HAVE A STORY TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR METROPARKS VISIT?

Recently, I visited the Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center and caught a pretty spectacular view. Sunlight streamed through the trees, while the pink and orange sky reflected across the pond. I had to stop and take a few photos—the colors were too good to pass up! It’s a great example of why the Metroparks…

We have been going to Metroparks for several years, but this was the first year we decided to participate in the Metroparks Trail Challenge. It has been a worthwhile experience and has taken us to several Metroparks we had never previously visited. One weekend we decided to set out to visit four parks in the…

I’m so thankful every day for the existence of the Metroparks. It’s so wonderful to have a haven for walking trails and enjoying all of the flora and fauna around this area. It has truly been essential for my mental health, and there is always something delightful that happens every single time I go to…

I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life and have always enjoyed spending time outdoors. As I have grown older and had children of my own it has become something we do as a family. During Covid it was great to be able to have somewhere to meet and spend time with others. Recently we took…

I first signed up for the Metroparks Trail Challenge a couple years ago to explore the different parks while training for a race. My husband asked to join me on one of my park trips, and we ended up finishing out the season together and the last 2 years have both signed up and it’s…

So many stories, but earlier this year I went to a farm event while doing the Trail Challenge. It just happened to be on the same day so I stopped over to see the baby goats and the chickens and got to see a whole bunch of cute little animals! Made me feel like a…

My wife and I have truly enjoyed visiitng all the parks but with our busy schedules, we knew getting to the last couple of parks would be pushing it to beat the 1 October deadline. So we decided instead of taking the time to put our bikes on the car we would just hike to…

I started biking consistently during COVID because I was going crazy being stuck in the house. My husband then offered to start going biking with me after that, to my great surprise. We started creating these incredible biking adventure memories together. Our 3 sons got me a Metroparks pass one year for my birthday. Then…

I attended the Holiday Painting Workshop at Lake Erie Metropark and it was a wonderful event. The classiest touch to have individual snacks and treats for all the attendees while they painted. It was a warm, relaxing, entertaining evening that I look forward to participating in again. -Christine

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have been a place of sanctuary for me during one of the most difficult years of my life. Through endless job-searches, rocky mental health, and a delayed gallbladder diagnosis with episodes of intense pain, life has felt pretty bleak for me lately. During my hospitalization, I remember longing for the trails and…

As a family we love going to Lake St. Clair Metropark for sunsets, anytime of the year. The kids especially love dressing up in costumes for the sunset and taking fun silly pictures. Unicorn on the beach will always be one of my favorite Metroparks memories. I love that I’ve been going to the Metroparks…

The Metropark trails have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Many great conversations were had on the trail to the point at Lake St. Clair (formerly known as Metro Beach). The trails have provided me with a safe place to walk and run that I can count on…

One of my favorite Metroparks memories is going birding with my fiancé and our friends. We visited Oakwoods and Lake Erie and just walked the trails, chatting and seeing so many different birds. It was so relaxing and fun to be out together. –Holly

I grew up with having county parks around me so when I moved, having the Metroparks near me was a must because I knew that it would be a place I would visit often! Whether it’s a quick trip after work to walk the trails and take in the sights, or packing a day bag…

One of my fondest memories was a surprise birthday party we held for our son at Maple Beach in Kensington Metropark. He loves going to the beach and was so surprised to see friends, family, decorations, and even cake there when he thought he was just going out for a low-key celebration with his parents…

My father-in-law made a very big move at age 70 from rural New Hampshire to Southeast Michigan. He had been really missing his walks in the woods. Taking him to Huron Meadows really opened a new chapter for him and for us. I’m glad to have had a reason to get us both out on…

I signed up for the Connecting Waters workshop hoping to learn some activities I could take back to my students. I learned so much and met great people. The workshop introduced me to the Trail Challenge. I am now almost done with the Trail Challenge. Three months later, I’ve been to parks I haven’t been…

I love the Trail Challenge at the Metroparks! Even though the parks are never far away, they feel surprisingly remote and peaceful once you’re there. It’s amazing how a short drive can take you away from everyday life to feeling completely immersed in nature. I especially love seeing all the wildlife along the trails. We’ve…

Kensington Metropark is the largest and oldest of the Metroparks with plenty of things to do throughout the park. When I visited Kensington recently I had a full day of fun and activities. I started off by hitting the Deer Run Nature Trail and grabbing the Trail Challenge Kiosk. Afterwards I ate some delicious ice…

When I think of the Metroparks I think of my childhood and spending time with family and friends. The parks have so much to offer, having a picnic with your family or swimming with your friends. Still to this day I go to Kensington and just feel calm and nostalgic. It is a place that…

The Metropark Trail Challenge has become a staple in our family. The kids are excited to explore the new scenery each trail offers. The distances are manageable for a wide range of walker and hiker abilities. Each park has its own unique views and features. We usually make a day of exploring each park, but…

The metroparks have played such a huge role in our family’s life! My husband and I dated there while kayaking everything from Hudson Mills to Willow, we got engaged with a picnic at Big Bend, raised our children on firework shows and trips to the pools, and spend most weekends now that our daughters are…

The past two years I have completed the trail challenge with my best friend. We love the adventure of it, exploring new places and finding out what each park, along the surrounding areas have to offer. As a lifelong Michigander I am surprised by all of the places I have not yet been and appreciate…

I often walked the trails at Lake St. Clair Metropark in the evenings after work. A few years ago my sister Jane passed away and that evening after saying goodbye to her and discussing arrangements with family, I went for a walk at the park to clear my head. As I approached the golf course,…

I had a week left to complete my Trail Challenge and only one more park to cross off my list: Lake Erie Metropark. But driving nearly two hours to take a single photo seemed like a silly use of my time. So I asked if my dad would want to meet me at the boat…

This is the second time I’ve done the Metropark Trail Challenge and I’ve loved the experience both times. The first time through, I mostly visited the parks by myself and brought family along a time or two. This cycle, my wife and I brought our 3 children along for most of the parks to keep…

My mom and I live in the area and we love bringing family to the Metroparks when they come to visit. Whether we are going for a hike or just a picnic, we enjoy the time outdoors together. We’ve done the Trail cCallenge together now for the last 3 years and every year we find…

Oakwood’s Metropark Nature Center is an absolute gem! I brought my three very young grandchildren here this past Sunday, and it was hands-down one of the best outings we’ve ever had together. The Nature Center itself is wonderful, but the highlight for my grandbabies was definitely the turtles in the wildlife exhibit. They also like…

My Metroparks story is one of grief and gratitude. My husband and I first started the challenge when we retired in 2022. My most memorable park incident was when we visited Stony Creek for the first time, and I was certain that the loop around the lake was only four miles. After searching for our…

My sisters and I are participating in the Trail Challenge together for the first time this year, and it has turned into a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with one another while exploring the outdoors. Although I have lived in southeast Michigan my entire life, the challenge has introduced me to several Metroparks that…

Our family loves to visit all the various trails within the Metroparks but one of our favorites has to be Wolcott Mill North Branch trails. These trails are so elaborate and wind through a prairie of sorts. Each turn you never know what to expect, and what wildlife you may encounter! To date, this set…

During Covid we were looking for ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature. We discovered that we could park and unload our bikes at Hurok Park in Flat Rock and ride through Oakwoods, Willow, and Lower Huron Metro Parks. It’s about a 35-mile bike ride round trip and usually takes us about 3 hours to…

Several years ago I had just stopped working to be a stay at home mom with 2 young kids. I was feeling lost and in need of something to do and decided to take the kids for a hike at Lower Huron. On this hike we ran into a group of families with kids who…

I grew up and continue to live in Farmington Hills. Kensington was always my park. But recently I’ve found it very crowded when I go. My friend, Janice, mentioned the Trail Challenge as a fun new thing for us to do. I signed up immediately. What began as a way to find a new park…

I love Detroit! Grew up always going down to Eastern Market, sports games & concerts, and eventually worked downtown too. The addition of the Metroparks Water Garden is great. A tiny spot of nature in the heart of downtown is the perfect place to spend an afternoon! I can’t wait to visit again. -Sarah

I have been exploring the Metropark trails since 2024, and every year I find something new and exciting to do! I seriously think an Metroparks annual  pass is one of the greatest purchases one can make if living in Southeastern Michigan, some of the most beautiful sights are within short driving distances! -Ty

My husband and I love doing the Trail Challenge every year! This is our 3rd year in a row and we visit all 13 parks every year. We love making trips to parks that we don’t usually visit. This year, we actually went back to Dexter-Huron and Delhi for a second time because we saw…

I grew up near Indian Springs Metropark and have fond memories of going to different programs there during the 1980’s. I even saw my first rattlesnake on a guided hike as a child. Now I enjoy taking my own son there. He has grown up going to both Indian Springs and Kensington. Hiking around the…

I think Lake Erie Metropark was my favorite experience. It was the last park on my list so it was extra special. We got to witness a pod of pelicans all take off together. There were hundreds of them. I didn’t realize there were pelicans in Michigan! They were so fast and I was too…

As a teenager, I really enjoyed visiting the Kensington Nature Center and seeing the wildlife. As a young adult, I served as a volunteer naturalist and counted wing flaps for the Osprey chicks, served as a crossing guard for a Rattlesnake, helped with programs, or maintained the trails. I regularly brought my own family here…

When I was a teenager, my family moved from California to the east side of the Metro Detroit area in 1973. Back then it was cool to hang with my friends during the Summer at Metro Beach (now called Lake St. Clair) and Stony Creek. Later, my first date with my future wife, Karen, was…

Over the years I have had several park adventures from concerts and shuffleboard at Lake St. Clair Metropark to walking around Lake Erie Metropark seeing the beautiful wildlife. Being with friends and family make these adventures something special. This year I decided to do the Trail Challenge which gave me a new appreciation of what…

While I’ve so enjoyed “getting back to nature” in the Metroparks woods and trails, what I keep thinking about was the visit to Wolcott Mill Metropark. I had no idea there was a working farm in the Metropark system, and I think I forgot the simple joy in watching goats head-butt and seeing cow-milking! What…

On an early visit this summer to a Metropark, my friend spotted a stone circle. She is an avid girl scout and still continues to lead in this area even though her daughter is now in a masters degree program and on her way to a PhD. We wandered over and found this stone circle…

The Metroparks (Kensington in particular) have always been a place for me to get out and get exercise. As a teenager, my soccer team practiced there with warmup runs through the park and dreaded sprints up the sled hill. After landing one of my first jobs out of college, I would stop at Kensington on…

Taking on the Metroparks Trail Challenge gave me a reason to explore places I might not have visited otherwise, and along the way I found that the best part wasn’t just completing the challenge—it was paying attention to the parks around me. This year’s storms left their mark on several of the parks, with trees…

We discovered some of the sweetest goats, sheep, and chickens when we visited Wolcott Mills Metropark this autumn! The farm center was worth a visit! -Jessica

I’m very been using the trails at the Metroparks for over 50 years. They’ve been a part of walks, runs, biking trips, stroller pushes and even wheelchair pushes. This challenge was a fun way to relive a lot of years. -Jaye

The Metroparks have been a part of our family activities for over 50 years! From family picnics and reunions in my childhood to making memories with my own children as an adult. There’s been sunny summer days spent at Metro Beach, hayrides and birthday parties at Kensington Farm Center, seeing Bald Eagles while cruising Kent…

Our favorite moment at Kensington Park was being able to see so many herons and sandhill cranes up close! The boardwalk through the marsh area was so peaceful, and it was a perfect end to our full day of hiking. -Joleen

We absolutely love spending time in our Metroparks. This summer my family and friends have spent a significant amount of time enjoying our Metroparks. From Lake Erie to Kensington my students, family and friends have enjoyed yoga, palates, biking, sailing, hiking, eating and exploring! -Dana

I loved doing the Metroparks Trail Challenge along with my husband, we loved searching for the signs…like in a scavenger hunt. We loved seeing some of the new parks that we have never explored before. We enjoyed the different vibes, textures and environments of each of the parks. Indian Springs Metropark and the new Water…

I joined the Trail Challenge last year with my dogs as a way for my anxious dog to hopefully gain confidence and get out to explore places she had never been. Well a year later she’s more confident than ever and strutting her fluffy little tail all over the Metroparks. The different locations for this…

There is something special about finding time to simply enjoy the company of a longtime friend. My high school friend and I have shared many years of friendship, but as our lives changed, finding time together became harder. When we decided to take on the Trail Challenge, it gave us something we had been missing:…

I have been doing a lot of training hikes for a hiking trip I am going on and the Trail Challenge has made it so fun to visit different trails with different challenges! I had such a good time this weekend on the Trolley Trail at Stony Creek and without signing up for the Trail…

My girlfriend and I decided to do the Trail Challenge this year. We have heard about it before and pulled the trigger on doing it this year. What a fun experience it was to explore the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Water Garden downtown. While exploring the parks, we checked out the Nature Centers, the…

We are always on the lookout for bald eagles in the Metroparks. We have seen them quite often at Lower Huron, Lake Erie, Willow and Oakwoods. In January 2026, we were walking one of the equestrian trails in Oakwoods and noticed a very large nest high in a tree a slight distance off of the…

Some of my fondest memories over the last 25 years have been at Hudson Mills Metropark. I’ve hosted a birthday party, taught my son to ride a bike, cross country skied, paddled, appreciated the beauty of the natural world, and logged countless miles running and walking on the loop trail, but my best memory of…

When three friends who have shared 35 years of friendship signed up for the Metroparks Trail Challenge, we had no idea how much more it would become than checking parks off a list and getting in some extra steps. Living miles apart can make it difficult to find time together and this challenge gave us…

I’m doing the Metropark Trail challenge with my longtime marathon friends. We no longer do marathons but we love a challenge, having a goal and achieving it together. We have only one more Metropark to visit to go and we have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the parks and bonding together. One friend is a Metropark board…

I decided to take my daughter for a walk and do a little picnic lunch at Lake St. Clair Metropark. We were 10 minutes in and it started sprinkling rain. No worries, there’s shelters up ahead. We enjoy our lunch covered from the rain as the skies clear up. Only for us to be walking…

Coming from another state that has excellent Metroparks, I really wanted to immerse myself in Michigan’s awesome outdoors life. I was so excited to see the Trail Challenge being offered, and it gave me the opportunity to see how awesome Michigan is! It also helped my family and me get out of the house and…

Our family is highly motivated by completing collections, so of course we want ALL of the park charms. It has been very interesting to see how different and beautiful each park is. A few weeks ago we made a day trip to the west and visited Dexter-Huron, Hudson Mills, and Huron Meadows on the same…

Metroparks: The numbers version. I moved to Michigan for my PhD in 2021, and before finishing my PhD this year, I went to the Metroparks a total of 93 times. Even though the Trail Challenge didn’t exist in 2022, that was the first summer I decided to try to visit all of them (and finished…

I attended the Hawkfest at Lake Erie Metropark and had a great time. The Wildlife Recovery Association was there. They had Hawks, Owls, a Merlin and a Pigeon. Loved learning about all the species they brought. -Michele

There was a time when I thought my life after my injury would be defined by everything I had lost. Looking back now, I couldn’t have imagined days like this—exploring beautiful trails, laughing until my face hurts, and making memories that once felt impossible. Life has a funny way of surprising you when you stop…

We decided to do the Metroparks Trail Challenge this year as a way to get out of the house more, explore some new places, and give us something different to do on the weekends. I didn’t really expect it to become one of my favorite things we’ve done this year. We’ve visited Huron Meadows, Lower…

We woke up to a very rainy Saturday, so decided to go to Oakwoods Metropark to complete another Trail Challenge. When we checked in at the entrance booth, we saw that there was a kid’s program starting in 10 minutes. We went to the nature center and they were able to fit our two kids…

I am a creature of habit and tend to visit the same parks week over week. I joined the Trail Challenge two years ago for the first time, and it got me out of my routine. I have now found new favorite parks, new trails and met new amazing people along the way! From seeing…

Have been ice fishing at Kensington for decades. My father would take my brother and I and drive out Grand River before I-96 was built. We enjoyed the quiet time and being together. We would visit the wildlife center before leaving and examine the hands on displays. Did not find out about the Trail Challenge…

We attended the Stony Creek Metropark Voyageur Canoe Event hosted by Kim. It was a wonderful evening for the event. Kim was very enthusiastic and energetic making the evening a lot of fun. Her story about the French fur trader (Voyageurs) was very interesting piece of history. Kim is also very knowledgeable about nature, the…

Kensington Metropark— I decided to ride my bike around the Kent Lake 8.5 mile loop. Everything was going great. I was enjoying the beautiful scenery, getting some exercise, and feeling pretty good about making it up some steep hills, especially near Maple Beach 😉. Then, around mile 6… I got a flat tire. 😩🚲 So,…

I discovered the Trail Challenge a few years ago. It has been a great way to get outside, explore new places, and appreciate everything nature has to offer. I’ve enjoyed getting to explore those Metroparks that are further from home. Each trail brings something different—from peaceful wooded paths and open fields to beautiful lakes and…

I’ve been visiting the Metroparks all my life. Some of my favorite activities have been: kayaking on the Huron River, hiking, biking and rollerblading on the hike/bike paths, visiting the nature centers, taking my little cousin to Turtle Cove, and camping at Lower Huron with the Girl Scouts back in the 90s, I have countless…

A longtime friend of mine suggested we do the Trail Challenge this year, and I love a challenge so without really knowing what it would look like, I joined. As it turns out, it was a delightful way to spend time over the summer going to parks I would have never given a second thought…

Growing up my school did a walk-a-thon at Stony Creek every year. We had to walk at least one time around the park & I was not a fan. However, as an adult, I went to the park more and more & have discovered all the different trails at Stony and it’s one of my…

After moving here many years ago from Colorado, where I enjoyed hiking in the mountains, I struggled with finding enjoyable nature hikes nearby. After discovering the Metroparks, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of outdoor activities they offer. Not only are the beautiful nature trails a great escape from hectic urban life, but the…

I have been going to the metroparks my entire life thanks to my outdoorsy mama (who passed said outdoorsy-ness onto me)! Since starting the Trail Challenge, I have been revisiting parks I’ve been to dozens of times (or ones I’ve never been to) all on my own, which has allowed me to deepen my personal…

I grew up around the Metroparks. From spending time with my grandparents at Lake St. Clair Metropark, to riding my mountain bike on the bike trails when they first opened at Stony Creek, to feeding the cutest birds out of my hand at Kensington (back when that was allowed), I have always loved the parks.…

There is nothing better then spending time exploring the Metroparks as a family. Taking this time together allows for silliness and freedom from the “connected” world. Whether biking, hiking, or paddling every member of our family gets to reset and act like a kid again! The trip becomes extra special when we spot wildlife on…

For more than 30 years, I’ve explored the five Metroparks within a 15 mile radius of my house (Kensington, Huron Meadows, Hudson Mills, Dexter-Huron and Delhi) and never considered driving farther away to see any others. In recent years, though, I’d begun enjoying our travels outside the state and wished we could travel more. Then…

Ever since we moved to Michigan, the Metroparks have just become part of our life here. Every year we buy our annual pass and it has become this little ritual we look forward to – feels like we are ready for the year once we have the sticker on our car. Being an outdoorsy couple,…

Life has a funny way of getting busy. My high school friend and I went through years where adult schedules and separate routines meant we barely crossed paths. As life started to slow down, we decided to take on the Trail Challenge together. The goal was simple: get outdoors, hit the trails, and spend time…

My boyfriend and I have been doing the trail challenge together. It has been so fun getting to spend time with each other and getting to see all these new places we otherwise wouldn’t have visited. We have planned entire days around completing the challenges and spend time exploring the surrounding area of the parks.…

First of all – Thank you for developing the MetroBarks events! These have become my favorite! This year is the first year I signed up for the Metroparks Trail Challenge program. I signed up both my dogs and we have been visiting the Dog Friendly Trail Challenges. My main purpose of participating in this program…

The Metroparks have been an integral part of my past running life – especially Stony Creek and Kensington. Training for a marathon does not stop because of the weather. My friends and I would spend many winter weekends “enjoying” our long runs, since the Metroparks trails are some of the only trails that are plowed…

We’re exploring Michigan one Metropark at a time! So many beautiful trails and peaceful nature to playgrounds, water, and so many little adventures, every park has something different to offer. We had such a great time exploring together as a family, and it’s been amazing discovering how beautiful and well-kept Michigan’s parks are. -Olga

I came to visit my daughter whose family just moved to Michigan and it was such a fantastic idea to see a new state by going to different Metroparks! We had such amazing quality family time! We love being outdoors and each park is so unique and so well taken care of. We love it.…

I tried the Metroparks Trail Challenge for the first time this year in 2026. I had such a great time experiencing all 14 Metroparks and learning so much more about what each one has to offer. I even went back to one of them with my kids and nephews to visit the pool and had…

I have lived in Michigan my entire life and though I live right down the road from one of the Metroparks, I have not visited most of them. Today my good friend, who introduced me to the Trail Challenge, and I spent the entire morning visiting 10 of the Metroparks, finishing the challenge. It was…

This year was our first year for doing trail challenge, it was amazing and fun. We enjoyed visiting Metroparks that we never visited before. Not only were they beautiful and fun, we really enjoyed taking our dogs with us on our adventure as well. -Stanley

The Woods Creek Trail at the Lower Huron Metropark was the first “challenging” hike of the year for me after surgeries. Several times I wanted to quit, but I didn’t, eventhough I struggled for the last mile. The personal triumph and just enjoying the glorious views of the Huron and surrounding trees welcomed me back…

We visited Wolcott Mill Farm Center for the first time this year. It’s the first time a kiosk was set there and we were amazed! The farm is versatile, well-tended & the goats alone were enough entertainment for an afternoon! We will be visiting the Wolcott Mill Farm more often for sure! -Bill

I moved to Michigan from Alaska a few years ago and the shift from living very rurally to now in the middle of an urban sprawl was a bit of a shock. Finding the Huron-Clinton Metroparks has been so amazing. Every year the Trail Challenge encourages me to visit all the parks and find new…

Visited Ralph C. Wilson park for the first time yesterday, I was very impressed, the park was very nicely designed and the views along the waterfront are amazing! This park is a definite must see and visit! -Duane

I always see something at the Metroparks! My favorite animal is easy to find at Lake St Clair Metropark, the muskrat! They love to hang out by the cattails and swim in the water. I also see lots of Sandhill Cranes at several of the parks, sometimes just hanging out in the parking area! However,…

When I moved to the metro area from Northern Michigan, I had no friends in the area and was worried I wouldn’t find good places to get outside. The Metroparks gave me both when I joined an online hiking community and met my favorite group of squirrels at Kensington. We’ve now explored each of the…

My husband, our 10-month-old baby, and I just moved to Michigan, and what an amazing way to experience our new state than by exploring the Metroparks! I’ve been so surprised by how beautiful and well-maintained each park is, and I love how unique they all are, from the different activities and trails to the incredible…

We are fortunate to have such awesome and beautiful Metroparks in Michigan. There are a variety of programs and activities catering to all ages and abilities. My family has enjoyed our Metroparks for many years. The past several years, we participated in the Tail Challenge and had the opportunity to explore all of our Metroparks.…

We are so lucky to have a park system like the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in southeast Michigan. Ever since I was a little kid, I have been going to Lake St. Clair Metropark (we always called it Metro Beach) with other neighborhood friends and families. I remember peddling around a little track, playing on swings, and…

The Metroparks have been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. They are more than trails, lakes, and picnic shelters — they are the backdrop of my childhood, the setting of countless celebrations, and the place where my family and friends continues to grow together. We’ve been visiting…

The Metroparks have always been a large part of my life, as well as my boyfriend’s. We do the Trail Challenge, Race the Rapids, and walk the trails together. So when the time came for him to propose, Dexter-Huron was the perfect place for it. We set up a picnic by the river, watching the…

When confronting my new life , post retirement in January 2026, I decided to drive to Lake St. Clair Metropark. It was a frigid 20 degree day, with winds whipping off the lake. I got out of my car and wrapped up like an Eskimo, took my Rollator and walked from the parking lot in…

I moved to Michigan in the summer of 2023 – my 29 year marriage had ended and I had just started a brand new job that brought me to Detroit from the South where I had lived since 1989. One of my best friends is a native Michigander and when she learned that I was…

My husband and I just completed our 3rd year of the Metroparks Trail Challenge and every year has been amazing. The challenge took us to parks we probably would not have otherwise visited and it has taken us on many trail adventures. We have not only discovered new parks but also many previously unexplored areas…

I’ve never been to the Metroparks before this year and starting the Trail Challenge. All of the parks are beautiful, but I have to say my favorite is Lake Erie Metropark. All the vegetation and water are beautiful but it’s the wildlife that is really spectacular. I didn’t now I could see all kinds of…

This Labor Day I did a 22-mile bike ride from Delhi Metropark all the way to Hudson Mills! The scenery was amazing. I love the opportunity to be able to get out in the sun and see a different part of Michigan that I’ve never seen before! After I did Delhi, Dexter-Huron, and Hudson Mills,…

It was our first outing with our foster children, sisters Kourtney and Katie. We went to Lake Erie Metropark to see the Eagle and visit the museum when we decided to take so a short hike towards the lake. All of the sudden Katie asks “what kind of dog is that?” I look, but all…

At 50—and living with degenerative arthritis—I honestly never thought that hiking was something meant for me. While I enjoyed watching hikers on YouTube, I assumed that was as far as I’d ever get; Trail Challenges were for other people. But finding that first challenge kiosk on the trails, and exploring the Metroparks this season, has…

I’ve been coming to the Metroparks since I was little. My Great-Grandparents would drive us out to Oakwoods where we would have picnics and walk the trails. A few times on Easter my Great-Grandfather managed to hide eggs for us to find. We for sure thought the Easter Bunny hopped right out of the woods…

I signed up for the Metropark Trail Challenge because I wanted to spend more time outdoors and less time being a couch potato. I had visited a few of the Metroparks close to where I live but at least 10 of them were new to me. I really enjoyed exploring all the different parks and…

This is the first year I participated in the Trail Challenge. My best friend convinced me to join her. We have been squeezing in one to two parks each weekend, and it has been a great excuse for us to spend time together. On one particularly memorable hike at Willow Metropark brought us a new…

I never knew about Lake Erie Metropark. I am so glad I visited, because this is the most serene spot in Metro Detroit that I’ve found so far. The views from the trails are absolutely beautiful, especially the Lotus Garden area and the views along the coast. I come back often whenever I need a…

At Lake Erie Metropark, we walked the trail in the rain with our 2 and 4-year-olds. It was an especially exciting experience for our daughter. We ended our rain-soaked walk with a visit to the nature center, and the kids loved making paper fishtails and hiding in the muskrat home. -Kevin

My adult son has become interested in disc golf this summer. One morning he asked me which course he should go to practice that day. I suggested one of the Metroparks. I explained how I had been doing the Trail Challenge and that it’s been fun visiting the parks. I shared that they all have…

My two sons (9 and 4) and I were traipsing along Cherry Island Trail at Lake Erie Metropark. It was a hot, humid day and they were nearing their limit of appreciation for nature. The older one in frustration asked me to stop taking so many photos. As we rounded the corner the lotus beds…

I am always looking for new things to do with my best girl and this Trail Challenge has been the perfect way to try new trails! We tend to get into the habit of just going to the same trails but this helped us find some new favorite trails we wouldn’t have seen otherwise! Thanks…

We have truly enjoyed this Trail Challenge the past few years. We never complete it, but we have fun trying! It keeps our family moving and getting outside. This weekend, the storms killed our power, so what better to do that explore 4 of the Metroparks in one day! Us, and our boys, and even…

The Metroparks have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Picking one story is difficult for sure but there is one milestone that I hit during the pandemic and the Metroparks allowed a safe place for my family to gather to help me celebrate. I ran my first 10K…

Had a great day today exploring the Metroparks with my nine-year-old son! We went to six different Metroparks and walked the trails. He wants to go Metropark-ing every weekend now which I think is the sweetest thing. I love that this challenge has helped us get out there and explore the parks! -Tonya

We just finished the Trail Challenge and we had such a blast doing it!! We explored some really cool places, saw lots of wildlife, and played on some awesome playgrounds. The nature centers were wonderful. My kids especially loved seeing Luc the bald eagle. I can’t choose a favorite park because they were all so…

We had a chance to check out a concert and drone show at Kensington Metropark. What a fantastic experience! The band was great, the area was full of families, and couples, people young and old, all gathered having a good time. There was an excellent variety of food trucks! Plus they had free glow sticks…

Summer was quickly coming to an end and I wanted to spend some quality time with my granddaughter. I asked if she wanted to go on an “adventure” with her Mimi, and we set out for Kensington Metropark. It was a glorious day and I was elated to ride my bike with my granddaughter on…

I grew up going to the Metroparks every summer! My family and I would always go to the fireworks and make a whole day out of it. We would get there and go set up our area, then play at the parks or walk on the trails, then we would go back and grill before…

We just finished the Metroparks Trail Challenge. What fun we had! We live less than a mile from Stony Creek Metropark and spend a lot of time there. This challenge let us really explore all the other parks. Return visits to many are already planned! All of them had things we would love to do.…

My friends and I saw the Michigan Philharmonic perform during the Paddle to the Symphony event at Kensington Metropark! It was so tranquil on the water and it was the first time we were able to see each other in awhile. Spending time at the Metropark with friends is always time well spent!! -Nicole

My friend and I went for a hike at Kensington and that is where we stumbled upon our new favorite adventure, The Metropark Trail Challenge. We couldn’t wait to visit each park where we would hike, kayak, bike ride, or search for wildlife. The Challenge made us search for the kiosks in unique areas of…

I love a good challenge, and the trail challenge did not disappoint. I usually just go to my usual parks.. Kensington, Huron Meadows, Hudson Mills, Delhi, and Dexter Huron. I visit these often to bike, hike, and kayak. My favorite park is Kensington because I always spot wildlife such as deer, bunnies, turkey, cranes, turtles,…

My husband and I completed the trail challenge together! We loved having a common goal to work toward together and truly enjoyed being able to get outside more and explore! Each Metropark has so much to offer. Can’t wait to do the challenge next year! -Lisa

For the past three years, the Metroparks Trail Challenge has been a tradition I look forward to every year. It has encouraged me to explore places I might not have otherwise visited and has given me a whole new appreciation for the beautiful Metroparks right here in my own backyard. I honestly don’t think I…

I had never heard of the Metropark Challenge until a friend told me about it. We have been doing the challenge together this summer and it has been so much fun to learn about the different parks and see all of the amazing animals and events at each park. After seeing all of the parks,…

This is my 4th year participating in the Metroparks trail challenge. I made it a goal of mine to swim in the pools and lakes at the different parks and I am happy to report I succeeded! My favorite lake was swimming at Stony Creek and it was very exhilarating to go down the giant…

Growing up in a boating family, one of my favorite memories was going to the Metropolitan Beach at Lake St. Clair Metropark. There was a pool, Waterpark, a toilet and a great beach for the kids to play. It was a safe place for all to enjoy. I remember there being big letters the kids…

A long ago story! In the 1970’s my dad bought a sailboat, a Hobie 14, and we would take it to Kensington to sail. We were novices. So trailering the boat, rigging it, then putting it into the water was an event. While my dad, sister and brother worked on that, my mom would go…

We absolutely love the Metroparks! ☺️👏🏻 So many beautiful places to explore, trails to walk, beaches to enjoy, and memories to make together. My daughter got to drive the boat at Kensington Maetropark when we took the boat ride, and absolutely loved it! We have taken the swan paddle boats out for the day, enjoyed…

Since moving to Michigan, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have become an essential part of our family’s routine. Each park offers its own unique adventure: Wolcott Mill Metropark: Going trick-or-treating during the fall. Lake St. Clair Metropark: Spotting bald eagles soaring over the water. Lower Huron Metropark: Canoeing along the scenic Huron River. Indian Springs Metropark: Exploring…

My husband and I have been enjoying Stony Creek Metropark for over 50 years. Visiting the park allows opportunities to view wildlife that we don’t normally see. We don’t often see the eagles at Stony, but when we do, a jolt of excitement fills the air. We love to pause and enjoy sightings of turkey,…

I completed the Metroparks Trail Challenge this year! I just found out about it about a month ago, and I really pushed to find/explore what the various parks have to offer. What an absolute treat! I still want to go back and spend more time at the various parks because there is SO MUCH to…

My husband and I buy a pass every year. So many parks, activities, wildlife, trails. Always something to do. We really enjoy the newest park. Such a different experience and an excuse to go downtown. We are so fortunate to have so many of the parks in our area. -Laurie

After his first week of starting a new job, we surprised our dad with adventure golf. We had a great time hitting multiple hole-in-ones, friendly competition, and sometimes going way over par. We had so much fun, we decided to make a video about one perfect summer night! -James

It was the summer of 1970, I had just graduated from highschool. I got a job at Kensington working on the Riverboat, the Island Queen, a 28-ton paddle wheel boat that we gave tours around Kent lake on. I was the first mate the Captain was Leon or Louie I can’t remember. I was responsible…

High school cross country runners can only succeed if they put in their miles over the summer, and even then they cannot be sure that they are ready to take on 3.1 miles of trails and hills when their season starts in the fall. More than 40 years ago I first used the 8.3 mile…

My now husband and I were kayaking at Stoney Creek in July of 2021. We’d had to postpone our wedding a couple times because of COVID and were undecided on a new date and place. While kayaking and fishing, I found the perfect spot. Pointing to the peninsula with the gazebo, I told him right…

We enjoy visiting all the Metroparks through the Trail Challenge! We learn something new each year. Our Metroparks are great…they offer something for everyone! My wife and I enjoy walking to the Pointe at Lake St. Clair Metropark (closest to our home). We enjoy the walk, nature, nice sunsets and running into old friends occasionally.…

My doctor recommended I walk 2 miles per day. My wife had the brilliant idea of visiting every Metropark to liven the challenge. After visiting three Metroparks, we found out about the trail challenge, which cemented our goal. I am so glad we did it. Having lived near Dexter-Huron Metropark for 30 years, I was…

I was glad to help build the wigwam at Oakwoods Metropark. It was my son’s Eagle project in 2015, and a dedicated team of volunteers worked on it for a full week, rain or shine, under the direction of Jessica Diemer-Eaton of Woodland Indian Educational Programs. It was wonderful to see it come to life,…

We’re fortunate to live near Lower Huron, Oakwoods, and Willow Metroparks. While homeschooling our children, we enjoyed many of the parks’ programs, attended Boy Scout merit badge sessions, and have regularly used the hike-bike trails and campsites. Our most memorable experience, though, came this past January, when we spotted three bald eagles — two adults…

My family loves going to different Metroparks together to complete the Trail Challenge. From the nature trails at Huron Meadows, to mountain biking at Stony Creek, to the working farm at Wolcott Mills (and so much more), we always have a fun day exploring together. -Cynthia

The Metroparks have become some of my favorite places to go birdwatching bird and spend time in nature. Every park feels a little different, and that’s part of what makes exploring them so fun! One visit might mean watching Bald Eagles near their nest, another might bring a new bird for my life list, and…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks trails have been a part of my life for almost thirty years. I started out rollerblading with my chocolate lab Levi on the paved trail at Hudson Mills. We spent countless hours there together; these are some of my favorite memories with Levi. In 2012 when I bought my house in Brighton,…

In January of this year I broke my foot. I was used to walking 4-5 miles daily with my dog, Fin, at the North Branch Trails of Wolcott Mills. My foot did not heal quickly and I couldn’t walk the trails until the beginning of July. I missed it so much! My dog missed it…

Stony Creek Metropark has been a part of our lives ever since my wife and I skipped high school one day to visit the beach over 50 years ago. Today we still enjoy hiking, walking and biking the park trails – both paved and dirt. We love that we are now able to share the…

Metro beach has been a destination for my family and I for over he 58 years I have been alive. My grandma and grampa took my mom there and my parents took me there. Now I’m taking my kids there! You name it and I have been there for it… NA picnics, family reunions, ice…

Since my husband passed away in 2013, I am always looking for things to do with my youngest son, who has autism. When the Huron-Clinton Metroparks created the Trail Challenge three years ago, I was delighted. The challenge gave us something to do, gave us a goal and helped us explore parks we had never…

Our family spent the spring and summer of 2020 at Lower Huron Metropark. I am a teacher and had three children who were all working from home. Every day, my family and I would take a drive to Lower Huron to move and escape the house safely. On day 2 we started taking a picture…

Our parents used to take us to Lower Huron all the time. We’d go on family bike rides all throughout the trails during the summer. I had this bright pink mountain bike that I loved. Eventually though, I out grew it and we needed to update my wheels so I wasn’t working so hard compared…

My son’s 40th, and to say he’s an avid paddle boarder is an understatement! We met him along with 26 other paddle boarders at the halfway point of the Huron River experience, at Dexter Huron Metropark where we were waiting for the paddlers with hamburgers, hot dogs and an overall surprise 40th pop up birthday…

Thank you Lake St. Clair Metro Park! We have active 7 & 8 year old grandkids. This park has been terrific place to let them be kids. The playscapes are our go to. The Sunday evening concerts are a great way to meet with friends and relax. -Toni

My husband and I attended the Bat Hike at Indian Springs with Aubrey as our guide. The event was so informative and Aubrey was very knowledgeable. We saw a few bats. We learned how to make our own yard more bat friendly. We made changes to our yard by turning of our lights that used…

Delhi was our 11th Metropark to visit in this challenge and what a surprise to drive up to this bridge. When we were on the bridge, we looked over and saw the river area, scenic, peaceful, beautiful. We couldn’t wait to unload our bikes, find the trail that led to the bridge and river area,…

Having grown up in SE Michigan, I have always known the Huron-Clinton Metroparks existed. From running cross country races in high school at various parks to spending hot summer days at the Lake St. Clair Metropark beach, the parks have always played a background role in my life. In late summer of 2025, I had…

Growing up, my mom took me to Willow and the Oakwoods Nature Center all the time. I have so many fond memories of hiking the nature trails, but my favorite part was always exploring the nature center itself and discovering something new. During the summers at Willow, you could always find our family swimming, picnicking,…

My family love the Metroparks so much we all buy the annual pass! I’m almost 60 and have been going to the Metroparks for most of life. Memories include: one of our uncles being lost in the park, sailing on the lake, picnic’s at Possom Hollow every holiday, movies in the “Blue” park. Our family…

My favorite day at the Metroparks was last year when we attended the HawkFest 2025 event at Lake Erie Metropark. We had the opportunity to talk with experts and see many live presentations featuring rehabilitated birds of prey, including owls and hawks. We learned so much, and it was a truly memorable experience on a…

As the descendant of a French Voyageur, I loved the annual Voyageur Rendezvous held at Lake St. Clair Metropark each year, portraying my Metis g-g-g-grandmother who paddled these very shores nearly 200 years ago! Standing on the shores of the lake, imagining her there, was very thought-provoking. Taking the canoe out on the lake was…

I couldn’t pick a topic because they all have memories. I’ve been going to the Metroparks my whole life. I have wonderful memories of going when I was growing up and of taking my kids when they were young. I can’t think of a time at a park that wasn’t memorable. Fishing with my dad…

This summer I have taken my 3 granddaughters to 4 of the Make It at the Marsh activities at Lake Erie Metropark. We’ve really enjoyed doing these crafts together. My favorite was the Sun Printing. -Janet

My partner and I went to Delhi Metropark and saw an amazing sight. In the river there was a mama deer with her two babies drinking water. – Autumn

My favorite trail experience so far this year has been at Lake St. Clair Metropark. I enjoy walking along waterfronts and there is an abundance here. I had a close encounter with a doe in early spring while walking the trails. One of my favorite things about the Metroparks are that you feel safe walking…

Visited Lake St. Claire Metropark today and it started to pour rain! It didn’t stop us though! We put our raincoats on and went in search of the kiosks. We had a blast! -Mark & Karen

We have enjoyed the Metroparks for decades. We played in them as kids and watched as our kids played in them. From sporting events to family outings the Metroparks have been a big part of our lives. -Esten

Lower Huron Metropark is the main reason why I have purchased a park pass since moved to Van Buren Township in 2014. I am impressed every year with the amount of care and innovation that is happening at my Metropark. But one of the most surprising things happened in June of 2026. I was taking…

Last year I joined my sister and brother on the Metropark Trail Challenge. Visit 13 parks, follow the clues to find a kiosk on the trails and submit for credit. It was hysterical discussing where we thought the clues were taking us as the clues are not always straight forward but I guess that’s why…

My husband and I regularly use the Metroparks for biking and walking, and always enjoy seeing the various wildlife and the changing flora and fauna throughout the year. Recently, my husband and our adult son went for an evening walk. When they returned my husband told me about seeing the osprey feeding their young, and…

The Metropark Trail Challenge has become a favorite activity for me and my kids. As a high school science teacher I get the amazing opportunity to be home with my two boys all summer. Kensington Metropark is just around the corner and we go there several times a week. The Trail Challenge got us to…

This year I have enjoyed visiting the Metroparks with several family members. I was not part of the team last year nor was the dog Milo. I think he has enjoyed it as much as I have. It has been nice visiting parks I have not been to before. There are several I would like…

Before we signed up for the Trail Challenge, our family was familiar with the Indian Springs, Kensington, and Stony Creek Metroparks. Thanks to this challenge we have visited towns we haven’t been to before and learned how unique each Metropark is. We’ve enjoyed discovering new trails, waterparks, and more. One of the highlights for me…

Kensington Metropark is one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan. If you love being on the water, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, or even swan pedal boats to explore beautiful Kent Lake. During the summer, there are two beaches to enjoy, including one with a splash pad and water slide that’s perfect…

Our favorite memory so far has been camping at Lower Huron for their Family Campout this summer 2026. We spend most of our visits going to Kensington to visit the nature center since it’s close to home and spending our sons birthday at the splash pad at Kensington. -Kristina

If I had to pick the place where my family has created the most memories, it would be Lake St. Clair Metropark. I have been going to Metro Beach for as long as I can remember. I have many memories of my parents taking me there as a kid, and now we create those same…

I love participating in the Metroparks Trail Challenge every year. This is the 4th year I’ve completed a visit to every park. Each park has it’s own character, charm, and variety of things to do. It’s a great way to get my family out, whether we’re hiking nature trails, riding on the bike trails, or…

My mother always wanted to take my sisters and I camping as kids and she never got a chance to. After she passed away last year, I made it my mission to take my children camping in her honor. We loved the family camping at Kensington, there was so much for everyone to do, even…

I took my nieces and nephew to Kensington nature trails and farm center several times when they were very young. One of my niece’s name is McKenzie and she called the park McKenzington. She is 30-years-old and still refers to the park as McKensington. Our family has a lot of special memories experienced at McKensington.…

My husband and I buy eight annual Metropark passes every year. One for each of our kids and one for our cars. As of August 1, my park diary shows my husband and I have visited our Metroparks 126 times this year… so far…we truly love our Metroparks. Kensington is my absolute favorite between swimming,…

Although I was born and raised in Michigan, I’ve lived in Ohio for the last 21 years, but recently moved back home to Michigan to be near family in our retirement years. While living near Columbus, Ohio I became very attached to the Metroparks there, especially their fall colors. I was reluctant to leave them…

I have many Metropark family memories because our family summer activities were spent at Kensington every Sunday all summer long. The long drive, felt like hours and it was only about 30-45 minutes, the “are we there yet”, the “I need to go potty” and the anxious 4 children in the back of the station…

I go to Lake St. Clair Metropark twice a week. I didn’t start golfing until I was 55, and in the last four years, I have had four holes in one. I enjoy golfing and walking at Lake Sy. Clair, even in the winter time, if the weather is not too bad. Looking forward to…

When I first went to Lake Erie Metropark, the big pond was filled with phragmites. I prefer egrets. I also come back every year to check out the American Lotus bloom. It is not just beautiful but eerie to see all those giant leaves receiving a signal from outer space. -Cynthia

I experienced my first attempt of Mountain Biking on the Stoney Creek Sheldon Trails! After making the leap and finally committing to buying a new bike, I got my first taste of weaving between trees and flowing through the trails – even having to pause for a moment to let a pair of deer pass…

After visiting all of the Metroparks for the Trail Challenge this year, I signed up for the “canal paddle” tour at Lake Erie to complete the bonus challenges. I happened to catch a great sunset over the Lotus beds – perfect place, perfect time! -Stacey

I remember coming to Lake Erie as a child in middle school for class trips in the summer. I have always loved Lake Erie Metropark but it took me until my 36th birthday to check out the Marshland Museum and some of the gorgeous trails. It’s a reminder that magic is all around us and…

We all know that life can get crazy busy. What I love the most about the Metroparks is intentionally taking time to unwind & be with nature. I’m no pro at taking photos, but every now & again I get it “just right.” This pic was worth battling the fish flies, lol. -Robyn

When I was young every Sunday my mom would take us to Metro Beach (Lake St. Clair Metropark) . We would have a picnic and eat cucumber sandwiches. But the thing I remember the most was the turtle races they used to have for the kids . Every kid would get a turtle and we…

Started the 2026 Trail Challenge with Birding in mind! I’ve been able to see multiple hawks, woodpeckers, a green heron, great egret, and mourning doves up close or through my binoculars! Have also hung out close to some Canadian geese and ducks. I never realized how vast the bird species in Michigan was before visiting…

My favorite thing about the Trail Challenge is seeing all the different wildlife at all 14 different Me tropark trails was phenomenal. It’s hard to pick only 3 pictures from so many trails with so many experiences. -Breanna

My friends and I have had a lot of fun completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge and visiting Metroparks we already knew well and explore the rest! We have been kayaking (our favorite), hiking and biking and finished today visiting the animals at the farm center and the historic site at Wolcott Mill Metropark – such…

One of my goals this year was to spend more quality time with my 9-year-old son, Lucas, making memories together. The Metroparks Trail Challenge has given us a reason to explore new parks, hike trails, visit nature centers, and discover parts of southeast Michigan we probably never would have visited otherwise. Watching him get excited…

I think the Metroparks Trail Challenge is really fun because I get to explore new parks with my mom. My favorite things are finding the challenge signs, hiking the trails, and playing on the playgrounds. I want to visit all of the parks before the challenge ends! -Lucas

My fiance and I took our 10 year old to the Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center to see the animals and we stumbled across the kiosk for the Metropark Trail Challenge. We have had so much fun exploring and visiting parks we didn’t even know existed! We’ve really enjoyed our time outside this summer visiting…

Eastwood Beach at Stony Creek Metropark has long been our favorite Metropark spot for its beach and playground, but the Metropark Challenge has given us so many new ones to add to the list! My kids were obsessed with the space-themed playground at Lower Huron, and we had a blast attending the “Magnificent Millipedes” class…

Our family just had a much overdo family reunion at Kensington Metropark a few weeks ago. We rented a shelter and it turned out to be the perfect venue for our family. The children enjoyed the playground and beach, while us old folks reminisced in the shade of the pavilion. A big thanks to the…

As a born and raised Michigander, I spent my childhood attending family reunions at Stony Creek and then running cross country races in high school at Wolcott and Lake St. Clair. It was so special to bring my Florida then-fiancé to Indian Springs to tour the space for our wedding. When we visited, we saw…

I never saw myself as someone particularly interested in birds. As a hobby photographer I was, however, interested in pushing my limits beyond landscape photography and static objects. The wildlife at Kensington Metropark presented itself as the perfect subject. When you are a beginner, you are more likely to succeed if nosy nuthatches and cheeky…

My husband and I have loved doing the Metroparks Trail Challenge. What a great way/idea to visit all the parks you may never have thought to explore. We are impressed with the amenities and wonderful opportunities the parks offer for all those who love an adventure. Highly recommend!! -Sheila

My daughter and I signed up for this summer’s Trail Challenge. We had never been to Wolcott Mill Metropark. I decided to enroll us and the grandkids in the free ice cream making class at the dairy farm in the park. It was so much fun. First we mixed the ingredients of cream, sugar and…

As a new property owner in Detroit metro area, I joined the Metroparks challenge last year as a way to learn more about the region. My dog and I enjoyed it so much, I decided to do it again this year and our new 6 month old puppy came with us. I love the diversity…

The deck behind the Oakwoods nature center is one of my favorite places to visit. You walk up, and nothing is there. Then you glimpse a woodpecker, then you notice some mallards, then there’s 2 eagles in the tree in the distance, then a blue gray gnatcatcher calls in the distance. You just have to…

Lake St. Clair Metropark is an amazing place to go kayaking. You can rent the kayaks right there, and there are lots of very cool places to see on the water. When my friend and I were paddling on the water, we saw a little entrance in the reeds. Upon entering the reeds, we were…

We walked at Oakwood Metropark today and we were having a difficult time finding a trail and a kind worker took time to help locate our trail. We were very grateful. -Patricia  

Stoney Creek MetroBARK is an amazing place for us and our dogs! Every night at dusk we drive through the park at dusk and watch deer come out to feed. The pups are mesmerized! And we love Paws and Play weekends. We get out on the trails to learn about flora and fauna from knowledgeable…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Trail challenge has been a way to re-establish family bonds. Two of my sisters recently moved back to Southeast Michigan. Last year we did the Trail Challenge. This year we added two team members, my wife and my sisters dog Milo. It has been fun finding the kiosks, walking and getting reacquainted.…

We fell in love with kayaking in Kensington! My wife and I took our kids and parents to the lake and rented kayaks. It was a massive hit, but even more with my wife and I. The small islands to visit, the open water and small sailboats all were so idyllic, that we returned the…

A colleague told me about the Metroparks Trail Challenge and I am so grateful! Despite living in the area my whole life, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that prior to this year, I had only ever visited 3 or 4 of our local metroparks. This challenge has brought my pup & me so much…

My daughter, and her dog, Luna, as well as myself are all participating in the 2026 Metroparks Trail Challenge. We love being able to see some of the parks together spending time walking and talking while taking in the beauty of our Metroparks. -Beverly

I moved to Michigan from the South about 10 years ago and have enjoyed the outdoors over the summers each year. But this is the first time I have taken the Metroparks Trail Challenge and gone canoeing as part of a Metroparks activity. I did that this afternoon at Oakwoods Metropark. It was a group…

We have been around the Huron Clinton Metroparks for decades and just discovered the Trail Challenge and are enjoying every minute. -Esten

The Metroparks Trail Challenge has become much more than a checklist of trails for me. It has given me a reason to explore new places, spend more time outdoors, and reconnect with the things I enjoy most… nature, wildlife, and photography. As someone who loves photographing birds and wildlife, every trail offers something different. Some…

I enjoy going for hikes on the trails at the Metroparks. There is a variety between each park, and there is always wildlife. I visit Kensington the most as it is closest to me. And I enjoy both hiking the nature trails to see all the animals, and the Hike-Bike Trail to view the water…

When my husband and I moved to Michigan a few years ago, the Metroparks were a great way for us to explore our area. With exploring we reignited our love for being outside with nature. Together we have lost over 125 pounds due in part to our continued connection with the metroparks. -GeorgAnne

Last year my kids and I decided to try something new and joined the Trail Challenge. We bring our dogs and we all look forward to our early morning adventures. It’s so peaceful walking before the park gets too busy. We have loved visiting parks we have never been to before and we each have…

I was recovering from some hip issues and used the trails at the Kensington Nature Center to re-train my hips for a long vacation in the Pacific Northwest. While the gentle hills of those trails were nothing like Mount Rainier’s trails, they helped me get ready for a lot of pain-free hiking! -John

Yesterday, I paddled with friends from Huron Meadows to Hudson Mills Metropark. The trip was 12.84 miles. We had one portage at Flook Dam and ran the rapids at Rapids View in Hudson Mills. How fun to be able to get from one Metropark to another on the water. And with a real bathroom before…

What a gem we have in Stony Creek Metropark. I have walked, biked, golfed, picnicked, attended family events, high school events, and more since I was a young kid. The park is huge and I have much of it to still explore. -David

My sister and I have always loved any event or challenge that came with a fun incentive or collectible. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I worried that our adventures together might come to an end. Then we discovered the Trail Challenge, and it turned out to be the perfect way to include her…

The Trail Challenge is a great motivator for family time. Even my teenager will join in for a family walk if it means we are crossing another Metropark off the list. We love exploring together and seeing who will be the first to spot the Challenge Trrail sign! -Andrea

I really love the nature center at Indian Springs Metropark. I like to walk through the tunnel under the pond and just sit in the dome room watching the fish swim around me. So peaceful. And the pond sculpture is really nice. -Leslie

Stoney Creek has become my happy place. If ever I feel stressed or like I need a break, I find myself going there to get fresh air and go for a walk. The mornings are especially my fave because everyone is so friendly when you pass. It’s a great way to start my day! People…

Our very first Trail Challenge kiosk is still our favorite memory. Last year, my sister, my niece, my boyfriend, and I embarked on a hike at Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center to earn our first kiosk badge. The sun was setting, and we drastically overestimated how far a 3-year-old can hike (we ended up carrying…

We went to the Lake St. Clair Metropark kiosk and walked back on the boardwalk. We have been going to the Metroparks for years now but this Trail Challenge is letting us learn more and more new things about each one. I had no idea that Lake St. Clair had a splash pad and a…

My daughter loves to go trail walking. It’s her favorite thing to do, and her favorite one is Kensington Metropark Wildwing Nature Trail. We love to see all of the birds, and I often take my best animal pictures at Kensington. We do enjoy and use the other Metroparks as well. Trail walks have been…

I loved visiting the Maple Syrup event at Wolcott Mill Metropark. The new sugar shack is terrific and the smells from the reducing sap were amazing! I loved having the chance to buy syrup for home as well to keep the memories longer! -Sara

We visited Lower Huron Metropark as part of the Trail Challenge. What a beautiful park!! I instantly fell in love. Out of all the parks I’ve been to this one is my absolute favorite. We visited early in the morning and it was just so peaceful and I enjoyed every moment of our walk. I…

It all started with a cardinal. After years of being sick and falling into depression, I saw a cardinal at my bird feeder. It made me want to see more birds. The more birds I saw, the happier I became. I wanted to see if I could find birds at the nearest Metropark. I met…

The #TrailChallenge has been the extra nudge I needed to get outside and move more. It has pushed me well past 10,000 steps on many days while exploring parks I never would have visited otherwise. My dog, Hattie, has loved the adventure, and I’ve enjoyed sharing the experience with family and friends. The Metroparks truly…

Today we attended the Little Critter program at Lake St. Claire Metropark Nature Center where we learned about reptiles, and decorated our own snakes. Afterwards we explored the Nature Center where we seen our favorite reptile a turtle. The kids loved it!! -Annette

Today I completed the Metroparks Trail Challenge. It was my first year doing it. I grew up between Hudson Mills in Dexter and Kensington near Milford but had never been to several of the parks in the Trail Challenge. Huron Meadows was always a local favorite of mine growing up too, but feel spoiled by…

We have been going to the Metroparks since we moved into the area. My wife and I have always loved the outdoors but I would have to say my favorite memory has to be when we took our daughter to float down the river last year. She had so much fun and to see the…

I grew up going to Stoney Creek with my family for picnics, hikes, and parties. I signed up for the Trail Challenge as soon as I heard about it and have been hiking the trails since. In 2025 I was pregnant with my first child and hiked all the Metroparks. It was a great workout…

I love the Metroparks. As a kid I spent time at Lake St. Clair or Stony Creek, at the beach or picnicking. We live closer Kensington and Indian Springs now and have spent hours riding or walking the paths. The Trail Challenge gave us an opportunity to see the parks that we have never visited.…

Today a friend and I visited Kensington Metropark where I have not visited in probably 40 years! We decided to start the Trail Challenge there and did get turned around once! The wonderful parts of being a little lost was seeing a swan nested on 4 eggs, wild turkeys, and baby Cranes! -Victoria O.

Our favorite bike trail is the one where three Metroparks are all connected. We start at Willow in the Washago parking lot; take a half-loop to the connector down to Oakwoods; stop for a quick break at the nature center. Then, we head back to our starting point where we grab some lunch. After some…

Our family has enjoyed attending many of the birding classes throughout the last few years. It’s been such a joy to share my husband’s and my love of nature with our two kids with all the vast amounts of information we’ve gotten from the classes. Our daughter started pointing out birds in our backyard and…

I am loving walking and seeing the abundance of nature out here. I was at Lake St. Clair Metropark today. I walk around the point, talked to some fishermen that were from Indiana. People come from all over just to fish our waters. Then I went over to the Marsh and experienced that walk and…

As a child, we would go every week to watch for deer at dusk at the metroparks with our grandma. Now, my kids we get to with her as well and it is one of my favorite traditions. We have so much fun exploring each unique park and watching for wildlife! -Brooke E.

I’ve been coming to Kensington since the 70’s, when we used to skip school to hit the beach. Now I enjoy birding and geocaching along the nature trails. It’s a magical place! This is also my first year to do the Trail Challenge, along with my two sisters. I enjoy visiting Kensington, as a beginning…

From Mid-Michigan area and have drove by these parks many times in the past. Last year I joined my daughter and sister for a day during there 2025 Trail Challenge. Did not realize I was driving by so much beauty. I enjoyed myself so much that day, when they said they were doing the 2026…

My friend and I biked part of the trails for the Metroparks Trail Challenge last year, biking to 3 different Metroparks altogether — Delhi, Dexter-Huron, and Hudson Mills! It definitely turned into a long ride (24.01 miles total in 3.5 hours), which was not the original plan 😂 but I can’t wait to do it…

What a great experience we had at Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center. My son is moderate to severely autistic. It’s difficult to get him out of the house, let alone to be excited about an outing. He’s obsessed with elevators and wanted to ride the Schindler Elevator at Indian Springs. I called ahead and was…

At the end of 2024 I learned about the Trail Challenge but was too late to sign up. It became a goal for me to sign up for 2025 and get my friends on board in order to bond and spend more time outdoors. We completed the 2025 Trail Challenge and explored parks we’ve never…

I grew up at Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach as we know it), had my first job at the old ice cream stand in 1975, brought my children to the Tot Lot when they were little, and am looking forward to bringing my grandson when he is old enough. I experienced a brooding swan…

Our brother was a huge Kensington Metropark lover. He enjoyed riding his bike throughout the park, walking the paths, spotting the albino dear and other activities. Robert ‘Bob’ passed away in 2022 and the best way we could think of to honor his memory, is to purchase a bench. The bench is located right by…

My go to park Kensington Metropark for the nature trails. I use it to get some exercise, unwind after a long day and just pray and see what God has created for me to enjoy. The sunsets are spectacular. This year I was able to see a Barred Owl! So thankful that we have these…

We consider Huron Meadows Metropark our home park. Our kids have grown up in this park. We have used it in all seasons and for so many memorable events. My went fishing here on my daughter’s first Mother’s Day. My son ran cross country meets here. My daughter rode her bike without training wheels for…

Hello, my name is Kendra and I’ve asked my human to share my MetroBarks story. Last year I completed the Trail Challenge! It was so much fun going to all the parks and splashing in the Huron River. My human didn’t want to go in the water, but I made sure to pull her in…

I have been coming to the Metroparks since the 1960’s, as a young girl with my family. It was a great low-cost, local place to go for our large family of 9 to picnic and enjoy the beach. I have always had a love for nature and being outdoors, so it was always a joy…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have been a cornerstone in my life. As a young child I enjoyed the squirt zone at Lake St. Clair. To my teenage years of running cross country at Stoney Creek, Wolcott, and Lake St. Chair. To watching my cousin get married at Indian Spings Metropark. Enjoying the wildlife views of Kensington.…

You can say my dog and I are big Metropark nerds! We try to go to the Metroparks every day in the morning for our walks. My day is 100 times better when I take my dog to the park! We actually decided to go to all 13 Metroparks a while ago. We have been…

Last year, I discovered the Metroparks Trail Challenge a bit late in the season. Although I didn’t get to cross the official finish line by finishing every park, the journey itself was a massive win. Exploring so many beautiful, diverse parks challenged me to push my limits, test my distance, and fall in love with…

Last year, while participating in the Trail Challenge, I visited Kensington Metropark for the first time. I really enjoyed visiting parks away from our “home parks” and found myself at Kensington on a cold, drizzly morning. I anticipated this would be a quick trip – do about a 1/2 mile quick walk and submit my…

A couple weeks ago we attended the Raptor Fest at Lake St. Clair Metropark and we loved seeing the eagles in the nest from the telescopes and using the borrowed binoculars. We actually took pictures of the binoculars and came home and bought the exact ones for ourselves. Last night we went and did our…

Today marks the start of our second year participating in the Metroparks Trail Challenge. We are very excited to complete all the check-ins and explore all the parks. We are excited that the markers moved this year so we get to see new places in the parks! This year we are excited to have new…

Stony Creek Metropark has basically been in our backyard since moving to Romeo 8 years ago, but we really got to know it and all the Metroparks after signing up for our first Metropark Trail Challenge in 2025. Signing up started as a motivator to get some hiking conditioning in before our trip to Isle…

Over 2 decades ago, my husband and I started frequently visiting Kensington Metropark, to bike, roller blade, and hike. Because we loved the park and the area around it so much, we decided to move closer and chose Milford to start our family. Over the next 20 years, we shared the park with our children.…

My day did not start the way I wanted it to. The plan was to get up early and visit a few of the Metroparks that are a pretty far from me. I got up late, fell behind in chores and then hit traffic and construction on the way out to the parks. I finally…

One of my favorite moments was bringing my wheelchair dependent 3 year old and high energy 5 year old to the nature trails surrounding the Lake St. Claire Metropark Nature Center. It’s difficult to connect with nature when its not accessible but its so important to us as a family. It was tough to traverse…

I was first introduced to the Trail Challenge in 2024, and this is my third year doing it. The experience has been truly amazing. Visiting all the different parks and hitting so many different trails has been a journey. I started off walking at Lake St. Clair Metropark pretty much daily before I discovered the…

The Metroparks are beautiful and have so much to offer. I love walking the trails with my daughters. It’s definitely boosted my mental health and gives me precious time with my girls. Seeing the wildlife and picturesque views makes us happy. -Patricia K.

We started the Trail Challenge very late last year but had also done it the previous years. Even though we got a late start in 2025, we decided it was our time to do all 13! We managed to fit in all 13 in the final month, saw many new places, spent quality time on…

I had only ever been to Stony Creek Metropark golf course prior to doing the Trail Challenge for the first time a couple years ago. After seeing what all the parks have to offer, I’ve gone to multiple golf courses. Indian Springs and Huron Meadows Metroparks are two of my new favorite golf courses in…

Some of my favorite memories from childhood are from visiting Kensington Metropark with my family for the yearly Fourth of July fireworks and also seeing the Detroit Symphony Orchestra perform while we sat on the grass. Other highlights included visiting the Farm and Nature Center. I continue to visit, but now with my own family,…

During Covid lockdown, my daughter and I set about trying to hike at all of the Metroparks (we got to all except Lake St. Clair, Wolcott Mill, and Stoney Creek Metroparks) and she even created a spreadsheet where we ranked the hiking trails. Kensington Metropark reigned supreme. She was just home from her first year…

With gas prices skyrocketing the Metroparks Trail Challenge offers the perfect daycation solution. Last year was our first year participating. Each park offers local, unique, and beautiful natural spaces to explore. Even though the Trail Challenge involved mostly hiking and biking, we also discovered many new places to launch our kayaks and paddle the stress…

I started participating in the Metroparks Trail Challenge in 2024 and have signed up each year since. Prior to participating, I had only been to a few of the Metroparks (the couple closest to my house). Participating in the Trail Challenge took me to parks that I may have not ever visited otherwise, many of…

Twenty eight years ago I met my future husband while walking on the paved path near the north dam at Stony Creek Metropark. Five months later, after an evening walk, he proposed in the Northdale parking lot. Seven months from the day we first met, we were married at the Northdale picnic shelter. To this…

My Wife and I discovered the Trail Challenge last year and absolutely loved it. We had so much fun visiting the thirteen vastly different parks. We were amazed at the varied biomes that each park offered. Every park felt unique and we cannot wait to visit them all again this year. We are especially looking…

I love everything Stony Creek Metropark has to offer and my dogs love it too. What I love most is mountain biking. I’ve been riding here for over 20 years. The revamped trails are amazing. The berms and jumps are great. These trails taught me how to jump properly, and I’m almost 50! I am…

For years, I have wanted to find a maple tree on our property and learn to tap it for syrup with my son. Unfortunately timing, equipment costs, and life in general have impeded this dream. Today, we were fortunate enough to join the maple tapping event at Kensington Metropark. Sitting and listening to a member…

The Metroparks have been woven into the story of my life. Some of my earliest memories are summer days at the Wave Pool at Lake Erie Metropark, where the parks first became a place of joy and adventure for me. Decades later, they remain a constant. As a runner for more than twenty-five years, I…

As a family we love to spend time year around in the Metroparks. There is always something to enjoy no matter the weather. We love the kids ice fishing tournaments sponsored by the Walleye Club. It is a great free way to get your kids out enjoying nature even in the winter months. We also…

If you have an active dog the Huron-Clinton Metroparks are a must! From hiking trails, attending events, walking with friends and swimming we’ve been to every park within about 90 minutes and visit our local parks biweekly. Great way to explore and burn energy together. -Renee M.