Mears State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles Mears State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Pentwater Lake Channel,
the park's southern boundary |
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 Charles Mears State Park
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Pentwater, Michigan, United States |
| Area | 50 acres (20 ha) |
| Elevation | 610 feet (190 m) |
| Designation | Michigan state park |
| Established | 1920 |
| Administrator | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Mears State Park |
Charles Mears State Park is a super cool public park located in the village of Pentwater, Michigan. It's in Oceana County. This awesome state park covers about 50 acres (20 ha) of land. You can find it on the north side of a channel. This channel connects two big lakes: Lake Michigan and Pentwater Lake.
Contents
Discovering Charles Mears State Park's Past
How the Park Began
Charles Mears State Park was one of the first parks created in Michigan. It opened in 1920. This happened just a year after the Michigan State Parks Commission was formed. The land for the park was once owned by a man named Charles Mears. He was a very successful businessman who worked with lumber. His daughter, Carrie Mears, generously gave the land to the state.
Solving a Sandy Problem
When the park first started, it was only about 16 acres. Most of this land was just lake sand. In 1921, some plants holding the sand in place were accidentally removed. This caused the sand to blow away with the wind. Neighbors living nearby were not happy about this. To fix the problem, five tons of marsh hay were spread out. This hay helped to keep the sand from blowing away. The park also built toilets and fireplaces for visitors.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Enjoying Nature and Activities
Charles Mears State Park offers many fun activities for visitors. You can go fishing in the nearby waters. Swimming is also a popular activity, especially on hot days. If you like to camp, there are places to set up your tent or RV. Picnicking is also a great way to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Hiking and Exploring Dunes
The park also has a hiking trail that is about one mile (1.6 km) long. This trail goes up a sand dune called Old Baldy. It's a great way to explore the park's unique sandy landscape. You can see amazing views from the top of the dune.
