List of Michigan state forests facts for kids
Michigan is home to many amazing state forests! These are huge areas of land covered in trees, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In fact, Michigan has the biggest state forest system in the entire country! It covers about 2.8 million acres, which is a massive amount of land.
These forests are managed by different groups called Forest Management Units (FMUs). Even though there are six main state forests often talked about for fun activities, the DNR actually divides the land into fifteen smaller management areas. You won't find any state forests in the very southern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
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Forests in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula (UP) has some amazing state forests. They are great places to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Copper Country State Forest
The Copper Country State Forest is located in the western part of the UP. It's named after the area's history of copper mining.
- Baraga FMU: This part covers Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties.
- Crystal Falls FMU: This section includes Dickinson and Iron counties.
Escanaba River State Forest
The Escanaba River State Forest is found in the central UP. It's named after the Escanaba River, which flows through the area.
- Escanaba FMU: This unit covers most of Delta and Menominee counties.
- Gwinn FMU: This area includes western Alger and Marquette counties.
Lake Superior State Forest
The Lake Superior State Forest is located near the shores of Lake Superior in the eastern UP.
- Newberry FMU: This part covers Luce and northwestern Chippewa counties.
- Sault Ste. Marie FMU: This section includes southeastern Chippewa and Mackinac counties.
- Shingleton FMU: This unit covers eastern Alger, southeastern Delta, and Schoolcraft counties.
Forests in Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula
The northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula also has large state forests. These areas offer many opportunities for outdoor fun.
Mackinaw State Forest
The Mackinaw State Forest is located in the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula.
- Atlanta FMU: This part covers Alpena, northeastern Cheboygan, most of Montmorency, and most of Presque Isle counties.
- Gaylord FMU: This section includes Antrim, Charlevoix, most of Cheboygan, Emmet, and most of Otsego counties.
- Pigeon River Country FMU: This unit covers southeastern Cheboygan, northwestern Montmorency, northeastern Otsego, and southwestern Presque Isle counties.
Pere Marquette State Forest
The Pere Marquette State Forest is located in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula.
- Cadillac FMU: This part covers Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford counties.
- Traverse City FMU: This section includes Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, and Manistee counties.
Au Sable State Forest
The Au Sable State Forest is located in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula. It's named after the Au Sable River.
- Gladwin FMU: This part covers Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, southern Iosco, Isabella, and Midland counties.
- Grayling FMU: This section includes Alcona, Crawford, Oscoda, and northern Iosco counties.
- Roscommon FMU: This unit covers Ogemaw and Roscommon counties.
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