Monroe County Parks
Parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide a wide variety of opportunities for physical and psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our county and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work.
Sterling State Park
William C. Sterling State Park is best known as the only Michigan park on Lake Erie. The park’s 1,300 acres include more than 1 mile of sandy beach, boating and shore fishing on Lake Erie, a fishing lagoon, lakefront camping, wildlife viewing and 7 miles of trails. The park is well known for its walleye fishing, three lagoons and sandy beachfront near the mouth of Sandy Creek.
Pointe Mouillee State Game encompasses 7,483 acres of hunting, recreational, and protected wildlife and wetland at the mouth of the Huron River on Lake Erie. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is a popular location for hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. Hiking and biking are common activities along the artificial dike and marshlands.
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge was established in 2001 as a result of bi-national efforts from politicians, conservation leaders, and local communities to build a sustainable future for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie ecosystems. Because of this collaboration, international status was given to the refuge — making it the first of its kind in North America. The refuge consists of nearly 6,000 acres of unique habitat, including islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, and waterfront lands within an authorized boundary extending along 48 miles of shoreline.
Erie Marsh Preserve
Located on North Maumee Bay, Erie Marsh Preserve supports numerous animals and plants that would otherwise be hard-pressed to find suitable habitat. This sprawling preserve plays a huge role as a migratory and nesting area for shorebirds, waterfowl, landbirds and, in the fall, raptors. No matter the time of year, Erie Marsh Preserve is a birding hotspot.
Monroe has an impressive amount of parks and recreation land – around 300 acres, in addition to the non-motorized River Raisin Heritage Trail. Parks contain a wide variety of recreation amenities, including picnic facilities, hiking, athletic fields, concert venues, war memorials, fishing, kayaking, boat launch, open space, and historical sites.
Other Nearby Parks
Lake Erie Metropark
Three miles of captivating shoreline await you here at Lake Erie Metropark. Enjoy 1,607 acres of exceptional views that you’ll only find on a Great Lake, along with plenty of opportunities for recreation. With trails for hiking, paved trails for biking, 18 holes of regulation golf, the “Great Wave” pool, cross-country skiing and some of the best birding in Southeast Michigan, you’ll find great ways to move, learn and enjoy nature all year long.
Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve is a 1,050 acre mitigated wetland that was built to replace wetlands loss during the Detroit Metropolitan Airport expansion. The park consists of open marsh, wet meadows, forested wetlands, and upland forests. The park trail system and boardwalks allow park visitors viewing opportunities of a variety of wildlife. Crosswinds Marsh is open every day and park entrance is free.