Harrisville State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harrisville State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Beachfront along Lake Huron
Harrisville State Park Location in Michigan
Location	Harrisville / Harrisville Township Alcona County, Michigan
Area	107 acres (43 ha)
Elevation	587 feet (179 m)
Designation	Michigan state park
Established	1920
Visitors	151,273 (in 1996)
Administrator	Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Website	Harrisville State Park

Harrisville State Park is a super cool place to visit in Michigan! It's a public park right on the beautiful shore of Lake Huron. The park covers about 107 acres, which is like 80 football fields! You'll find lots of trees and a long, sandy beach that stretches for about a mile. It's also a fantastic spot for watching birds, especially during migration when many different kinds of songbirds fly through. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources takes care of the park.

Park History: How it Started

Harrisville State Park is one of Michigan's oldest state parks. It was created way back in 1920! This happened after the Michigan State Parks Commission was formed just a year before. When it first opened, the park was much smaller, only about 6 acres. Over time, it grew to the size it is today. The park's Cedar Run Nature Trail, a popular walking path, was first made in 1945.

Amazing Wildlife: Birds Galore!

Harrisville State Park is a dream spot for anyone who loves birds! In May, it becomes a busy highway for many different kinds of warblers. These tiny, colorful birds are migrating and stop here to rest. You might also spot other cool birds like nuthatches, woodpeckers, wrens, thrushes, vireos, and sparrows. It's like a big bird party!

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Harrisville State Park offers tons of activities for visitors of all ages. You can swim and play on the sandy beach, and there's even a bathhouse to change in. If you want to have a meal outdoors, there are picnic areas. The park also has sports fields where you can play games.

Camping and Cabins

If you love spending the night outdoors, the park has 195 campground sites. You can also rent a cozy cabin or a mini-cabin for a different kind of camping experience.

Exploring Nature Trails

The park has a 2-mile (3.2 km) path called the Cedar Run Nature Trail. This trail winds through the beautiful forested parts of the park. It's a great way to explore nature and see the trees up close.

Pet-Friendly Beach Area

Good news for pet owners! A special section of the beach, just north of the campers' area, welcomes pets. So, your furry friends can enjoy the sand and water too!

Biking Adventures

You can even rent bikes at the park! This is super handy because the park connects to the Alcona Heritage Route Multi-use Trail. This paved trail is about three-quarters of a mile long and leads right into the town of Harrisville. It's perfect for a fun bike ride!

Images for kids

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  Welcome to Harrisville State Park!

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  A peaceful path in the park.

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  One of the cozy cabins available for rent.

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  Exploring a nature trail in the park.