Port Crescent State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Crescent State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Beachfront and sand dunes along Lake Huron
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 Port Crescent State Park
Location in Michigan
Port Crescent State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hume Township, Huron County, Michigan, United States |
| Nearest city | Port Austin, Michigan |
| Area | 640 acres (260 ha) |
| Elevation | 587 feet (179 m) |
| Designation | Michigan state park |
| Established | 1955 |
| Administrator | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Port Crescent State Park |
Port Crescent State Park is a fun public park located right on the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan. It's about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Port Austin. This park covers a big area of 640 acres (259 hectares) in Hume Township.
The park is special because it sits where a "ghost town" once stood. A ghost town is a place where everyone has left, and it's now empty. This old town was called Port Crescent. It used to be at the mouth of the Pinnebog River. In 2012, Port Crescent State Park was named a Michigan "dark sky preserve." This means it's a great place to see stars at night because there's very little light pollution.
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Exploring Port Crescent State Park
Port Crescent State Park is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventures. It offers many ways to enjoy nature, from swimming in the lake to exploring trails.
What to Do at the Park
You can do lots of cool things at Port Crescent State Park. Here are some of the activities available:
- Go for a swim in the clear waters of Lake Huron.
- Have a picnic with your family and friends.
- Go canoeing on the river or lake.
- Try your luck fishing.
- Hike on over 7 miles (11 km) of trails.
- In winter, you can even go cross-country skiing.
The park also has a large campground with 142 sites. You can also rent a cabin if you prefer.
History of the Park's Land
The land for Port Crescent State Park was first bought by the state in 1956. This first purchase included 124 acres (50 hectares).
The Vanished Town of Port Crescent
The park is built on the site of an old town called Port Crescent. One of the last parts of this old town was a tall chimney from a sawmill. This chimney was 120 feet (37 meters) high! Even though many local people wanted to keep it, the chimney was torn down in 1961.
Park Expansion
The park grew much bigger in 1977. The state bought another 455 acres (184 hectares) of land. This made the park much larger, allowing for more activities and natural areas to explore.
