Nestled between Green Lake and Duck Lake in Grand Traverse County, Interlochen State Park sits at the heart of one of Michigan’s most celebrated outdoor corridors. At 187 acres, the park is compact but remarkably rich — anchored by a stand of virgin white pine trees that rank among the tallest and oldest in the Lower Peninsula, some towering over 200 feet.

The dual-lake setting defines the experience here. Green Lake offers a sandy swimming beach and warm, shallow waters ideal for families, while Duck Lake draws anglers chasing bass, bluegill, and northern pike. A boat launch on Duck Lake opens access to quieter waters where kayakers and canoeists can paddle without competing with heavy motorboat traffic.

Hiking trails wind through the old-growth pines, and the relatively flat terrain makes them accessible for all skill levels. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over the same paths. The park also sits just minutes from the Interlochen Center for the Arts, making it a natural base camp for families attending summer performances.

Campers will find well-maintained sites spread across two campgrounds — one on each lake. Waterfront sites fill fast, so reservations are essential from June through August. Fall visitors are rewarded with fewer crowds, stunning hardwood color against the evergreen backdrop, and crisp mornings perfect for lakeside coffee.

Interlochen State Park proves that a park doesn’t need thousands of acres to deliver a genuinely memorable Northern Michigan experience.

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