Coldwater Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coldwater Lake State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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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.
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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.