Huron-Clinton Metroparks

- Activities A-M
- Activities N-Z

Astronomy at the Beach
September 10 & 11 - 6 pm to midnight
Discover the wonders of astronomy at Maple Beach by viewing objects through telescopes and binoculars, watch a comet making demo, children's activities, astronomy talks/speakers, visit a Starlab Planetarium and much more! Click here for more info.

About The Park

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the best of Michigan’s great outdoors, with Kensington Metropark, one of the most popular parks in Michigan. Kensington’s 4,481 sprawling acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounds beautiful Kent Lake, and is home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl. Kensington Metropark offers a multitude of recreational activities throughout the year, from biking and boating to cross-country skiing and tobogganing. In addition to striking sunrises and sunsets, 1,200-acre Kent Lake offers plenty of fun activities: swim at Martindale or Maple beaches, get soaked at the Splash ‘n’ Blast, or just spend the day fishing, boating or picnicking along the water. Take a tour of the lake aboard the Island Queen II in the summer and fall. Or, enjoy a winter day ice-fishing or skating on frozen lake waters. This first-class recreational area also features an 18-hole regulation golf course, 27-hole disc course, nature center, farm center, beautiful picnic areas and scenic hiking and biking trails for hours of enjoyment. With two and a half million visitors every year Kensington Metropark is a favorite place to enjoy Michigan’s natural treasures.
Vehicle Entry Permit
Annual	$25
Seniors (62+)	$15
Daily	$5
Joint Permit*	$48
Annual Boats	$30
Senior Boats (62+)	$15
Daily Boat Launch	$5

*The 2010 Joint Permit for Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Oakland County Parks offers entry to all parks within both park systems.

Park Activities

Biking

Hit the trails along our paved, eight and one half mile path lined with gentle hills, a few challenging inclines and miles of panoramic views surrounding picturesque Kent Lake. Helmet use is required by local ordinance for cyclists, in-line skaters and anyone using a wheeled device on a paved hike/bike trail. Skateboards and mountain boards are not permitted in the metropark.

Birding

From rolling meadows and deciduous woodlands to marshes, lakes and an ancient bog, the variety of habitats at Kensington Metropark attract more than 170 resident and migratory birds each year. Stroll along the boardwalk on Wildwing Lake and you may spy a colony of great blue herons in the rookery or a bald eagle flying above. Experience the thrill of hand-feeding black-capped chickadees sunflower seeds in the winter. Volunteers help maintain bluebird nest boxes throughout the park. Interpreters offer seasonal birding programs year round including butterfly and hummingbird gardening, fall migration, bird walks, owl prowls and more. Celebrate majestic blue herons at the annual Heron Fest each spring. Interpreters maintain a bird species list. For more information contact 248-685-0603.

Boat Rental

Navigate through open water in a paddleboat, glide past Martindale Beach in a kayak or fish near Labadie Island in a rowboat at Kensington Metropark. Paddleboats, kayaks and rowboats are available at the boat rental building near Maple Beach. Special senior rates apply (weekdays only except holidays). Life jackets provided. A $20 deposit and driver’s license is required for rentals. The Boat Rental is open daily 7 am - 8:30 pm. The last boat rental of the day is one hour before closing.

Boat Rental Fees (Cash only; checks and credit cards are not accepted.)

Kayak

$5/hour - 1 person kayak
$7/hour - 2 person kayak

Paddleboats
$10/hour - 4 passenger

Rowboat
$5/hour (maximum $20)

Senior rate - Weekdays only (except holidays) $4/hour (maximum $15)

You may bring your own outboard motor; we do not rent them. Maximum 6 horsepower motor allowed on 12’ rowboat. Maximum 10 horsepower motor allowed on 14’ rowboat.

Cushions/life jackets - $1

Cushions/life jacket deposit - $5

Boating and Launching

Get quick access to Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark with 10 ramps at the East Boat Launch, 6 ramps at the West Boat Launch. A 10 M.P.H. speed limit is enforced. A Metropark Boat Launch Permit, in addition to your vehicle permit, is required for boats which are trailered in and can be purchased at the Metropark tollbooth or Park Office. If your boat (canoe, kayak or rowboat) is transported into the park in or on your vehicle you do not have to purchase a Boat Launch Permit. Boats are not permitted on Wildwing Lake or Kingfisher Lagoon.

Boat Launch Permit

Annual - $30

Seniors - $15

Daily - $5

Boat Slips

There are 93 slips available for rent each season. Slips are located in three separate areas; East Boat Launch, Mitten Bay and the Boat Rental. Boats may be docked beginning May 1st (unless inadequate rainfall postpones this date - you will be notified in advance if this occurs). Dockage decals expire October 31st. Boats must be removed on or before this date so that the water level can be lowered to the winter level. Metropark Vehicle and Boat Launching Permits are required all year. Contact the Park Office for availability at 248-685-1561.

Boat Slip Rental - Space Per Season

Class A 78-96” width, length up to 24” - $500

Class B 66-77” width, length up to 20” - $425

Class C 54-65”width, length up to 18” - $350

Camping

Organized groups can camp under the stars in the group camp area of Kensington Metropark. Day and overnight camping is available for organized youth groups. Full details are available by contacting the Kensington Park Office at 248-685-1561. Camping permit is required.

Group Campsite (youth groups only)

Permit - $30

Camporees/Jamborees - $30 per group per site

Canoeing and Kayaking

There’s a lot to take in as you explore beautiful Kent Lake and surrounding islands and tributaries at Kensington Metropark. Paddle across Kent Lake or take a tranquil trip kayaking along the Huron River to see wildlife and waterfowl. While canoes are not rented onsite, Heavner’s Canoe and Kayak will bring canoes to the Metropark for group rental by calling 248-685-2379. Kayaks are rented at the boat rental. Maps for trips along the Huron River are available at the Metropark office. Canoe into camp for an overnight excursion with advance reservation. Contact the Metropark office at 248-685-1561 for more information.

Canoe campsite fee-overnight - $2/canoe (up to 5 canoes)

Cross-Country Skiing

Fasten your skis and glide across more than twelve miles of groomed trails at Kensington Metropark. Coast past snow-glazed fields, frozen ponds and beautiful deciduous woods. Beginner and intermediate level trails traverse the park and golf course. The Ski Center is located in the Golf Starter Building. Rental equipment is available Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 10 am to 5:30 pm (weather and trail conditions permitting). The Ski Center also offers food service and public restrooms. Special equipment rental rates are available for organized groups on weekdays. Please schedule a minimum of one week in advance and pre-payment is required. Trail maps are available at the Ski Center, Tollbooths or the Kensington Park Office. Skiing is prohibited in the following areas: Nature Study Area and nature trails, sledding hills and toboggan runs, snowboarding hill, and on the golf course greens. Trails are open 6 am to 10 pm and they are not lit. Please use only marked ski trails.
Cross-Country Ski Rental (Deposit = Driver's License)
1/2 day full equipment pkg.	$10
Skis only	$4
Boots only	$4
Poles only	$2
Group Rate (M-F only) Groups of 15 or more must make a reservation, call 248-685-1561.	$6/person

Disc Golf

Challenge yourself on Kensington Metropark’s Black Locust disc golf course, named for the Black Locust trees found along the property near Martindale Beach. Similar to the traditional game of golf, players attempt to throw their disc into each “hole,” or chained basket, along the route with the minimum number of shots. Enjoy the 27-hole fairways lined with rolling meadows and thick woods. The 18^th hole features a basket in a tree stump for added fun.

The Black Locust is located off of a gravel lot across from the Martindale Beach parking lot. The course is open year round. Please keep in mind that the course is not lit at night or plowed during the winter.

Annual Bag Tag $50

Senior/Junior Rate* $30

Daily Wristband $ 2

*Senior rate is age of 62 and older. Junior rate is age of 17 and under.

The Annual Bag Tag is available for purchase at the Kensington Park Office. Annual Bag Tags can also be used on the disc golf courses at Hudson Mills and Stony Creek Metroparks. Please contact the Kensington Park Office if you should have any questions at 248-685-1561.

Farm Center

Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at Kensington Metropark Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm and see live farm animals like chickens, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Tour a 150-year old restored barn and poultry house, and take a short walk to the Kids’ Cottage, a one-of-a kind “green” building made from trees, rocks, soil and plants found primarily at the park. An herb garden, field crops and old-fashioned farm equipment are also on display. Special programs are held on the animals, where some of our food comes from and other farm-related topics. Weekends in March visitors can visit the Sugar Shack and observe as maple trees are tapped and the sap is boiled to make maple syrup. Public hayrides and/or sleigh rides are available on weekends and holidays noon to 4 pm; please refer to Hayrides under Park Activities for additional information. Privately chartered hayrides or sleigh rides are also available. The Farmhouse Grille offers sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks. To view upcoming farm programs and events, please check out the Events page of the Website. The Farm Center is currently open 9 am to 6 pm daily.

To schedule privately chartered hayrides/sleigh rides and classroom reservations:

          Contact the Park Office at 248-685-1561

To schedule school/group tours:
          Contact the Nature Center at 248-685-0603

To register for public programs; such as Farm Camp, Farmer for a Day, etc:
          Contact the Farm Center at 248-684-8632

Fishing

Whether shore-fishing along the east shore or in a boat on the lake, Kensington Metropark is popular fishing location in Southeastern Michigan. Fish Kent Lake and connecting tributaries for bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch. The Huron River toward the north end of the Metropark provides shady, secluded locations to cast your line. The maximum depth of the lake is 36 feet with water depth maps available at the Boat Rental or Kensington Park Office. A downloadable version of the water depth map is also availble on the Kensington Metropark homepage under Park Maps. No fishing on Kingfisher Lagoon or at posted areas of Wildwing Lake.

Fitness Trail

Maximize your workout and add variety with a 20-station, turfed exercise trail with pull-up bars, a balance beam, overhead ladder and other stations. All ages can benefit from this activity.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

Geocaches are located throughout the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. If you wish to place a cache within a Metropark, see the rules, regulations, and site permit application.

Golf

Enjoy a round of golf at Kensington Metropark’s 6,345 yard, 18 hole, par-71 golf course along varied terrain and tree-lined fairways. Special rates for seniors (62 and older) and juniors (17 and younger) apply on weekdays (except holidays). Beer and wine are sold at the starter building; no coolers allowed. Call 248-685-9332 or 800-234-6534 for tee times and more information.

2010 Men's Championship Results

Championship Flight (0 – 5.5)

1. Joe Parker 72

2. Andrew Myers 73

3. Craig Beyrand 77

1^st Flight (6 – 9)

1. Mark Iovan 78

2. Karl Kendall 79

3. Brian Kuehn 79

2^nd Flight (10 – 13)

1. Bill Rice 81

2. John Slack 84

3. Duaine Spurlock 86

3^rd Flight (14 – 18)

1. Chris Mountford 88

2. Jack Witek 89

3. Lamont Gilmore 91

4^th Flight (19 +)

1. Mike Smith 94

2. Tom Solomon 96

Mens’ Course	Rating	Slope
Blue	71.6	120
White	70.5	114
Gold	64.4	102

Womens’ Course	Rating	Slope
White	76.6	124
Gold	70.1	115
Red	69.7	111

Golf Fees	18 holes	9 holes
Weekends & Holidays	$26	$17
Monday-Friday	$22	$14
Seniors & Juniors	$15*	$11*
Motorized carts	$14	$9
Motorized carts (Seniors)	$11	$7.50
Hand carts	$2	$2
Walker fee	$6	$6
*weekdays except holidays

Hayrides

Horse drawn hayrides or sleigh rides are available for families and individuals at the Farm Center, please see below for hours and rates. All rides are wheelchair accessible. Horse drawn hayrides, both public and private charters, are subject to change to tractor drawn rides; dependent upon weather and trail conditions. Sleigh rides require a minimum of 6-8 inches of snow base on the ground.

Public Rides are from noon - 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Children 2 years old and under - Free

Children 3-12 - $3

Seniors - $3

Adults - $5

Privately chartered evening reservations are available at 5, 6, 7 and 8 pm on select Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday evenings. All evening rides will be tractor drawn with the exception of September (which will be horse drawn). All participants must exit the park by closing, which is 10 pm.

Rate for one hour - $150
Rate for two hours - $250

Rate for three hours - $375
Rate for four hours - $500

Bonfire - $50

Privately chartered day reservations are available from 10 am - 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. During the months of October & May privately chartered day rides will be offered Monday - Friday. Reservations are required a minimum of ten days in advance/ The hay wagon and sleigh can accommodate approximately 20 passengers per ride.

½ hour - $50

To schedule privately charted hayrides/sleigh rides:

Contact the Park Office at 248-685-1561

Hiking

Hit the trails and get your daily dose of nature hiking at Kensington Metropark . Trek 7 miles of scenic trails through woodlands, grassy fields, wetlands the remnants of an ancient bog around the nature center. Interpretive labels mark natural and cultural history along the footpath. A paved 8 ½ mile hike-bike trail through wooded, hilly terrain and a few challenging inclines circles picturesque Kent Lake. Traverse a 2-mile hiking-mountain biking trail that links Kensington Metropark to Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Or journey along a 4-mile paved hike-bike trail extends from Kensington Metropark’s Milford Road entrance to the Village of Milford.

Horse Trails

Bring your horse to ride along 19 miles of marked equestrian trails. Pass through wooded, hilly terrain, open fields and scenic views of the Huron River and Kent Lake as you observe wildlife and waterfowl along the path. Various terrain accomodates all skill levels. A staging area is located off Dawson Road on Martindale Road. A release waiver and bridle tag is required in advance. Dogs are not permitted on the trails. Contact the Kensington Park Office for details at 248-685-1561.

Ice Fishing

Bundle up and enjoy a few hours ice-fishing on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. Designated areas of Wildwing Lake are also available for ice fishing. Popular access points to Kent Lake include the West Boat Launch and Turtlehead picnic area. A valid Michigan Fishing License or Sportsperson's License is required. Winter catches include bluegill, black crappies, yellow perch and the occasional northern pike. Water Depth Maps are available at the Boat Rental Building or Kensington Park Office. Fishing is prohibited in ice skating areas.

Shanties must be registered (no charge) with the Park Office if they are to be left overnight. Shanties must also comply with all Michigan regulations and are to be removed before the ice becomes unsafe or by March 1.

Ice Skating

Enjoy a picturesque, winter tradition and hours of outdoor fun ice-skating on frozen Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. Families and hockey players can skate on separate, natural rinks, which are well-lit in the evenings. Afterwards, warm up in the nearby heated Boat Rental Building. Sorry, there is no skate rental. The ice rink(s) are open Monday thru Friday 11 am - 9 pm and Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 10 am to 9 pm, weather and rink conditions permitting. The first rink is FREE SKATE ONLY, no hockey. Please refer to Park Conditions or contact the Park Office for the most up-to-date conditions at 248-685-1561.

Island Queen

Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Kent Lake aboard the Island Queen II. You will be charmed by nature’s sights and sounds as you tour the picturesque lake on this 37-passenger pontoon boat. Capture panoramic vistas as the boat meanders around the lake, among islands and bays, and discover the interesting history of Kensington Metropark. Chance upon mute swans, Canada geese, mallard ducks and cormorants, and an occasional osprey. On a summer’s day, look for turtle’s basking in the sun.

The boat departs every hour, from noon until 6 pm, daily during summer months from the Boat Rental Area; weather permitting. Fall color tours begin September 11 thru October 10, weekends only, from noon until 6 pm. Special rates apply for seniors and children 12 and under. Group charters may be arranged, with advance notice, by contacting the Kensington Park Office at 248-685-1561. Pets are prohibited on the Island Queen.

Public Rides - Noon to 6 pm Daily (Cash only; checks and credit cards are not accepted.)

Children (ages 3-12) and seniors $3/ person

Adults $4/person

Children two years and under Free

Morning Private Charter - maximum 37 passengers
1 hr morning charters are offered at 10 or 11 am.

First 25 passengers $60/hour

Each passenger after first 25 $1/hour

Evening Private Charter - maximum 37 passengers
1 hr evening charters are offered at 7, 8 or 9 pm.

First 25 passengers $90/hour

Each passenger after first 25 $2/hour

Kids' Cottage

In more primitive times, people relied on neighbors and local resources to build their homes and related structures. At Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center, dozens of volunteers contributed their time and talent to build the Kids’ Cottage out of trees, rocks soil and plants found primarily at the park. Built by hand, this “green” building showcases sustainable building techniques while serving as a functional gathering space for interpretive programs. Wood milled from ash trees, along with straw bales, sticks and compressed earthen blocks were used to construct the building; phragmites, an invasive plant, was harvested and used to make the thatched roof. The project was initiated by the Strawbale Natural Building Project with a grant from the State of Michigan Energy Office and designed by Robert B. Prud’homme Design, LLC. The entire project, documented by Great Lakes Green Initiative, can be seen at www.glgi.org.

Nature Center

The Huron River, lake waters, wide-open fields and flourishing woodlands are a welcoming, natural habitat for many birds, fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Visit the nature center at Kensington Metropark to see live displays of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, box turtles and fish common to Southern Michigan waters. View an active bee hive or try hands-on activities related to the natural world. Self-guided nature trails begin at the nature center and extend into adjacent woods, fields and marshes. A variety of school curriculum and scout programs are available with a monthly schedule of programs open to the public. For more information, contact (248) 685-0603. Dogs, pets, bicycles, skiing and jogging are not allowed on nature trails.

Picnicking

Kensington Metropark provides the perfect setting for your next picnic with 15 reservable picnic shelters, along with playgrounds, ball diamonds, comfort stations and tables throughout the metropark. Picnic with friends or family amidst rolling hills, tree-lined lawns and beautiful vistas of Kent Lake. Or, celebrate a family reunion, birthday, or corporate event. All groups, regardless of size, are encouraged to register. Groups of 50 or more, those bringing in special equipment, or having a special event are required to register. For shelter reservations or picnic area registrations, contact the Park Office at 248-685-1561 or 800-477-3178. For additional information pertaining to the picnic shelters, please refer to the Kensington Rentals section of this website. Park entry fees are not included in the shelter reservation fee.

Kosch Catering will be the exclusive catering company used at Kensington Metropark. All groups and organizations that will be using a reserved shelter or utilizing a picnic area on a first come, first served basis and having their event catered must use Kosch Catering. No other food service organizations will be permitted in the park. If you choose not to have your event catered, you are welcome to bring in your own food and prepare it (you just cannot have an outside company come into the park and provide your food for you). For additional information or to schedule food or beverage services contact Kosch Catering at 248-608-0690, ext. 10, or at www.koschcatering.com.

Picnic Shelter Reservation Fee - $150

Sledding

Take advantage of a snowy day racing down the hills at Kensington Metropark’s winter sports area. Coast down a variety of hills, from beginner to advanced. A short “bunny hill” designated for younger sledders (36" or less in height) features padded trees for added safety. The toboggan runs, sledding and beginner snowboarding hills are located at the Orchard picnic area. Saucers and inflatables are not permitted on the advanced and intermediate hills. Toboggans must be standard toboggans with attached padding on the seat. No sleds or snowboards on the toboggan runs. Please walk up the designated returns only and be cautious of others using the runs and hills. Sorry, we do not rent toboggans, snowboards or sleds. The Orchard picnic area also offers a nearby shelter with picnic tables and grills. Hours are 11 a.m. to dusk during the week and 10 a.m. to dusk on the weekends, weather and hill/run conditions permitting. Check this site daily for hill conditions under Park Conditions or contact the Park Office at 248-685-1561.

Snowboarding

Kensignton Metropark offers a beginner snowboarding hill. The hill is located in the Orchard picnic area in between the toboggan runs and sledding hills. Snowboards must be tethered to your ankle. Please walk up the designated returns only and be cautious of others using the hill. Sorry, we do not rent snowboards. The Orchard picnic area also offers a nearby shelter with picnic tables and grills. Hours are 11 a.m. to dusk during the week and 10 a.m. to dusk on the weekends, weather and hill/run conditions permitting. Check this site daily for hill conditions under Park Conditions or contact the Park Office at 248-685-1561.

Splash 'n' Blast

Find the ultimate relief from the warm, summer sun and loads of fun for the entire family at Kensington Metropark’s Splash ’n’ Blast. Coast down two, 250-foot twisted waterslides or romp through the spray ground with palm trees, serpents and cannons that spray water. Waterslide riders must be 48” tall or higher. Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm May 22nd through Labor Day. The slides are irrigated with pool water. The last wristband sale of the day is 1/2 hour before closing.

Admission is:

Adults - $4

Children (15 & under) & seniors - $3

Twilight Rate (5 p.m. until closing)

Adults - $3

Children (15 & under) & seniors - $2

After Hours Group Rate (75 or more) - $200

Swimming

Enjoy a day in the water at Martindale and Maple beaches all summer long. There are no lifeguards on duty at either beach. Martindale Beach is open May 22 through Labor Day from 10 am to 8 pm daily. Maple Beach is open weekends only, May 22 through Labor Day, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Tobogganing

Bring your toboggan, a few friends, and head for the hills at Kensington Metropark’s winter sports area, which is located in the Orchard picnic area. Dash down two 90-degree vertical drop and 850-foot long runs for hours of outdoor fun. Sleds and snowboards are prohibited on the toboggan runs, and toboggans must be standard with attached padding on the seat. Hours are 11 a.m. to dusk weekdays and 10 a.m. to dusk weekends, weather permitting. Check this site daily for run conditions under Park Conditions.

Park Events

Fun on the Farm - Farm Center - September 2

Kensington Metropark
September 02, 2010