Fred Meijer Nature Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Warren Townsend Park Luton Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fred Meijer Nature Preserve is a natural park located in the state of Michigan, covering an area of 235 acres.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and hikers due to its diverse habitats, scenic views and extensive trail system.
There are several reasons to visit the park, including the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, observe wildlife in their natural habitat, and learn more about the history and ecology of the region. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, bird watching, and picnicking.
Some of the main points of interest at Fred Meijer Nature Preserve include the wetland areas, the butterfly garden, and the observation decks which provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various species of birds.
Interesting facts about the preserve include that it was formerly a golf course before being converted into a nature preserve, and that it contains one of the largest contiguous wetland complexes in the region.
The best time of year to visit the park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the trees and flowers are in bloom. Additionally, the fall season offers a colorful display of foliage and unique opportunities for wildlife observation.
Overall, Fred Meijer Nature Preserve is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Warren Townsend Park
Luton Park
Plainfield Township Park
Myers Lake Park
Wabasis Park
Little Pine Island Lake
Fishing Terrace
Flat River