Holly State Recreation Center

Rate this place

Parks

Michigan

Nearby: Karl Shultz Park Springfield Oaks County Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holly State Recreation Area is a beautiful park located in Michigan, offering visitors a range of activities and natural attractions that make it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Some of the reasons to visit Holly State Recreation Area include its peaceful wooded setting, miles of hiking trails, and numerous fishing opportunities. Additionally, visitors can explore the park's historic dam and picnic in its scenic picnic areas.

One of the most popular activities at Holly State Recreation Area is hiking. The park has over 8 miles of trails, including the 3.5-mile Lakeshore Trail, which winds around the park's lake and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding forest. Anglers will also enjoy fishing in the lake, which is stocked with a variety of fish species. Visitors can also rent kayaks or canoes to explore the lake.

Another point of interest in Holly State Recreation Area is the historic Holly Dam. Built in 1927, the dam is an impressive feat of engineering and offers visitors a glimpse into Michigan's past. The park also has several picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxing day in nature.

Interesting facts about Holly State Recreation Area include that it was once the site of a Native American village and has been used for logging and farming in the past. The park encompasses over 7,800 acres of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.

The best time of year to visit Holly State Recreation Area is during the spring, summer, or fall when the weather is mild and the park is teeming with life. Visitors can see wildflowers in bloom, watch migrating birds, and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. However, the park is also open year-round, and visitors can enjoy winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Weather Forecast

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
Pontiac Lake State Rec Area
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Group Campground
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area Modern Campground
Holly State Rec Area
Groveland Oaks County Park
Group Camping Area 14