Willow Metropark

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Willow Metropark, located in the state of Michigan, is a picturesque recreational area that offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities.


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Summary

Situated in New Boston, just 25 miles southwest of Detroit, the park spans over 1,651 acres, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

One of the main reasons to visit Willow Metropark is its stunning natural beauty. The park boasts a diverse landscape with vast open spaces, lush greenery, and scenic water bodies. Visitors can explore the park's expansive trails, perfect for walking, hiking, or biking, which wind through forests, wetlands, and along the Huron River. Along these trails, visitors can spot an abundance of wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and even the occasional beaver.

Among the park's standout features is Washago Pond, a serene body of water known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can cast their lines and try their luck at catching bass, sunfish, and catfish, among other species. Additionally, the park offers kayak and paddleboat rentals, allowing visitors to explore the tranquil waters at their leisure.

Another popular attraction within Willow Metropark is the 18-hole championship golf course. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round while taking in the park's beautiful surroundings and well-maintained fairways.

For families with children, Willow Metropark offers a range of amenities and activities. The park includes a large playscape area, picnic spots, and even a swimming pool with a waterslide. During the summer months, visitors can cool off at the water park, complete with splash pads and a lazy river.

Interesting facts about Willow Metropark include its historical significance. The park was once home to the Willow Run Bomber Plant, which produced B-24 Liberator bombers during World War II. A portion of the park now features the Yankee Air Museum, where visitors can learn about the area's contribution to the war effort.

The best time of year to visit Willow Metropark is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and most of the park's amenities are open to the public. During this time, visitors can take advantage of the lush greenery, enjoy outdoor activities, and partake in events and festivals hosted within the park.

To ensure accuracy, it is advisable to cross-reference this information with multiple independent sources such as the official website of the Metroparks system, local tourism websites, and other reputable sources.

       

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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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