Lake Erie Metropark

Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks overlooking our marshes as we search for critters scaly, slimy, furred, and feathered. Fun for all ages. Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Cost: $3 per child, $5 per adult, children under two are…

Experience nature in a whole new way by journaling the things you see, hear and experience. We will begin the day by decorating your own journal, before hitting the trail for some immersive experiences. Discover fun, new ways of recording…

In this three-part series we’ll discover the lives of Michigan’s top predators. We will cover the fascinating world of wolves. We’ll explore their behavior, adaptations and social dynamics. We’ll also learn what caused their range in Michigan to change over…

Water is essential to all life and it is all around us! Join us at the museum for an interactive presentation to learn about why water is so important and the ways that it shapes the world around us. We…

Join us for an Earth Day Clean-up to help keep our park beautiful and safe for people and wildlife! Individuals, families and groups welcome. There will be various areas of the park that we will clean up, including picnic areas…

Become a citizen scientist! In this hands-on, citizen science program, we’ll discover, identify and record the different kinds of clouds found in the sky. We’ll learn how to interpret the shape of the clouds and how it relates to the…

Join us on the first Saturday of each month as we explore the changes that occur throughout Lake Erie Metropark on a monthly basis. Begin the day with some coffee and treats before participants head outside for a guided stroll…

Warblers, thrushes, and vireos, oh my! May is the blockbuster time for birdwatchers in these parts, and we simply love it! You’ll love it, too. Join us as we head down the trails looking for everything bird. Bring your binoculars,…

There are a lot of frogs out there and it’s time to get to know them – really know them. Join us for a fun and educational look at the creatures of “frogdom” including identification, calling, tadpoles, and the perils…

Discover the amazing world of plants! In this program, scouts learn about plant parts and functions and discover how plants make their food. They’ll observe different plant species found in the park and discuss their importance to wildlife and humans.…

Discover the amazing world of plants! In this program, scouts learn about plant parts and functions and discover how plants make their food. They’ll observe different plant species found in the park and discuss their importance to wildlife and humans.…

Moms are awesome – human and nature ones. Whether they’re muskrat moms or robin moms, they deserve a closer look. Join us for an indoor investigation of nature moms and if weather allows, we’ll head outside too! Bring your human…

Join us in contributing to science! In this hands-on, citizen science program, we’ll discover, identify and record the different kinds of freshwater insects found in the park. We’ll learn how our findings provide insight about the marsh habitat. Using the…

Michigan is home to many species of reptiles. Join us at the museum to learn about these scaly critters followed by a walk through the marsh to search for these animals in their natural habitat. Fun for all ages. Time: 10…

In the final program of the series, and we’ll learn about the interesting life of black bears. Learn about their life cycle, hibernation and communication and dispel some misconceptions about them. We’ll end by taking a look at the relationship…

LENS CAP - the Lake Erie Nature Society for Cameras and Photography – meets six times a year. This month, join us for a photo exploration of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and beyond through images that have been submitted by photographers just like…

Join us on the first Saturday of each month as we explore the changes that occur throughout Lake Erie Metropark on a monthly basis. Begin the day with some coffee and treats before participants head outside for a guided stroll…

Michigan’s canines aren’t like the family dog. These canines are wild hunters and we share our park with some of them. Join us to learn about the canines we find in Michigan and the history of their complicated relationship with…

Take a leisurely walk with us along the boardwalks overlooking our marshes as we search for critters such as Eastern Fox Snakes, Bullfrogs, Muskrats, and Bald Eagles. We will use pelts, bones and other items to build on what we…

Discover the incredible world of insects! In this program, scouts will learn about the various insect species found in Lake Erie Metropark. While out on the trails, scouts will look at insects and learn about their unique adaptations. They will…

Discover the incredible world of insects! In this program, scouts will learn about the various insect species found in Lake Erie Metropark. While out on the trails, scouts will look at insects and learn about their unique adaptations. They will…

From the sneaky weasels to the magnificent muskrat, discover the world of mammals in the marsh. We will be focusing on our furry friends that call the marshes around Lake Erie Metropark, “home” and will be searching the marsh area…

It's one of southeast Michigan's favorite traditions: The Huron-Clinton Metroparks annual fireworks! Lake Erie Metropark will host the final night of fireworks. Join us for an afternoon of fun in the sun, enjoying the wave pool and exploring the park.…

Discover the amazing life of bees! In this program, we’ll learn about their life history and the different species found in Michigan. On the trails we’ll look for these incredible insects and cover basic identification. We’ll explore how you can…

Each month we invite you to join us for coffee, treats, hike and conversation.  Too many people sleep through the best part of the day!  Come join us instead!  We’ll start off indoors with some coffee and baked goods and…

Spend a beautiful day on the shores of Lake Erie casting and reeling. Learn to identify some local fish species as you master your cast. This is the perfect program for beginners as well as advanced anglers. All equipment is…

It’s a rodent, it’s a bird, IT’S A BAT! Discover what makes bats unique and their role in nature. We’ll also debunk some misconceptions surrounding these creatures of the night. We’ll start with an indoor presentation about bat characteristics and…

Some of these things just don’t belong here! Join us for a presentation on invasive species, both plants and animals, you can find in our park. We will learn in the classroom and on a walk, about how these invaders…

Some of these things just don’t belong here! Join us for a presentation on invasive species, both plants and animals, you can find in our park. We will learn in the classroom and on a walk, about how these invaders…

Interested in citizen science but not sure where to start? This program is for you! We’ll learn what citizen science is and how it helps the science community. We’ll head out on the trails and record our plant and wildlife…

There is so much more to moths than most people realize.  Join us as we take a closer look at these fascinating critters of the night.  We’ll start off in the classroom with an introduction to their lifeways and then…

Learn how to identify native Michigan tree species and learn about the biology of the trees. Join us to better understand how all trees have their place in our ecosystem and in our everyday lives. Fun for all ages! Time:…

Learn how to identify native Michigan tree species and learn about the biology of the trees. Join us to better understand how all trees have their place in our ecosystem and in our everyday lives. Fun for all ages! Time:…

Summer means cook-outs, car shows, swimming pools, music and games outside, and during Rally at River’s End, you can do all that and more! Bring the whole family out to where the Huron River ends for a full day of…

LENS CAP – the Lake Erie Nature Society for Cameras and Photography – meets six times a year.  Photography isn’t just a hobby.  For some lucky folks, it’s a career. Our guest speaker is one of those lucky career people!…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Fireflies, beetles, and moths, oh my! Learn about some of the insects we can find at night, including the world’s most dangerous animal: the mosquito. Then we will head outside for an interactive game and nocturnal bug hunt. Fun for…

Each month we invite you to join us for coffee, treats, hike and conversation.  Too many people sleep through the best part of the day!  Come join us instead!  We’ll start off indoors with some coffee and baked goods and…

The American Lotus is one of the rarest flowers in the state of Michigan and the viewing at Lake Erie Metropark is spectacular!  Join us as we make our way to the lotus beds.  During this one-mile round trip stroll,…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

The American Lotus is one of the rarest flowers in the state of Michigan and the viewing at Lake Erie Metropark is spectacular!  Join us as we make our way to the lotus beds.  During this one-mile round trip stroll,…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

They don’t sting.  They migrate.  Oh, and they eat mosquitoes!  What more do we need to say?  Join us for an in-depth look at dragonflies. We’ll start off in the classroom with an introduction to who they are and how…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Prairies in Southeast Michigan were once plentiful.  Now, most are gone.  Wouldn’t it be neat to establish some prairies again? Join us for a two-part program series in cooperation with the staff of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Outdoor…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

You probably know that the War of 1812 started in the year 1812, but what else do you know?  Who fought?  What for?  Did you know locations in southeast Michigan played a critical role? Join us as we take a…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

This is the second part of the Prelude to a Prairie program.  In the first part, we visited our prairie and learned about what makes them special.  In this session, we will give you some insight on how you can…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Discover the stories behind the stars that light up the night sky! Join us as we learn about the how constellations have been important to humans and served as inspiration for folklore. We’ll explore what a star is, the different…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

From their life on the leaf of a Milkweed, to their nearly 3,000-mile migration to Mexico, Monarch butterflies live quite the life! Join us for a walk along our trails while we look for these beautiful butterflies and learn about…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Summer Discovery Cruises offer anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie and the Detroit River the opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and…

Lake Erie Metropark is home to many scaly and slimy critters. Whether you are fascinated or frightened by them, leave this program with a new appreciation for our reptiles and amphibians. You will have the chance to get up close…

Join us for an evening walk through the marshes of Lake Erie! On the trails, we’ll discover the importance of wetland habitat and be on the lookout for marshland plants and animals. Fun for all ages! Time: 7 p.m. –…

Join us for a day of creativity and exploration! We will explore the trails for plants and wildlife and then create a nature inspired craft. This program focuses on Daisy and Brownie Scouts and meets the requirements for both Outdoor…

Join us for a day of creativity and exploration! We will explore the trails for plants and wildlife and then create a nature inspired craft. This program focuses on Daisy and Brownie Scouts and meets the requirements for both Outdoor…

In the not too distant past, Osprey numbers in North America were in decline.  Now, they can be found throughout Southeast Michigan!  Join us for a detailed look at their life histories.  There’s lots to learn, from their identification to…

Like it or not, spiders are everywhere. But don’t fear – we are prepared to set the record straight on these misunderstood creatures. Join us for a casual stroll along the nature trails as we look for these crawly critters.…

Each month we invite you to join us for coffee, treats, hike and conversation.  Too many people sleep through the best part of the day!  Come join us instead!  We’ll start off indoors with some coffee and baked goods and…

Join us for raptor identification made simple. We will begin the program in the Marshlands Museum looking at some easy ways to get you on the right track when it comes to identifying birds of prey in flight. Next, we…

Join us for raptor identification made simple. We will begin the program in the Marshlands Museum looking at some easy ways to get you on the right track when it comes to identifying birds of prey in flight. Next, we…

Raptors are getting ready to fly down south, but the journey isn’t an easy one. Join us as we discover how their bodies are strong enough to travel these long distances! We’ll start the program in the Marshland Museum learning…

Raptors are getting ready to fly down south, but the journey isn’t an easy one. Join us as we discover how their bodies are strong enough to travel these long distances! We’ll start the program in the Marshland Museum learning…

Spend the day hanging by the pool with your best friend! Your dog will get to splash and play in The Great Wave pool. This is a DOG ONLY swim. No humans are allowed in the water. All dogs must…

Join us as we kick-off a great weekend in celebration of the annual fall hawk migration. This year we are celebrating the 30th year of Hawkfest.  The kick-off will feature hors d' oeuvres, silent auction, cash bar and live birds…

Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. This experience is unique to our area and birders from all…

Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. This experience is unique to our area and birders from all…

Join us to learn a bit about the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, two raptors that can be seen in and around Lake Erie Metropark. We’ll head to the boat launch to see the raptors flying over the park.…

Join us to learn a bit about the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, two raptors that can be seen in and around Lake Erie Metropark. We’ll head to the boat launch to see the raptors flying over the park.…

LENS CAP – the Lake Erie Nature Society for Cameras and Photography – meets six times a year.  This month is a “back to basics approach” as we review basic camera settings and composition.  Be sure to bring your camera…

Each month we invite you to join us for coffee, treats, hike and conversation.  Too many people sleep through the best part of the day!  Come join us instead!  We’ll start off indoors with some coffee and baked goods and…

Wait, opossums don’t migrate! Or do they? About a century ago, you could not find a single opossum in our state, and now they live all over Michigan. Discover how this unique yet common animal has adapted to life in…

As raptors migrate across Southeast Michigan one species is commonly misunderstood among the rest…the Turkey Vulture. Join us as we debunk the misconceptions about these birds and learn about their importance to both wildlife and humans. Then we’ll head out…

Some animals may seem like a nuisance, to us humans, but they all have their place in the ecosystem. Opossums, Skunks, Coyotes, Snakes, and more might come to mind as a nuisance, but are they? Join us to learn about…

Some animals may seem like a nuisance, to us humans, but they all have their place in the ecosystem. Opossums, Skunks, Coyotes, Snakes, and more might come to mind as a nuisance, but are they? Join us to learn about…

Autumn is the perfect time to explore Lake Erie and the Detroit River.  You can experience the beautiful colors along the shoreline, while learning a little something about the area’s nature, wildlife or water.  You’re your Autumn Discovery Cruise is…

Autumn is the perfect time to explore Lake Erie and the Detroit River.  You can experience the beautiful colors along the shoreline, while learning a little something about the area’s nature, wildlife or water.  You’re your Autumn Discovery Cruise is…

Why do leaves change color? Why are some trees green all year long? Discover some of the mysteries of trees as we admire the beautiful fall foliage of the Metropark. Bring your hiking boots and your favorite fall drink and…