Mitchell State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Kenwood Heritage Park Diggins Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mitchell State Park is located in the state of Michigan and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The park is known for its crystal-clear water and sandy beaches, making it a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, picnicking, and camping.
One of the main attractions at Mitchell State Park is the historic logging village, which offers a glimpse into Michigan's past. The village includes a sawmill, blacksmith shop, and other buildings that showcase what life was like during the area's logging boom.
Another highlight of the park is the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Central Trail, which runs through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and lakes.
In terms of interesting facts, Mitchell State Park was named after William Mitchell, a prominent businessman and politician who played a key role in the development of the area. The park was established in 1919 and has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts ever since.
The best time of year to visit Mitchell State Park depends on what activities you're interested in. Summer is the most popular time for swimming and boating, while fall is a great time to enjoy the changing leaves and cooler temperatures. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, Mitchell State Park is a beautiful and historic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities or learning about Michigan's past, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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
Mitchell State Park
Hemlock Campground and Boat Launch
Hemlock Campground
Long Lake (Wexford) - State Forest
Long Lake Campground
Colfax Township Campground
Kenwood Heritage Park
Diggins Park
Cadillac All Sports Park
Rose Lake Park