You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the best of Michigan’s great outdoors with Kensington Metropark, one of the most popular parks in Michigan. Kensington’s 4,486 sprawling acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounds beautiful Kent Lake, home to abundant wildlife and waterfowl. Kensington Metropark offers many recreational activities throughout the year, from biking and boating to cross-country skiing and tobogganing. Visit the Ski Center in the winter for affordable equipment rentals and information on sledding, snowboarding, ice skating, and more.

In addition to striking sunrises and sunsets, 1,200-acre Kent Lake offers plenty of fun activities: swim at Martindale Beach or Maple Beach to catch some rays, get soaked at the Splash ‘n’ Blast, or just spend the day fishing, boating, or picnicking along the water. At the Splash ‘n’ Blast, you can coast down two 240-foot twisted water slides or romp through the spray ground with palm trees, serpents, and cannons that spray water. Take a lake tour aboard the Island Queen II in the summer and fall. Or, enjoy ice fishing or skating on frozen lake waters on winter days.

This first-class recreational area also features an 18-hole regulation golf course, 27-hole disc golf course, nature center, farm center, beautiful picnic areas, and scenic hiking and biking trails for hours of enjoyment. With 2.5 million visitors every year, Kensington Metropark is a favorite place to enjoy Michigan’s natural treasures.

There is access to the Huron River Water Trail within Kensington Metropark.

Boat Launch:

There are two launches within the park: West Boat Launch and East Boat Launch. With 8 boat ramps at East Boat Launch and 8 boat ramps at West Boat Launch, you will get on the water easily and quickly for a day of fun. Water vessels can be dropped directly or through the boat launch into the lakes. A 10-mph speed limit is enforced.

Rentals:

Explore the islands and tributaries that wind through Kensington Metropark on beautiful Kent Lake. Paddle from shore to shore or take a tranquil trip along the Huron River to see wildlife and waterfowl. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rowboats, paddleboats, and character pedal boats are available for rent near Maple Beach at the Boat Rental.

Experiences:

This park features the legendary Island Queen boat tour, a forty-five-minute tour of the man-made Kent Lake. Climb aboard and enjoy the riveting history, wildlife, and fun facts about the local area. If you catch the right time, they will point out eagle nests and waterfowl.