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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Northeast Region
Hartwick Pines State Park
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Hartwick Pines State Park Logging Equipment © Maxine Smith
part of the Logging Museum at Hartwick Pines
Hartwick Pines State Park © Mark Mowery
Hartwick Pines State Park © Mark Mowery
Hartwick Pines State Park © Joanna Miller
Hartwick Pines State Park Glory Lake © Maxine Smith
Hartwick Pines State Park Old Growth Forest © Maxine Smith
Hartwick Pines State Park © Mark Mowery
Hartwick Pines State Park © Joanna Miller
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HARTWICK PINES STATE PARK
HARTWICK PINES STATE PARK
4216 Ranger Road
Grayling, Michigan   49738

Phone: 989-348-7068
Reservations: 800-447-2757
With an area of 9,672 acres, Hartwick Pines is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula. The park's rolling hills, which are built of ancient glacial deposit, overlook the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River, four small lakes and unique timber lands. The principal feature of this park is the 49-acre forest of Old Growth Pines which gives the park its name. This forest is a reminder of Michigan's past importance in the pine lumber industry as well as a source of inspiration for the future of our forests. The park is rich in scenic beauty and because of the different habitats it encompasses, there is ample subject matter for the sports person, photographer, or naturalist throughout the year. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round.
History of the Area
The Story Behind The Pines:

In 1927, Karen Michelson Hartwick purchased over 8,000 acres of land, which included 85 acres of old growth white pine, from the Salling-Hanson Company of Grayling. Mrs. Hartwick was a daughter of Nels Michelson, a founding partner of the Salling-Hanson logging company. A short while later, Mrs. Hartwick donated the land to the State of Michigan as a memorial park to be named for her husband, the late Major Edward E. Hartwick of Grayling. Edward Hartwick had died overseas during World War I. Also wishing to commemorate the logging history of the region and of her family, Karen Hartwick requested that the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum (jointly administered with the Dept. of History, Arts and Libraries) be built in the park.

In 1934 and 1935, a Civilian Conservation Corps work crew located within the park built two log structures to house this museum. Today, the museum uses exhibits, artifacts, and photographs, to recreate the atmosphere of a logging camp and tell the tale of the "shanty boys" who turned Michigan's vast forests into timber. Period settings depicting a bunkhouse, mess hall, blacksmith shop, camp office, and van (store) give the visitor a sense of what logging camp life was like.

Mrs. Hartwick was also involved in the naming of two of the park's lakes. Nels Michelson had a team of oxen which he used for skidding logs out of the forest. They were named Bright and Star. Karen Hartwick requested that the former Alexander Lakes be renamed in their honor. The state board of geographic names felt that there were already too many Star Lakes in Michigan, but they settled on Glory instead, and our Bright Lake and Glory Lake became named after logging oxen.

In November of 1940, a fierce wind storm struck the area of the park and removed nearly half of the old growth pine. Today, only 49 of the original 85 acres remain standing.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
Visitors Center
Michigan Forest Visitor Center programs, exhibits and displays tell the story of our state's forests. Schools and groups can make reservations for guided tours and programs by contacting the Visitor Center at (989) 348-2537. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily from Labor Day through Memorial Day excluding the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Camping
Hartwick Pines-Group Use Area(989) 348-7068 0 site(s), Contact the park Group Use Area, Rustic Site, Vault Toilet

Hartwick Pines-Modern(800) 447-2757 100 site(s)Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms

Hartwick Pines-Rustic Cabin(800) 447-2757 1 site(s)Cabins & Lodges, Vault Toilet
Fishing
Located in Michigan, the park offers fishing opportunities at two locations: Bright and Glory Lakes. Species include trout and bluegill. The AuSable River nearby is popular for fly-fishing with brook, brown, rainbow trout species available. Fishing equipment can be rented on-site.



Picnicking
Located near the old growth forest, this area has grills, tables, a modern bathroom facility and drinking fountains.
Trails
Trails in the park:

Hartwick Pines-Weary Legs 7.5 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Hartwick Pines-Deer Run Trail 5 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Hartwick Pines-Aspen Trail 3 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

Hartwick Pines-Bright and Glory Lakes Trail .25 mi, Fishing, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Hartwick Pines-Au Sable River Trail 3 mi, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Hartwick Pines-Old Growth Forest Trail 1.25 mi, Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Bicycling
The Weary Legs, Deer Run and Aspen trails are shared with hikers and cross-country skiers.
Nature Programs
Michigan Forest Visitor Center Programs, exhibits, and hands on displays tell the story of our state's forests. Schools and groups can make reservations for guided tours and programs by contacting the Visitor Center at (989) 348-2537. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The center is closed Mondays after Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Birding
The park offers birding trails where one can spot over 100 species, including the rare Kirtland's Warbler. Birdwatchers may also see Pileated Woodpeckers and Barred Owls in this old-growth forest area. The Michigan Audubon Society maintains a checklist for enthusiasts to track their sightings.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 4 This is one of our families favorites. by jeff
park review stars; one to five We love coming here. The park is always clean and the staff is very professional. We always look forward to comimg back every year. The hikes to the lakes are beautiful. The museum is awesome and full of history.
September 26 One of my favorite places in the world. by Loraxx
park review stars; one to five I would also like to hear some tips for a very simple weddings in the chapel.
August 20 chapel by wonderweb77
park review stars; one to five If anyone has gotten married in the chapel, please give me some tips! I hope to get married there next summer! Thanks
write a review read more reviews
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Area Campgrounds
River Park Campground
2607 Peters Pond
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989-348-9092
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370 West Four Mile Road
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989-348-2157
Gaylord KOA
5101 Campfires Parkway
Gaylord, MI
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
N.E. of Grayling, I-75 Exit #259, North on M-93 three miles.

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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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