Wainwright Park
Rate this placeNearby: Hillborn Park Risdale Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wainwright Park, located in the state of Michigan, offers visitors a diverse range of attractions and natural beauty that make it a must-visit destination.
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Summary
Nestled in the picturesque area of St. Joseph County, this park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in tranquil surroundings.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Wainwright Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park encompasses 311 acres of lush greenery, including dense woodlands, rolling hills, and picturesque wetlands. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and even the occasional fox or coyote.
A significant point of interest within Wainwright Park is Corey Lake, a sparkling 630-acre lake that offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is inhabited by a variety of fish species, including bass, pike, and panfish, making it a paradise for anglers.
Moreover, Wainwright Park offers several recreational amenities suitable for all ages. There are numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. Additionally, the park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Interesting facts about Wainwright Park revolve around its history. The park was donated to St. Joseph County by the Wainwright family in the early 1960s and has been a beloved natural retreat ever since. The park's creation aimed to preserve the area's natural splendor and provide a space for people to enjoy outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Wainwright Park is during the summer and early fall months. This allows visitors to take full advantage of the park's activities and amenities, such as swimming and boating on Corey Lake, or enjoying a picnic in the sunshine. The vibrant colors of autumn also provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and exploring the park's trails.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by consulting multiple independent sources, such as official park websites or reputable travel guides.
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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
Hillborn Park
Risdale Park
Frank Park
Lewton Park
McKinch Park