Young State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Young State Park is a picturesque outdoor destination located in Boyne City, Michigan.
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Summary
It offers a range of activities and attractions that make it a perfect place for visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy.
One of the main reasons to visit Young State Park is its stunning natural beauty. With over 560 acres of lush forests, rolling hills, and panoramic views of Lake Charlevoix, the park provides a serene and tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.
The park features several points of interest that are worth exploring. The beautiful Lake Charlevoix is a prime spot for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The sandy beach area is perfect for sunbathing and picnicking, while the designated swimming area provides a safe and enjoyable experience for families. Additionally, the park offers camping facilities, including both RV and tent sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Apart from its recreational offerings, Young State Park also boasts some interesting historical facts. The park was originally established in 1921 as the Boyne City State Park, making it one of the oldest state parks in Michigan. It was later renamed in honor of Senator Stanley Young, who was instrumental in expanding and promoting the state park system.
The best time to visit Young State Park is during the warmer months, from May to September. During this time, visitors can take advantage of the park's many outdoor activities and enjoy the pleasant weather. The park's vibrant foliage during the fall season also offers a breathtaking backdrop for nature lovers and photographers.
In order to ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided through multiple independent sources. You can refer to official websites of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), reputable travel guides, and online forums for reliable and up-to-date information on Young State Park.
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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.
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