Metawaneenee Park
Rate this placeNearby: Durrant Park Dort Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Metawaneenee Park is a beautiful natural park located in the state of Michigan, and is a great place to visit for those looking for a serene and peaceful environment.
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Summary
The park covers an area of about 96 acres and features a variety of natural attractions such as a pond, forested areas, and hiking trails.
One of the main reasons to visit Metawaneenee Park is to experience its scenic beauty and natural environment. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking in the park. The park also has a playground for children, making it a great family-friendly destination.
Another point of interest in Metawaneenee Park is the pond, which is a popular spot for fishing. The pond is stocked with various species of fish, including bass and bluegill, making it a great spot for anglers. The park also has a walking trail that encircles the pond, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was once a summer camp for children, and has been owned and operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources since the 1940s. The park's name is derived from the Native American word "métawânîni," which means "sandy beach."
The best time of year to visit Metawaneenee Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, the park is open year-round and offers opportunities for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Overall, Metawaneenee Park is a stunning natural destination that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax in nature, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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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
Durrant Park
Dort Park
Ballenger Park
Hardenbrook Park
River Village Park