Crawford Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crawford Memorial Park is a beautiful outdoor recreation area located in Grayling, Michigan.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors who are looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

One of the main points of interest in Crawford Memorial Park is the Au Sable River, which runs through the park. This river is known for its excellent trout fishing, and there are several spots along the river where visitors can cast a line. Another popular attraction in the park is the Grayling Fish Hatchery, which is located near the entrance to the park. Visitors can take a tour of the hatchery and learn about the different stages of fish development.

There are also several interesting historical sites in Crawford Memorial Park, including the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of logging in Michigan and features exhibits on the tools and techniques used by loggers in the past.

The best time of year to visit Crawford Memorial Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom. The park is open year-round, however, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year.

Overall, Crawford Memorial Park is a great place to visit for anyone who loves outdoor recreation, history, and natural beauty. With its stunning scenery, excellent fishing, and fascinating historical sites, it is easy to see why so many people choose to spend their vacations at this wonderful park.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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