Huron-Clinton Metroparks

- Activities A-M
- Activities N-Z

Phragmites control at Metro Beach:
Herbicide application scheduled
for Wed, Sept 8, 2010
   Control Plans
   Supplemental Info
   Press Release

Boating & Outdoor Recreation Fesival
at Metro Beach, Sept 22 - 26, 2010
Visit the Website

About The Park

Whatever your favorite recreational activity, whether it’s bird watching, windsurfing, kiteboarding, boating, bicycling, or swimming, you can pursue it at Metro Beach Metropark. A popular destination just a short distance from Mt. Clemens, come out to bike, hike, jog, or in-line skate on the paved trail that takes you along a one-mile shoreline on picturesque Lake St. Clair. Enjoy a day of boating with three marinas and eight ramps that provide easy access to Lake St. Clair waters. During the summertime, stay comfortable in an Olympic-sized swimming pool with waterslides, the Squirt Zone spray ground and a 1,000 foot-long sandy beach on Lake St. Clair. In the winter, enjoy ice-fishing for perch, cross-country skiing on groomed trails, a game of hockey or ice-skating outdoors with friends or family. Lakeside, walk along a 1,600 foot boardwalk overlooking the one-mile shoreline. On the nature trails, hike through meadows, marshland or a grove of cottonwood trees while you observe wildlife and waterfowl. Together, the wetlands and lake shoreline make this a top bird-watching site, with more than 230 commonly-seen species. Explore Metro Beach Metropark’s nature center and trails, play the par-3 golf course, or Shipwreck Lagoon Adventure miniature golf course at your next picnic. Come throughout the year to enjoy the beauty of 770-acre Metro Beach Metropark.
Vehicle Entry Permit
Annual	$25
Seniors (62+)	$15
Daily	$5
Annual Boats	$30
Senior Boats (62+)	$15
Daily Boat Launch	$5

A Metropark Boat Launch Permit, in addition to your vehicle permit, is required for boats that 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.

Park Activities

Biking

Spend the day biking at Metro Beach Metropark along a two-mile paved hike-bike trail offering panoramic views of Lake St. Clair. Cycle along flat terrain past grassy areas and along the 1, 600 foot boardwalk, stopping at the gazebo to take in the beautiful view at Huron Point. Near the park entrance, the path connects to a trail along Metro Parkway for easy access to local suburbs.

Birding

More than 230 species of birds, including warblers, waterfowl and hummingbirds flock to the Lake St. Clair shoreline, vast marsh area, meadows and woodlands of Metro Beach Metropark. Located along two intersecting migratory routes, this is one of the top birding sites in Michigan and an excellent spot to view a variety of birds, including a few rare species. Observe black-capped chickadees, cardinals, and blue jays from a viewing window at the nature center year round. Learn about bird identification and behavior, gardening for birds, and other bird-related topics by attending programs. The Bird Migration Festival each spring offers hikes, special programs and children’s activities. Call the nature center at (586) 463-4332 for more information.

Boating and Launching

Find quick access to Lake St. Clair at Metro Beach Metropark with eight ramps conveniently located near the North Marina along the Black Creek. Jet skis and kite boards can enter the water at the day sail launch located near the golf course.

If you are boating to Metro Beach plan on staying in the Marina at one of our transient utility docks or tying up at one of our transient seawall spaces. The Metro Beach Marina can accommodate approximately 217 vessels and soon have space for up to 265 boats after the renovation of the South Marina completes in the summer of 2010.

A Metropark Boat Launch Permit, in addition to your vehicle permit, is required for boats that 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. Vehicle entry fees are also required for follow up vehicles.

Downloads:

Marina and Park Features
Marina and Park Maps

Boat Launch Rates (per watercraft)
Daily	$5
Annual	$30
Seniors (62+)	$15
Utility Marina dockage rates to be posted
Seawall Marina dockage rates to be posted

Vehicle Entry Rates (per vehicle)
Daily	$5
Annual	$25
Seniors (62+)	$15

Advanced purchase of all Annual Passes listed above are available
at the Metroparks Online Store. You may also consider advance purchase of a gift card for your guests or friends. See the online store for giftcards in several denominations.

Court Games

Plan your next pick-up game at Metro Beach Metropark where shoreline views and Lake St. Clair provide the perfect scenery. Four tennis courts and 20 shuffleboard courts are located near the tot lot, with equipment available free of charge. Several sand volleyball courts face Lake St. Clair with basketball courts and a softball field nearby.

Cross-Country Skiing

Celebrate a fresh snowfall cross-country skiing at Metro Beach Metropark. Two and one-half miles of marked cross-country ski trails provide captivating vistas while you enjoy outdoor recreation and great cardiovascular exercise. The relatively flat terrain accommodates beginner and intermediate levels and is fun for all ages.

Fishing

Enjoy this favorite pastime on Lake St. Clair and within view of Downtown Detroit on a clear day. Huron Point provides about one-half mile of shoreline fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye and perch. Shoreline fishing is not allowed along the beach or at the marinas April through October.

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

Work on your short game or bring your kids to learn the sport, all while viewing Lake St. Clair. This unique location offers an 18-hole, par-3 golf course with hole distances from 43 to 101 yards. Special weekday senior rates apply. Call (586) 463-4581 for more information.
Men's Course	Rating
Golf Fees	18 holes
Weekends & Holidays	$6
Monday - Friday	$5
Seniors & Juniors	$4
Club Rental-iron and putter	$.50
Shipwreck Lagoon Adventure Golf 18 holes of fun, located on the East Boardwalk.
Adults	$3
Seniors/children under 11	$2
Children 3 and under	Free

Hiking

Get off the treadmill and enjoy an invigorating hike outdoors at Metro Beach Metropark. A two-mile flat paved trail winds around Huron Point with breathtaking views of Lake St. Clair. Foot trails meander through the Nature Study area to a marsh observation deck. The Main Trail is a ¾ mile route that winds through a grove of Eastern Cottonwoods, past a vernal pond and along the edge of a large cattail marsh where you may catch a glimpse of a great blue heron or nesting ducks and swans. Follow the ½ mile Meadow Loop Trail through a small, grassy meadow and shrubby area where raspberry, wild rose, and dogwoods attract a variety of birds and wildlife. Marsh Road Side Trail is a ½ mile course leading into the wetland area where you may encounter a common moorhen, Virginia rail or least bittern. The marshland, lake shoreline and wooded areas provide miles of flat terrain and eye-catching vistas for your next outdoor excursion.

Ice Fishing

Extend your favorite pastime into the winter season ice-fishing on Lake St. Clair. The area is known as a good perch fishing site, with anglers fishing on the canals, north boat basin and the open waters of the lake.

Ice Hockey

Enjoy this favorite pastime outdoors at an outdoor ice hockey rink located in the west playfield at Metro Beach Metropark. A comfort station, picnic tables for resting, and a warming station are conveniently located close to the parking lot. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Check this website daily for weather and ice conditions.

Ice Skating

An outdoor family ice skating rink is located in the west playfield at Metro Beach Metropark. The rink, a comfort station, a warming room and picnic tables for resting are conveniently located close to the parking area. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Check this website daily for weather and ice conditions.

Nature Center

Encounter the rich history and ecological contribution of the shore and wetlands of Lake St. Clair with a visit to Metro Beach Metropark’s nature center. The shoreline, woodlands, and marsh areas are teeming with wildlife. Visit the Nature Center to see live reptiles and amphibians on display. Discover exhibits on Lake St. Clair, the wetlands, wildlife, and use of the area by French Voyageurs or plan a group session on the Great Voyageur Canoe. Stop at the wildlife-viewing window to watch wildlife visiting the feeding stations. Hummingbirds and butterflies are just some of the animals that might be seen, along with other birds, squirrels or even an occasional deer. Park interpreters host nature walks and programs for families and the general public including summer cruises on the lake. Programs aligned with school curriculums, the Great Lakes Education Program, and scouts are also available. For more information, call (586) 463-4332.

Picnicking

Metro Beach Metropark’s 770-acres, with breathtaking views of Lake St. Clair and open, grassy picnic areas, offers the perfect location for your next picnic or outdoor event. Host a large family reunion or company gathering for up to 250 people at the Par 3 picnic shelter, with two large grills, water and electrical outlets and handicapped-accessible tables conveniently located close to the golf course, tot lot, and comfort stations. Other picnic areas with grills, picnic shelters are located throughout the metropark. Or, picnic with friends at a table near the marina. Catering is available through Advantage Food Service at (586) 246-2918.

Picnic shelter reservation fees Par 3 Picnic Shelter $350
Picnic shelters	$150-$175
Large Grill	$25
Pointe Gazebo Rental	$50

The on-site catering service at Metro Beach Metropark is
Advantage Food Service. They are a full service professional catering
company with food prep facilities located on-site. For more information please contact their offices at 586-246-2918 or see their Website at www.perfectplatecuisine.com

Outside caterers are not permitted on park premises.

Squirt Zone Spray Ground

Kids will love to run, skip and jump through Metro Beach Metropark’s Squirt Zone with ground sprays that shoot up water, water cannons to spray a friend, arches that create a tunnel of water to run through and more. Located between the Olympic-sized swimming pool and the open waters of Lake St. Clair, this is a great stop on a warm summer day. Open daily 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Swimming

Swim in Lake St. Clair or at the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Metro Beach Metropark. The lake waters and 50-meter pool with waterslides and a diving well is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy a warm day. The pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and the lake is open from May 1 to September 30. A beach shop and food bar is conveniently located nearby. Please see facility conditions for current status and hours of the swimming beach and pool. Please note: the swimming pool is fully staffed with lifeguards and first aid staff during all hours of public swimming; the swimming beach has no lifeguards on duty at any time.
Pool use fee	$3/person per day
Storage locker	50¢/use

Trackless Train

Enjoy convenient access to Huron Point picnic and shore fishing areas with this shuttle service operating daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Train fee	$.50/person - ages 15 and under free

Park Events

Hummingbirds & Monarchs

Metro Beach Metropark
September 11, 2010