail runners. Located on Meridian Road, south of M-20; for directions, click here.
3. GKB Riverwalk Trail
Enjoy five of Mt. Pleasant’s city parks in one afternoon with the help of the GKB Riverwalk Trail/Access Adventure Trail. This two-mile trail connects our community’s most famous parks, from Chipp-A-Waters Park (south of High Street) to Pickens Field (a neighbor to Island Park in Downtown Mt. Pleasant).
4. City Parks
Experience the community’s top attractions, the city parks along riverfront trails. Our recommendations:
Family fun: Island Park
Dog lovers: Mission Creek Woodland Park
Quiet & scenic: Chipp-A-Waters Park
Picnics: Nelson Park
Easy access to Downtown Mt. Pleasant: Island Park, Nelson Park and Mill Pond Park
Connected to the GKB Riverwalk Trail/Access Trail: Chipp-A-Waters Park, Island Park, Mill Pond Park, Nelson Park and Pickens Field.
5. Bundy Hill Preserve – CWC Preserve
Explore Bundy Hill Preserve, home to Mt. Pleasant’s elusive mountain, a.k.a. the tallest point in Isabella County. With an aim to create the best hiking experience in central Michigan, the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) staff and volunteers work year-round to maintain and restore trails, leading up Bundy Hill. The preserve features four trails, ranging from “easy” to “more difficult”, that allows adventurers to choose their path to the summit.
6. Audubon Woods Preserve – CWC Preserve
With over 110 different species of birds observed in this area, the Audubon Woods Preserve is great for bird watchers and wildlife lovers. This 40-acre preserve features more than 1/4-mile of scenic Chippewa River frontage and a series of winding footpaths perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing and fishing.
7. Chippewa River
Meet Michigan’s laziest stream, the Chippewa River. With more than 80 miles of river, there’s plenty of opportunities to master miles and miles of winding waters via tube, kayak, canoe or paddle board; the Chippewa River is perfect for a leisurely river trip with friends and family. Experience true tranquility of nature, you may even spot a bald eagle and other wildlife around the bend.
8. Snow Snake Ski & Golf Zip Line Tours – Harrison, Michigan
Thrill seekers, grab your helmet and get ready for ride! Snow Snake Zip Line Tours consists of 10 unique and exciting zip lines that go through think forested canopies. Be sure to keep your eyes open, as you soar over valleys at speeds reaching 20-30 miles per hour!
Start planning your next outdoor adventure to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with our adventure suggestions, here.
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