Mecosta County: Lakes, Trails and History

In Mecosta County, numerous bodies of water meet trails through forests and countryside. More than 100 lakes, rivers and streams shape the region, along with museums and historic sites. You can tailor your trip to what interests you most: time by the water, outdoor activities or insights into the county’s history.

Lakes, Rivers and Beaches

At Brower Park, a sandy beach stretches for 1,000 feet. School Section Lake Veteran’s Park combines a large sandy swimming beach with a distinctive historical feature: an original one-room schoolhouse stands on the grounds. For time on the water, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats are available to rent there. Paris Park offers another way to access the river: kayaking and canoeing are possible from the launch site on the Muskegon River.

Merrill Lake and Gorrel Lake border the grounds at Merrill-Gorrel Park; each lake has a boat ramp. At Tubbs Lake, eight lakes connected by a canal system make up the Martiny Chain of Lakes. Tubbs Lake Campground is located within the 7,660-acre Martiny Lake State Game Area, managed by the DNR. Campsites there are assigned on a “first come, first served” basis; reservations are not possible. Since rules can change, it’s a good idea to check the current site assignment policy before your trip.

Haymarsh Lake also offers a useful point of reference for planning: its surface area covers 375 acres. Haymarsh Lake offers opportunities to fish for northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, perch, bluegill and pumpkinseed. The DNR-managed Haymarsh Lake State Game Area covers 6,737 acres. The species listed give a concrete sense of the fishing interests catered to here.

Trails for Different Seasons

The 200-acre woodland of the White Pine Valley Recreation Area has a well-developed, nonmotorized trail network for hiking and biking, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam is a fully completed and open 45-mile linear county park; check trail conditions before setting out. The Dragon Trail offers opportunities mainly for hiking, running and mountain biking.

The White Pine Trail is 92 miles long and runs through Paris Park. A section between the Mecosta County Parks office and 207th Avenue is currently closed due to construction; a signed detour is in place. Check current conditions before setting out. On the Muskegon River in Big Rapids, the paved Riverwalk has four fishing platforms. In winter, the trail can also be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Museums and Local History

Paris Park is located at the site of the former Paris State Fish Hatchery. The Paris Fish Hatchery opened in 1881 and was the second-oldest fish hatchery in the state. Housed in the former home of lumber entrepreneur Fitch Phelps, the Mecosta County Historical Museum features exhibits about the county’s history and the lumber industry.

The Jim Crow Museum houses more than 9,000 artifacts; most date from the 1870s through the 1960s. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote a more equitable society. This focus makes a visit an engagement with history and its social consequences.

Planning Your Trip

For travel, Mecosta County is located at the junction of US-131 and M-20 and makes a convenient detour on the route between Grand Rapids and Traverse City. In Big Rapids, the Muskegon River flows right through downtown. If you’d like to include local produce and handmade goods, you’ll find seasonal markets: the Big Rapids Farmers’ Market runs from May through October and offers produce, plants and baked goods. The Barryton Farmers Market is held weekly in Central Park during summer; from June through October, it offers local produce and handmade goods. Check specific market dates before your trip.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Mecosta County, it’s best to start planning by deciding what you want to focus on: waterfront and water activities, outdoor trails, or museums and history. The places described offer a range of options without any one type of outing defining the region.

Discover more destinations: Big Rapids, Remus, Oceana County, Oakland, Van Buren County, Ogemaw County, Wexford County, Benzie County

For the broader travel overview: Michigan.