Highland Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Highland State Recreation Area |
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Goose Meadow Picnic Area
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 Highland State Recreation Area
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Highland Township, Oakland County, Michigan, USA |
| Nearest city | Milford, Michigan |
| Area | 5,900-acre (2,400 ha) |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment |
The Highland State Recreation Area is a huge park in Michigan, covering about 5,900-acre (2,400 ha) of land. It's a special place where people can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. You can find it in the northern part of Oakland County, about 14 miles (23 km) west of Pontiac.
Inside this recreation area is a very important spot called the Haven Hill Natural Area. This area was named a National Natural Landmark in 1976 because of its unique natural features.
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Exploring Highland Recreation Area
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) takes care of the Highland State Recreation Area. They describe it as a mix of forests, wetlands (swampy areas), and special lakes called kettle lakes. These lakes were formed by melting glaciers long ago.
The park is a great place for light camping and day trips. You can drive in, enjoy the park, and then drive out. There are also 45 miles (72 km) of trails for different activities. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or even ride horses (this is called equestrian sports).
High Points and Hills
On the west side of Duck Lake Road, you'll find some small hills that locals call "mountains." These hills are actually moraines, which are mounds of dirt and rocks left behind by glaciers. The highest point in the park is called Mount Kanzer. It stands about 1,150 feet (350 m) above sea level. This group of hills is why the recreation area is named "Highland."
Haven Hill: A Natural Treasure
South of Highland Road (which is also known as 
M-59) and east of Duck Lake Road, you'll find the Haven Hill Natural Area. This special part of the park covers about 721-acre (292 ha). It's a National Natural Landmark, meaning it's recognized for its outstanding natural importance.
Unique Forests of Haven Hill
The MDNR explains that Haven Hill has almost all the main types of forests found in southern Michigan. This includes swamp forests with trees like tamarack and cedar. You can also see beech-maple forests, oak-hickory forests, and other mixed hardwood forests.
What makes Haven Hill so special is that it has been mostly untouched for the last 75 years. It was first protected by Edsel Ford, a famous car maker, who owned the land as part of his estate. After he passed away in 1943, the MDNR continued to preserve it as a natural area.
Visiting the Area Today
Both the Highland State Recreation Area and the Haven Hill Natural Area are easy to find. They are located right on M-59, just west of Pontiac, Michigan. If you're traveling by a bigger highway, U.S. Highway 23 connects directly to M-59/Highland Road.
Images for kids
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Park office
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Teeple Lake Beach
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Lakeside Picnic Area
