Grace Macdonald Park

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Parks

Michigan

Nearby: Traverse City State Park East Bay Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grace Macdonald Park is a beautiful natural area located in Clinton Township, Michigan.

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Summary

The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are many good reasons to visit. From hiking and birdwatching to fishing and picnicking, there is something for everyone at this park.

One of the main points of interest at Grace Macdonald Park is the Clinton River Trail, which runs through the park. The trail is perfect for hiking or biking, and it offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding woods. There are also several fishing spots along the river, where visitors can try their luck at catching trout, bass, and other species.

Another highlight of the park is the playground and picnic area. The playground is great for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of shaded picnic tables where families can enjoy a meal or a snack. In addition, the park has several pavilions that can be rented for events like birthday parties or family reunions.

One interesting fact about Grace Macdonald Park is that it used to be a gravel pit before it was converted into a park. Today, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of birds.

The best time of year to visit Grace Macdonald Park depends on what you want to do. Spring and summer are great for hiking and fishing, while fall is a beautiful time to see the changing leaves. Winter is also a good time to visit, as the park is open year-round and offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

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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.

Related References

Area Campgrounds

Location	Reservations	Toilets
Arbutus No. 4 - State Forest
Arbutus Number Four State Forest Campground
Schecks Place - State Forest
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
Schecks Place Trail Camp - State Forest
Traverse City State Park