Hoeft State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids P. H. Hoeft State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Beach at Hoeft State Park
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 P. H. Hoeft State Park
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Rogers Township, Presque Isle County, Michigan, United States |
| Nearest city | Rogers City, Michigan |
| Area | 301 acres (122 ha) |
| Elevation | 607 feet (185 m) |
| Designation | Michigan state park |
| Established | 1920 |
| Administrator | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Hoeft State Park |
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P.H. Hoeft State Park
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| Location | 5001 U.S. 23 North Rogers Township, Michigan |
| Architect | Ralph B. Herrick |
| NRHP reference No. | 09001065 |
| Added to NRHP | December 8, 2009 |
P. H. Hoeft State Park is a fantastic outdoor spot located right on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. You can find it about 4 miles northwest of Rogers City in Presque Isle County, Michigan. This park is not just for fun; it's also a historic place, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about history!
Park History: How It Began
Early Days and Founding
The park is named after Paul H. Hoeft, a local lumberman from Rogers City. In the early 1900s, he owned a lot of land in the area. In 1920, soon after Michigan started its state park system, Mr. Hoeft decided to donate some of his land. He wanted to create a park for everyone to enjoy.
At that time, the main road through Rogers City (now US 23) was being improved. This helped more tourists visit the area. So, P. H. Hoeft State Park was officially opened in 1921.
First Park Features
Right away, a picnic area was built for visitors. In 1923, after the road improvements were finished, more exciting things were added. An early campsite loop was created, and a cool bathhouse made of logs and stone was constructed.
Later, in 1926-1927, a concrete bandstand and a play area were built. Imagine listening to music or playing games there! In 1929, a two-story house was built for the park manager.
Building with the Civilian Conservation Corps
In 1933, the park got even more help from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program that helped young men find work during tough economic times. These workers built many things in the park.
CCC Projects
The CCC workers created new foot trails and a gravel road. They also built a garage and workshop. A huge reforestation project took place, with over 50,000 tree seedlings planted!
Over the next few years, the park entrance was moved, and a new parking lot was built. Water and sewer services were also connected to the campground and day-use areas. In 1937, the old bathhouse was replaced with a new one. This new bathhouse was designed by an architect named Ralph B. Herrick.
Modern Updates and Growth
More improvements came in the 1940s and 1950s. These included a new water system, electrical work, and a laundry building. In the 1960s, a new loop was added to the campground, offering more places to stay. By the 1970s, the campground roads were paved, making it easier to get around.
What You'll Find at the Park
Natural Beauty and Trails
Hoeft State Park is a very wooded area with about 1 mile of Lake Huron shoreline. It's a beautiful place to explore nature! The park has 144 campsites for people who want to stay overnight.
There are also about 4 miles of hiking trails, perfect for exploring the woods. You can even go hunting in certain areas. For fun, there are playgrounds and a picnic pavilion.
Huron Sunrise Trail
A special bicycle path called the Huron Sunrise Trail connects the park to Rogers City. This trail also leads to the 40 Mile Lighthouse county park, which is another cool place to visit!
Day Use Area and Beach
The day-use area is where you can spend the day without camping. It has a parking lot and a lovely beach. Near the beach, you'll find a picnic and play area.
Picnic Shelter and Bathhouse
There's also a picnic shelter and bathhouse right by the beach. The Civilian Conservation Corps built this shelter in the late 1930s. It has an open beam roof, a stone foundation, and a large floor. There's even a fireplace and separate changing rooms. It's a great spot for a family picnic or reunion!
Camping and Lodging
The campground has two main sections, or "loops." The western loop has the original 66 campsites built in the 1920s. These sites have lots of shade thanks to a landscaping plan from the 1930s.
Campground Facilities
In the 1960s, more campsites were added to the western loop. An eastern loop was also built, adding 76 new campsites. The campground has a toilet building from 1937-1938 with a stone foundation. A second toilet building was built in 1962.
The Park Lodge
The Park Ranger cabin was originally bought from a Sears and Roebuck catalog in 1929! It was the park caretaker's home until 2006. Now, it's a year-round lodge that can sleep up to eight people. It has modern comforts like electricity, bathrooms, and a kitchen.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
P. H. Hoeft State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors:
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in Lake Huron.
- Hiking: Explore the park's four-and-a-half-mile hiking trail.
- Cross-country skiing: In winter, the trails are great for skiing.
- Picnicking: Have a meal at one of the picnic areas.
- Camping: Stay overnight at one of the many campsites.
- Lodge: Rent the historic lodge for a comfortable stay.
A special trail connects the park to the Huron Sunrise Trail. This trail runs along Lake Huron from Rogers City all the way to the 40 Mile Lighthouse. It's perfect for biking or walking!
