W. J. Hayes State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

W.J.


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Summary

Hayes State Park is located in the state of Michigan, offering visitors a wide array of attractions and activities. Nestled in the Irish Hills region, the park covers approximately 654 acres and features a beautiful beach, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the primary reasons to visit W.J. Hayes State Park is its picturesque setting. The park boasts a stunning beach along Wamplers Lake, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The crystal-clear water and sandy shoreline make it an ideal destination for families and beach enthusiasts.

Aside from the beach, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking on Wamplers Lake, which is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is home to various species of fish, including bass, pike, and panfish.

For those who enjoy hiking and nature walks, the park has several scenic trails. The Hayes Lake Trail winds through the woodlands, offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding natural beauty. Along the trail, visitors may spot deer, rabbits, and a diverse range of bird species.

W.J. Hayes State Park also houses a campground with over 180 modern campsites, suitable for both RVs and tents. The campground provides amenities such as electricity, showers, and a sanitary dump station, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers.

Interesting facts about W.J. Hayes State Park include its rich history. The park was initially established as a public park in 1920 and later became a state park in 1924. It was named after Warren J. Hayes, a former state senator who played a crucial role in preserving and developing Michigan's state parks.

The best time to visit W.J. Hayes State Park is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. The park tends to be busiest during weekends and holidays, so visitors may prefer weekdays for a quieter experience.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify this summary across multiple independent sources such as the official Michigan State Parks website, travel guides, and reputable outdoor recreation websites.

       

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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.
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