Coldwater Lake State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coldwater Lake State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Coldwater Lake State Park Location in Michigan
Location	Kinderhook Township, Branch County, Michigan
Nearest city	Coldwater, Michigan
Area	400 acres (160 ha)
Elevation	991 feet (302 m)
Designation	Michigan State Park
Established	1987
Administrator	Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Website	Coldwater Lake State Park

Coldwater Lake State Park is a special outdoor area in Michigan. It covers about 400 acres (that's like 300 football fields!) on the south side of Coldwater Lake. This park is about 10 miles south of the city of Coldwater, in a place called Branch County. It's a great spot for people who love nature and outdoor activities.

Coldwater Lake State Park: A Michigan Nature Spot

Coldwater Lake State Park is a place where nature is kept safe. It's known as an "undeveloped public recreation area." This means it's a natural space that hasn't been built up with lots of buildings or paved paths. Instead, it's kept wild for animals and plants, and for people to enjoy nature.

What is a State Park?

A state park is a piece of land that a state government sets aside. These parks are protected for everyone to enjoy. They help keep nature safe for animals and plants. They also give people places to relax, learn, and have fun outdoors. State parks are important for keeping our environment healthy.

Why We Have State Parks

State parks protect important natural areas. They save forests, lakes, and wildlife. They also offer places for outdoor activities. This helps people connect with nature. It's a way to make sure beautiful places stay beautiful for future generations.

Exploring Coldwater Lake State Park

Coldwater Lake State Park was created in 1988. Money from the Natural Resources Trust Funds helped make this happen. These funds are special money used to buy and protect land for parks and recreation. The park is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They make sure the park stays healthy and fun for visitors.

How the Park Was Created

The idea for Coldwater Lake State Park began with a plan to protect the land. In 1987, the park was officially established. The Natural Resources Trust Funds provided the money needed. This allowed the state to buy the land and set it aside as a park. It was a big step to save this natural area.

What You Can Do There

Even though Coldwater Lake State Park is mostly undeveloped, there are still things to do. It has two small parking areas. These are unpaved, meaning they are dirt or gravel. From these spots, you can walk into the park. It's a popular place for hunters and fishermen. They can access the lake and surrounding areas from here. It's also a great place for quiet walks and enjoying nature. You might see different kinds of birds or other wildlife.

Planning for the Future

In 2015, a special plan was made for the park. This was called a "general management plan." It was adopted by the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee. This plan helps decide how the park will be used and protected in the future. It guides how the park can grow and what activities might be added. The goal is to keep the park natural while allowing people to enjoy it safely.

Protecting Our Parks

State parks like Coldwater Lake State Park need our help to stay healthy. When you visit, remember to "leave no trace." This means taking all your trash with you. It also means staying on paths to protect plants. By being careful, we can help keep these natural places beautiful for everyone.