Michigan's Newest State Park Is An Up-And-Coming Destination For Fun Riverside Recreation

State parks are absolute treasures. They allow people to explore the wilderness and enjoy outdoor activities that many urban centers just don't have. There is a new one opening in Michigan that is an up-and-coming destination for outdoor activities, and while the final completion date is around 2027, there is plenty that you can enjoy right away. Flint State Park, the 104th in the state, covers several existing parks, including Chevy Commons, Mott Park Recreation Area, Riverbank Park, Vietnam Veterans Park, and Happy Hollow Nature Area, and features a slew of things to do, from water sports to cross-country skiing in the winter, to hiking and biking, to playgrounds for the kids. Each of the existing parks will be connected by trails.  

Flint is a couple of hours away from the beautiful beach towns along Lake Michigan, but this new, 230-acre state park runs along the Flint River and some of Swartz Creek. It's also the first in Genessee County. Pets on leashes are allowed, so if you're visiting the area with your pooch, or you're a local, there is plenty of room for you both to explore. 

For all Michigan state parks, residents can purchase an annual pass for $15 when they renew their vehicle registration. For nonresidents, a daily pass is $12, or you can get an annual pass for $42 at the time of this writing. The park is less than five miles from Bishop International Airport in Flint, so you can go straight there when you land if you like. However, you can also fly into one of the most traveler-friendly airports in the Midwest, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is a little more than an hour away.

The new Flint State Park has all sorts of activities for visitors. The amphitheater in Riverbank Park is now part of the state park and features public events. If you enjoy boating along the river, you can find a boat launch in the area of Vietnam Veterans Park for your use. However, in the Mott Park Recreation Area part of Flint State Park, you'll find a canoe and kayak launch as well. In fact, some dam structures have been removed from the river and replaced with riffles and stone clusters in a few areas. You can take a break out of your day to do some fishing right in town with this urban retreat, and there are fishing piers for public use. 

The kids have a playground in the park; however, it's set to be replaced with an accessible playground so everyone can join in. There is also an upcoming play garden in the Chevy Commons area. Hikers and bikers can walk and ride along the paved trails that connect all the individual pieces of the park as well. However, the Happy Hollow section has natural trails for those that prefer them. You'll find an 18-hole disc golf course in the Mott Park area, and you can even do metal detecting with a permit through Genesee County Parks.

Of course, Flint, Michigan, does get snow, particularly in January and February, and there are opportunities for outdoor park activities during this time of year as well. You can do some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the weather is cold in the Mott Park area. Finally, while you're visiting the state, here are ten Michigan hot spots that belong on your bucket list.