Dexter

Parks and Recreation Areas

Chelsea · Dexter · Saline

Brauer Preserve

3200 S. Parker, south of Scio Church [map]

Small lake, hardwood swamp and upland woods on a 226-acre farm. More than 2 miles of trails. Owned by Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP). parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves

Delhi Metropark

3902 E. Delhi [map]
(734) 426-8211

This 53-acre park is a popular picnic destination and a handy spot to launch a canoe. Restrooms with running water. Shelters can be reserved. Metroparks entrance fees (pay at tollbooth or online): $10/day, $40/year ($29 for seniors 62 & over). Disabled veterans free park entry with a state-issued Disabled Veteran license plate. Canoe rentals: Skip's Huron River Canoe Livery (see Recreational Facilities & Organizations, below). metroparks.com

Dexter City Parks

Community Park has a playground, walking path, picnic areas, sports field, basketball court, and a gazebo. First Street Park (Horseshoe Park), at the end of Edison off Second, has 10 horseshoe pits and picnic areas. Monument Park, downtown, has a gazebo and is the site of many public events. Peace Park, on Ann Arbor at Inverness, commemorates efforts for world peace. Picnic tables and benches, strollers welcome. Mill Creek Park North, behind the fire station, is along Mill Creek at an ideal kayaking spot with rapids; it has picnic tables, playground equipment, grills, and is a stop on the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B). Mill Creek Park Southllies the south side of Main Street and covers an additional 4 acres of park developed in the former Mill Pond dam impoundment. Lions Park, named in recognition of the Dexter Lions Club, has a small gazebo, benches, and a play structure. dextermi.gov/government/departments_and_services/parks_and_trails.php

Dexter-Huron Metropark

6535 Huron River [map]
(734) 426-8211

A wooded 122-acre park with 3 picnic areas and a softball diamond. Also, a labyrinth.Restrooms with running water. Shelters can be reserved. Metroparks entrance fees (pay at tollbooth or online): $10/day, $40/year ($29 for seniors 62 & over). Disabled veterans free park entry with a state-issued Disabled Veteran license plate. metroparks.com

Hudson Mills Metropark

8801 North Territorial [map]
(734) 426-8211

With 1,549 acres, Hudson Mills has picnic areas, an 18-hole golf course (see Recreational Facilities & Organizations, below), 6 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, cross-country ski rentals and trails, restrooms with running water, and two 24-hole regulation disc golf courses. Metroparks entrance fees (pay at tollbooth or online): $10/day, $40/year ($29 for seniors 62 & over). Disabled veterans free park entry with a state-issued Disabled Veteran license plate. metroparks.com

Miller-Smith Preserve

Dexter-Chelsea Rd.

29-acre nature area with one mile of trail through high quality woodlands and past small wetlands. Owned by Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP). parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves

Pinckney State Recreation Area

8555 Silver Hill, Pinckney [map]
(734) 426-4913

This 11,000-acre park north of Chelsea has many lakes for swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing, (a "Do Not Eat" fish consumption advisory is in effect); modern and rustic campgrounds; and trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and birding. Hunting in season, snowmobiles permitted on a 4-inch base in designated areas. Recreation Passport required: state residents $12/year with license plate renewal, or $17/year at park gate. (Motorcycles $6 with license plate renewal, $11/year at park gate); nonresidents $9/day, $34/year. During Covid-19: Water fountains and park headquarters closed. Check website for protocols and status of amenities. michigan.gov/dnr

Stinchfield Woods

9401 Stinchfield Woods, Pinckney [map]
(734) 764-9316

777 acres of woods owned by U-M. A favorite among naturalists, bird watchers, hikers and runners; no bikes allowed. Open dawn to dusk. All dogs must be leashed. Dogs or people off trail can damage research. Small parking lot at main gate. Research and caretakers' areas are off limits to public. https://mfield.umich.edu/dataset/lots-boundaries-stinchfield-woods

West Lake Preserve

21520 Waterloo Rd., north of Chelsea [map]
One of NAPP's most tranquil properties. 217 acres and over 2 miles of trails through a wide range of ecosystems, such as upland forest, wetland, open water shoreline, and open fields. No fishing or boating. Owned by Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP). parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves

Next Section: Dexter Recreational Facilities And Organizations