Onsted State Wildlife Management Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Onsted State Wildlife Management Area is located in the state of Michigan, covering an area of 3,800 acres.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The area is known for its diverse wildlife, which includes waterfowl, deer, and small game. There are several reasons to visit the Onsted State Wildlife Management Area, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.

One of the main points of interest in the area is the large lake, which provides ample opportunities for fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, and bluegill. Visitors can also explore the surrounding trails, which offer breathtaking views of the natural beauty of Michigan.

One interesting fact about the Onsted State Wildlife Management Area is that it is located in the heart of the Irish Hills, a popular tourist destination in Michigan. The area is known for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, and numerous lakes.

The best time of year to visit the Onsted State Wildlife Management Area depends on the activities that visitors are interested in. For fishing, the best time is in the summer months, while the fall is ideal for hunting. Spring is a great time to visit for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through the area.

Overall, the Onsted State Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty of Michigan. With its diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and abundant recreational opportunities, this area is sure to impress visitors of all ages.

       

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
View more

Featured Parks