Maybury State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maybury State Park
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Maybury State Park Location in Michigan
Location	Lower Peninsula, Wayne County, Michigan, United States
Nearest city	Northville, Michigan
Area	944 acres (382 ha)
Elevation	955 feet (291 m)
Designation	Michigan state park
Established	1971
Administrator	Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Website	Maybury State Park

Maybury State Park is a fun state park located in Northville Township, Michigan. It's a big park, covering about 944 acres. This area has gentle hills, open fields, and old forests. The park offers people living nearby a great chance to enjoy outdoor activities. Right next to the park, you'll find Maybury Farm. This farm is run by a different group called the Northville Community Foundation.

Park History: From Sanatorium to State Park

Long before Maybury State Park became a popular spot for outdoor fun, it was a very different place. The isolated woods and farm fields once held over 40 buildings. These included hospitals, houses, and even a school. It was like a small, separate city for thousands of people from Detroit. These people were very sick with a serious lung disease called tuberculosis, often called "consumption" back then.

Building a Place for Healing

A wealthy man named William H. Maybury helped start this special facility. His goal was to move thousands of sick people out of the crowded city. He hoped the beautiful, peaceful surroundings would help them get better. Most of these buildings were taken down before the land became a state park. Maybury State Park was officially created in 1975.

Old Paths and Remaining Buildings

Many of the paved walking trails you see today were once roads and paths for the old facility. Only four of the original stone and brick doctors' houses are still standing. One of these old houses now serves as the park's main office.

Maybury Farm: A Story of Rebuilding

Maybury Farm is a special part of the area, offering educational programs. In 2002, the farm had to close down. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) then asked the Northville Community Foundation to take over. An agreement was made, and the farm reopened in September 2005.

Overcoming Challenges

Before the reopening, the farm faced a big challenge. In February 2003, a fire destroyed the main barns. It also damaged some farm equipment and sadly, many farm animals died. But the community came together! People raised money to rebuild the farm. They even moved 125-year-old barns from a nearby town to help rebuild.

Fun Activities at Maybury State Park

Maybury State Park offers many exciting things to do outdoors. You can go fishing in the pond or enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. There are also playgrounds for younger visitors.

Trails for Everyone

The park has many miles of trails. These trails are perfect for different activities:

• Hiking: Explore the woods and open areas on foot.
• Biking: Ride your bike along the paved and unpaved paths.
• Cross-country skiing: In winter, the trails are great for skiing.
• Horseback riding: Some trails are set aside for horses.

Maybury Farm Activities

Maybury Farm also provides unique experiences. You can learn about farming through educational programs. They often have demonstrations like sheep shearing. You might also enjoy hay rides or try to find your way through a corn maze in the fall.