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About The Park
Just a short drive from the city, behold 3 miles of captivating Lake Erie shoreline and sweeping vistas that you can only get with a Great Lake and great river at 1607-acre Lake Erie Metropark. Follow the path of lake freighters moving up and down along the Detroit River against exceptional views of Sugar Island, Grosse Ile, and Celeron Island. Scan the sky of this popular bird-watching site, with more than 300 species recorded, and you just might spot a migrating broad-wing hawk or bald eagle flying above. This designated "Important Bird Area" is one of the premier hawk-watching sites in North America.
Plan on adding some recreational activity to your day with an 18-hole regulation golf course, the "Great Wave" swimming pool, Marshlands Museum and Nature Center, boat launches and a marina. Hike through miles of nature trails or kayak along coastal wetlands. In the winter, walk along a cleared 1.6 mile paved trail, cross-country ski along 4 miles of flat, groomed trails, or ice-fish for perch. Smaller guests are never forgotten with a children’s play area featuring a child-sized town for their added delight. Experience the splendor of this Southeastern Michigan lakeshore treasure and make some of your best memories today.
Vehicle Entry Permit
Annual Vehicle - $25
Seniors Vehicle (62+) - $15
Daily Vehicle - $5
Boat Trailer Entry Permit
Annual Boat - $30
Senior Boat (62+) - $15
Daily Boat Launch - $5
Park Activities
Bring your binoculars and scan the sky for a red-tailed hawk or bald eagle soaring above. One of the premiere hawk-watching sites in North America, Lake Erie Metropark is host to migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall, and birds of prey in the fall. Typically, tens of thousands of migrating birds of prey, comprised of 16 species, are recorded during autumn months. Hawkfest, an annual festival celebrates the birds of prey migration in September. Interpreters maintain a park bird species list with more than 300 recorded in this diverse habitat. Resident bald eagles and long-eared owls are regular features. Common wetland and big water species include red-winged blackbird, long-billed marsh wrens, common and caspian terns, cormorants and wood ducks. The spring migration season typical features a healthy warbler & passerine population, while the fall season hosts awe-inspiring numbers of migrant raptors. Visitors are occasionally treated by rare appearances from non-indigenous species like a white pelican or glossy ibis from Florida. Birding programs go beyond bird identification and walks, with educational and informative reviews on art and history as well.
Contact 734-379-5020 for more information.
Visit Detroit River Hawk Watch for more information. Make some of your best moments on the large, open waters of Lake Erie and the Detroit River at Lake Erie Metropark. A 12-boat ramp offers quick access to the Detroit River and Lake Erie considered “prime walleye country”. Enter the park through the main entrance on West Jefferson, just north of Huron River Drive to access the boat launch.
Open 6 am to 10 pm
Metropark Vehicle and Boat Launch permits required
Vehicle Permit
Annual - $25
Seniors (62+) - $15
Daily - $5
Boat Launch Permit
Annual - $30
Seniors (62+) - $15
Daily - $5 Explore a new route every time you canoe or kayak at Lake Erie Metropark. Paddle along coastal wetlands, river backwaters and downstream along Lake Erie. Take in the magnificence of a bald eagle flying above as you coast along the water’s surface. Rest amidst the wetlands and observe exceptional vistas of great blue herons, long-billed marsh wrens and other waterfowl wading in the water. Travel past areas not easily accessed by foot as you observe an area teeming with wildlife. The canoe and kayak launch is located near Cove Picnic Point.
Sorry, we do not have rentals available. Round up the family or a few friends and enjoy a pick-up game of basketball or volleyball. No matter what your favorite activity, we have the perfect location for you. Basketball, a softball diamond, tennis and volleyball courts are located near the pool area.
Glide across crisp snow and 4.25 miles of marked, groomed trails cross-country skiing at Lake Erie Metropark. Dense hawthorn thickets are interspersed with tranquil wetlands to form breathtaking scenery for the winter trail user. The long Canadian shoreline forms a stunning backdrop to the far eastern shore. Observe the tracks of deer, red fox, mink and muskrat if you don’t spot the animal itself. The mid-winter vista across the Detroit River Mouth will contain thousands of cooing tundra swans and flocks of waterfowl. In most years, dozens of bald eagles can be seen using the islands or roosting in shoreline trees or shelf ice of the river. The course accommodates beginner and intermediate skiers. Often called the walleye capital of the world, the deep, open waters of Lake Erie and the Detroit River are a magnet for recreational anglers from afar. Fishermen will appreciate the shoreline and bridge-fishing opportunities to catch panfish, perch, bass, and bullhead. An extensive fishing bridge crosses one of the main lagoons. Shoreline fishing is available throughout the metropark. Free fishing poles are available for loan at the Marshlands Museum and nature center. Spearing or bow and arrow fishing are prohibited. 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.
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Indulge yourself with an afternoon on the greens at Lake Erie Metropark. This 6,500-yard, 18-hole, par 72 course features beautiful fairways that are surrounded by natural wetlands and wooded areas. Beer and wine are sold at the starter building; no coolers allowed. The entrance is on Lee Road, east of Jefferson, one mile south of Huron River Drive. Practice your swing on our driving range. Special rates for Seniors (62 and older) and Juniors (17 and under) weekdays only except holidays. Phone 734-379-0048 or 1-800-477-3189 for reservations and information. Golf coaching available, call Lake Erie golf course at 734-379-0048
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Men's Course
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Rating
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Slope
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Course
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Rating
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Slope
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Blue
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71
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125
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White
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69.2
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121
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Gold
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71.1
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120
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Red
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70.6
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118
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Golf Fees
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18 holes
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9 holes
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Weekends & Holidays
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$25
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$16
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Monday - Friday
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$21
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$13
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Seniors & Juniors
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$14*
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$10*
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* weekdays except holidays
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Motorized Carts
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$14
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$9
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Motorized Carts (Seniors)
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$11
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$7.50
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(1/2 cart charge)
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Hand carts
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$2
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Walker Fee
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$6
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Range Balls
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50 ball basket
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$5
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Rediscover nature and enjoy a serene setting with an invigorating hike through Lake Erie Metropark. Almost three miles of flat terrain winds along the eye-catching Lake Erie and Detroit River shoreline, past dense hawthorn thickets and cattail marshes. A long boardwalk and several scenic outlook points allow spectacular views of the natural setting and long Canadian shoreline. Nearly six miles of trails courses through the Huron Swamp, open fields, meadows and woodlands. Observe abundant wildlife and waterfowl like deer, great blue herons, muskrat, wood ducks, and mink along the way. Vibrant palettes of fall color and hundreds of migrating birds add beauty to the footpath each autumn. Spectacular vistas and abounding flora and fauna accompany your trek year round. Bundle up, pack a few extra layers and step onto the frozen water of Lake Erie for a day of ice fishing. Fishermen will appreciate the shoreline and bridge-fishing opportunities to catch panfish, perch, bass, and bullhead. An extensive fishing bridge crosses one of the main metropark lagoons. Ice fishing is permitted at the marina November through March, as ice conditions permit. Due to warm water currents, ice fishing along the Lake Erie shoreline is not recommended.
Marina is open for ice Fishing 7 am - 7 pm weather permitting
Use Lee Rd to enter Marina.
Park entry fees apply.
All park facility conditions are subject to change.
Call the park office at 734-379-5020 The Marina features more than 100 wells complete with water and electricity for season dockage, and operates between April and October. Daily transient dockage is also available for boats up to 35 feet in length (call in advance for availability). Located at the end of Lee Road, dry storage is available May through October. Marina hours Memorial Day through Labor Day 6 am until 10 pm Reduced hours before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
Launching from the marina is reserved for marina patrons only.
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Marina seasonal dockage
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Daily (24 hours) all lengths
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$25
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Weekly - 25 foot
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$50
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Weekly - 30 foot
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$60
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Weekly - 35 foot
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$70
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Weekly - 40 foot
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$75
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Summer yard storage
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$4/day
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Dry storage w/ramp use-May-October
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$350
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Dry storage w/ramp use-two months/less
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$200
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Pump out holding tank
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$5
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Power wash under 30 feet
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$25
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Power wash over 30 feet
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$30
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Weekly - West Shore Trailer Storage
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$8
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Hoist
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$3/foot
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Vehicle permit required for parking at the Marina.
Obtain pass from marina office.
Marshlands Museum and Nature Center
Explore the natural and cultural history of Southeastern Michigan at Marshlands Museum and Nature Center. Get up close to a 1,300-gallon aquarium showcasing regional fish species and the Marshland Symphony display which invites you to “play” a symphony of bird & frog calls. An impressive exhibit of old decoys, boats and other hunting artifacts call to mind the traditions of Downriver waterfowling. Our resident bald eagle, Luc, is on hand year-round to greet visitors and highlights the inhabitant population of these great birds. Continue your educational experience by exploring nature trails near the building, past dense hawthorn thickets and cattail marshes.
Interactive school and weekend family programs offer many, wonderful opportunities to get close to nature. Some current displays include examining live turtles, frogs and snakes, collecting aquatic critters and investigating them under a microscope, staring into the eyes of a wild sharp-shinned hawk, try your hand at decoy carving, travel back to the War of 1812, or make a cattail doll. School and group educational programs are available by appointment. Meeting room available for local organizations.
School season hours: 1 pm to 5 pm weekdays; 10 am to 5 pm weekends.
Summer hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Phone 734-379-5020 or 800-477-3189. Scenic Lake Erie Metropark provides a perfect backdrop for your next picnic, reunion or company outing. This island-dotted waterscape presents Sturgeon Bar with distant profiles of Sugar Island, Grosse Ile, Celeron Island. The long low Canadian shoreline forms a background to this scene on the far eastern shore. On a clear day, view the historic Detroit River Lighthouse which has stood guard over the river mouth since 1885. Large freights move up and down the water to the children’s delight. Picnic areas, playgrounds and picnic shelters are conveniently located near the Wave Pool and at Cove Point Picnic Area. Lakeside picnic areas feature picnic tables, grills and a wooded playscape. Groups of 50 or more are requested to register in advance. Shelters may be reserved for a fee. For reservations and more information, call 734-379-5020 or 800-477-3189.
Picnic shelter reservation fee $150-$175
Click here for updated availabilityCelebrate a “snow day” off school or winter weather by sledding at Lake Erie Metroparks. Bundle up, bring extra mittens and a few friends, and dash down a large hill near the wave pool complex for hours of outdoor fun. Toboggans and snowboards are not permitted.
Escape the hot days of summer and take a plunge into the “Great Wave” wave action pool at Lake Erie Metropark. Hold steady and practice your balance against three foot waves for hours of fun. Hours: 11 am to 7 pm weekdays; 11 am to 8 pm weekends/holidays. Hours may be reduced from mid-August through Labor Day.
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Wave Pool Rates
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| Children (15 and under) & seniors (62+) |
$ 3.50 |
| Adults |
$ 5 |
| Rafts |
$ 3 |
| Children less than 30" in height |
Free |
| Locker Fee |
$ .50 |
Organized Youth Group (minimum 20)
Mon - Fri only |
$ 3 per person
pre-registration |
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Twilight rate - 5 pm till closing
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Children (15 and under) &
seniors (62+) |
$ 3 |
| Adults |
$ 3 |
WAVE POOL
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. A pool entrance fee is required for everyone whose height exceeds 30 inches.
2. Children under 30 inches in height must be under adult supervision.
3. Only persons attired in a lined bathing suit of approved material and design will be permitted to use the pool.
4. A soap shower and complete rinsing without a suit is required before entering the pool.
5. Anyone leaving the pool area for any reason must wash with soap in the shower before re-entering the pool even though a previous shower has been taken.
6. Persons with colds, coughs, skin ailments, inflamed eyes or similar infections may be refused admittance to the pool area.
7. Running, pushing, or other forms of rough play will not be tolerated.
8. Spouting of water, blowing the nose, chewing gum or otherwise contaminating the pool water is forbidden.
9. Swimming accessories such as beach balls, face masks, floats and soap are prohibited inside the pool enclosure. However, rental rafts available at wet shop are allowed.
10. Food, drink, gum and tobacco are prohibited within the pool enclosure.
11. Sandals, shoes and bags are prohibited within the pool enclosure.
12. A lifeguard will clear the pool when threatening weather conditions occur.
13. Whenever additional rules are deemed advisable for the proper operation of this pool and the protection of the health and safety of its patrons, the management is authorized to issue and put into effect such rules either printed or verbal.
The Wet Shop carries an assortment of suntan products, goggles, swim caps, towels and swimsuits.
2010 WET SHOP ITEMS
| Boy's Bathing Suits |
$ 10.00 |
| Men's Bathing Suits |
$ 10.00 |
| Towels |
$ 10.00 |
| Swim Caps |
$ 3.00 |
| Swim Diapers |
$ 1.00 |
| Goggles |
$ 3.00 |
| Bandanas |
$ 2.00 |
| Bottled Sunscreen |
$ 5.00 |
| Lil Drug Store |
$ .50 |
| Souvenir Coins |
$ .25 |
Sorry, no refunds are available for any products sold.
Park Events
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| Lovable Huggable Marshlands Turtles |
Lake Erie Metropark
September 05, 2010 |
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| Hawkfest to take flight at Lake Erie Metropark |
Lake Erie Metropark
September 18 - September 19, 2010 |
| view details |
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| Fall Funforall |
Lake Erie Metropark
October 09, 2010 |
| view details |
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| Veterans Appreciation Day |
All Metroparks
November 11, 2010 |
| view details |
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| Christmas Appreciation Day |
All Metroparks
December 25, 2010 |
| view details |
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Park Conditions
Cloudy |
Low:
69° F
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Currently:
75° F
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High:
80° F
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Wind: SW 8mph
Sunrise: 6:58 am
Sunset: 8:05 pm |
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Additional Conditions:
Last updated: 8/28/2010 10:29:39 AM
Lake Erie Metropark
Park Conditions
| Golf Course |
Open
734-379-0048
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| Marina |
Open |
| The Great Wave Pool |
Open
Weekends 11 am - 8 pm
Labor Day 11 am - 8 pm
Weekdays 11 am - 7 pm
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Children's Play Area
by The Great Wave Pool |
Closed
Under Construction |
| Hike-Bike Trail |
Open |
| Boat Launch |
Open |
Refer to the activities section of the Lake Erie Metropark webpage for additional information of the activities and facilities listed above.
- Report any injuries to the Park Police or the Park Office.
- Please park in the parking lots for all activities.
- Off Road vehicles are prohibited.
- Pets, running and biking are prohibited on the designated Nature trails.
- Pets must be on a leash.
All park facility conditions are subject to change.
Call the park office at 734-379-5020 for the latest park conditions.
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Park News
Park FAQs
Do you have a beach?
Our shoreline is mostly rocky and does not have a beach. Swimming is not allowed off the shoreline. Please try a dip in our wave pool.
What are the rules at the Wave Pool?
Visit our activities page to see a summary of the rules or click here.
Do you allow alcohol?
Beer and wine are allowed in the park, except around the pool complex. We recommend cans and plastic bottles. Glass presents a safety hazard.
Can I have a campfire?
Ground fires are not allowed. We have grills in the picnic areas or you can bring your own grill - provided it has legs to keep it off picnic tables or off the ground to prevent burned grass spots.
What are the Museum hours?
On weekends and during the summer, the Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm; on school days, the Museum is open from 1 pm to 5 pm. The morning hours during the school year are for special programs.
Can I bring my dog into the park?
Dogs are allowed in the park on a six-foot leash, and under control. Dogs are not allowed on the nature trails (marked by a sign at the entrance). Please use the "Doggit" bags provided for your convenience. Thanks!
Do you have a campground?
Lower Huron Metropark has camping for scout groups or youth organizations. Registration and a permit are required. Please contact Lower Huron park office at 734-697-9181 for more information.
Camping is available at Sterling State Park.
Can I leave my car and boat trailer overnight at the launch?
Yes - first stop at the Park Office to get a permit, which enables the Park Police to know when you are expected to return.
Contact Us
| Lake Erie Metropark |
32481 W. Jefferson
P.O. Box 120 |
| Brownstown, MI 48173 |
Phone/TTY: 734-379-5020
800-477-3189 |
| Richard Sobecki, Park Superintendent |
| Tonja Jolly, Assistant Park Superintendent |
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High: 80° F
Low: 69° F
Currently: 75° F
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Cloudy
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