Harrison Township: Trails, Beach, and Aviation History

Harrison Township offers several distinct starting points for planning your trip: Lake St. Clair Metropark, with its trail, beach, and recreational activities; the Nature Center, with nature trails and exhibits; and fishing and aviation history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Harrison Township, you can start by deciding which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The differences below can help you match your interests with your travel dates.

Trails and Beach at Lake St. Clair Metropark

A 3.75-mile-long, level, paved trail runs through Lake St. Clair Metropark. It follows Metro Parkway and connects to the Freedom Trail. The 600-foot-long sandy beach offers a different focus within the same park: here, the sandy shore takes center stage instead of a route. If you plan your stay around a trail walk or a beach visit, these two features can help guide your choice of park activities.

Nature Trails and Programs at the Nature Center

The trail system at the Lake St. Clair Metropark Nature Center includes three nature trails. They pass through a poplar grove, a meadow, and a wetland. Unlike the level, paved trail in the park, these nature trails pass through three distinct landscapes; your choice depends on whether you’d rather follow a paved route or experience different settings on the nature trail system. At the Nature Center, visitors can also explore a protected wetland through exhibits, live animals, and taxidermy specimens. Other offerings include Voyageur canoe programs, nature walks, special events, educational programs, and other recreational activities. Program dates may vary, so check the schedule if a particular program is important to you.

Park Activities and Seasonal Fishing Trips

Activities at the Metropark include birdwatching, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating, cycling, and swimming. The options range from wildlife watching and cycling to water-based activities. You can tailor your stay to the type of activity you’re looking for. Anglers have another option: Captain Franks Fishing Charter offers trips on Lake St. Clair aboard the Golden Streaker from May through October. The trips target trophy Muskie, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, and Walleye. If fishing is central to your trip, the season, boat, and target species give you specific points to consider.

Aviation History and Planning Your Visit

The Selfridge Military Air Museum focuses on the history of military aviation. Visitors must meet a specific access requirement: anyone without a US government ID, Common Access Card, or DBIDS card must complete a security screening at least ten days before entering. Check this requirement again before your trip. The museum’s Aviation Education Center also has a flexible on-site classroom for class field trips. If you’re considering the destination for a class visit, this educational offering is distinct from the museum’s broader focus on military aviation history.

Discover more destinations: Mount Clemens, Clinton Township, Utica, Fraser, Warren, St Clair Shores, Roseville, Sterling Heights

For the broader travel overview: Macomb.