Manhattan Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: John Collins Park Hodenpyl Woods
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Manhattan Recreation Area is a beautiful outdoor destination located in the state of Michigan.
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Summary
There are several reasons why visitors should explore this area, including its stunning natural scenery, numerous recreational opportunities, and fascinating historical landmarks. Some of the specific points of interest to see at Manhattan Recreation Area include the stunning lakes and waterways, the picturesque hiking trails, and the historic sites that provide a glimpse into the area's past. For example, visitors can explore the remains of the old Manhattan Mill or take a tour of the nearby Michigan State University research center.
Interesting facts about Manhattan Recreation Area include the fact that it was once used as a logging site and that it is now home to several endangered species, including the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Visitors can also enjoy a range of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
The best time of year to visit Manhattan Recreation Area is in the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the outdoor activities are in full swing. However, visitors can also enjoy the area's natural beauty during the fall and spring, when the changing leaves and blooming flowers create a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Overall, Manhattan Recreation Area is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to experience all that Michigan has to offer.
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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
John Collins Park
Hodenpyl Woods
Graceland Memorial Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens Park
Pontiac Field
Little Pine Island Lake
Georgetown Lakes
Bostwick Lake