Genesee County is home to more than 20 parks with endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you seek a scenic walking path or want to camp beneath the stars, this list of 25 recreational spots is sure to broaden both your horizons and your experiences.
To learn more about any of these parks, visit the Genesee County Parks website at geneseecountyparks.org/park-directory.
Atlas County Park
➤ Goodrich
Open 8 a.m. to sundown daily year-round, Atlas offers a canoe/kayak launch, fishing, and an abundance of walking paths perfect for a hike or for walking four-legged friends (just be sure to keep them on a 6-foot leash and clean up after them).
Bluebell Beach
➤ Flint
While the beach and splash pad don’t open until Memorial Day, the park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset each day. From the Flint River Bike Path and walking trails to rentable pavilions and the county’s first universally accessible playground, there’s something here for everyone in the family.
Bluegill Boat Launch
➤ Flint
Boating season runs April through September, and Bluegill Boat Launch is a perfect place to get your boat, canoe, or kayak in the water. However, this park isn’t limited to just its boat launch: you can walk, bike, or fish 24/7 year-round. Remember to keep your permits displayed on your car window. Boat launch permits are valid April through September. Vehicle permits may be purchased in March at the Administrative Office during regular hours or at the boat launches during boating season.
Annual Parking Pass: $45 for residents, $60 for non-residents, $30 for seniors
Daily Parking Pass: $15 per vehicle, $10 for seniors
Buell Lake County Park
➤ Clio
Open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown, this park features an array of outdoor activities: baseball, boating and fishing, hiking and biking, a playground, picnic areas, a radio-controlled model airplane field, and a free disc golf course (bring your own equipment). The list feels endless—whatever your hobby, there’s something for everyone here.
Buttercup Beach
➤ Columbiaville
This beach is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day, and offers volleyball, swimming, and fishing (outside the beach area). There are no on-duty lifeguards. Even when it’s not beach season, the picnic area remains open from 8 a.m. to sunset year-round—perfect for a scenic outdoor meal.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
➤ Flint
Explore a historic 19th-century village, enjoy the greenery from a train window, and experience classic amusement rides like a carousel and Ferris wheel—all at Crossroads Village. While the regular season runs May 23 through September 7, watch for special events throughout the year, from marathons to holiday festivities. For tickets and more information, visit geneseecountyparks.org/crossroads-village-huckleberry-railroad.
Davison Roadside County Park
➤ Burton
A small, family friendly park complete with picnic areas, walking and biking paths, a playground, and even a beginner’s sledding hill in the winter. Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Elba Equestrian Complex
➤ Lapeer
Need an outdoor space to ride your horse? This park features free trail riding and riding grounds year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. If you’d like to spend the night, camping is available for $30, beginning April 1. Reserve early, as campsites fill quickly. Note that the trails are for horses only—no bikes or ATVs. For camping policies, visit geneseecountyparks.org/elba-equestrian-complex.
Everett A. Cummings Center
➤ Mt. Morris
Hiking and horseback riding trails, equestrian events, horse camping, and waterfowl hunting (on water surfaces only) make this park a destination for embracing the natural world—especially with your four-hooved friends. Open 8 a.m. to sunset. Visitation is free; camping is $30. For camping policies, visit geneseecountyparks.org/everett-a-cummings-center.
Flint Park Lake Park
➤ Flint
A small, quiet park in northern Flint filled with lush greenery and a beautiful lakeside view. Whether you want to walk, fish, or simply get away, this spot is open from dawn to dusk daily.
Flushing County Park
➤ Flushing
Walking trails, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, fitness stations, and off-leash dog areas (one for small dogs, one for all dogs) make this park ideal for staying active. Open 8 a.m. to sunset year-round. Note that the back loop is closed to vehicle traffic Monday through Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m.
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
➤ Burton
Once a dairy farm, For-Mar now features gardens and trails through forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems. A visitor center provides information about the area’s flora and fauna. Admission is free. Grounds are open 8 a.m. to sunset; the center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pets, radios, and sports equipment are prohibited. Remember: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. Full guidelines are available at geneseecountyparks.org/for-mar-nature-preserve-arboretum.
Goldenrod Disc Golf Course
➤ Davison
Bring your disc golf equipment and test your skills on this free, 18-basket course, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hogbacks Area
Located along the Genesee and Lapeer County line and bordered by Elba, Washburn, McDowell, and Stanley roads, this hilly landscape is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. Activities include hiking, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and dog training. For dog training policies, visit geneseecountyparks.org/hogbacks-area.
Linden County Park
➤ Linden
Baseball diamonds, tennis courts, hiking trails, pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, a winter sledding hill and cross-country ski trail, plus a summer beach—this park truly has it all. The beach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park itself is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. Tents and large inflatables are not permitted on the beach side.
Max Brandon Park
➤ Flint
From dawn to dusk, walk the pathway, observe wetlands from the boardwalk, enjoy a picnic, and learn about the park’s history and ecology from posted signage.
McKinley Park
➤ Flint
A small lakeside park with a playground and space to walk or picnic—perfect for a quiet breath of fresh air. Open dawn to dusk daily.
The Mounds ORV Park
➤ Mt. Morris
Ride ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles across numerous trails and an 8-acre scramble area. Open year-round 8 a.m. to sunset Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to sunset Sunday. The scramble area is open March 15 to May 15 for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes only; full access resumes May 16. Seasonal passes expire March 31 each year.
Daily Pass: $25 per vehicle
Seasonal Pass: $75 residents, $100 non-residents
Richfield County Park
➤ Davison
Features walking paths, sports fields, a playground, picnic areas, and a public BMX course (except on racing days). Open 8 a.m. to sunset year-round.
Silver Lake Park
➤ Fenton City
Silver Lake Park is the largest park in Fenton. It’s located at 16000 Jennings Road off Silver Parkway. The city-owned park features ball fields, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, two pavilions, badminton courts, 300 feet of beach with lifeguards, bath house, concessions and more. Dogs are not permitted in Silver Lake Park. For details, visit cityoffenton.org.
Season Passes — Resident: $30; Non-resident: $40
Daily Passes — Car: $7; Walker: $1; Bus: $30; Motor home/van: $10 plus $0.50 per passenger over 10 passengers
Stepping Stone Falls
➤ Flint
Closed for winter until May 1, this park is worth the wait. Enjoy picnicking, fishing, biking, and connections to larger trails such as the Flint River Trail and Iron Belle Trail System. Evening stargazing and illuminated falls add to the experience.
May 1–Labor Day: 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–midnight Friday–Saturday
After Labor Day–Nov. 30: 8 a.m.–sunset daily
Thread Lake Park
➤ Flint
A small, serene park known for good fishing. Open dawn to dusk year-round.
Toboggan Hill
➤ Lapeer
Ideal for sledding when snow blankets the ground, including an expert hill. Open year-round for walking and hiking as well. Winter hours vary: 5–10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; noon–10 p.m. weekends, school snow days, and holidays. Otherwise open 8 a.m. to sundown. The park is open when the gate is open. Avoid parking along Washburn Road.
Walleye Pike Boat Launch
➤ Davison
Open 24/7 year-round, this launch provides access to Holloway Reservoir, with docks for kayaks, small boats, and larger vessels. A scenic spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Annual Parking Pass: $45 residents, $60 non-residents, $30 seniors
Daily Parking Pass: $15 per vehicle, $10 seniors
Wolverine Campground
➤ Columbiaville
Offering access to Holloway Reservoir and nearby Buttercup Beach, this campground features cornhole, tetherball, volleyball, and more. Pet-friendly (leash rules apply). Open May 1 through Oct. 18. Reserve early for best availability. Rates and rules are available at geneseecountyparks.org/wolverine-campground/rates-rules.
Zemmer Park
➤ Lapeer
A small park with a tranquil atmosphere and launch points for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. It’s a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, walking, or simply getting away from the rest of the world, open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
Stay Active Inside
Want to get moving, but it’s too rainy, windy, or cold outside? Indoor walking is a simple way to get your steps in without braving the weather. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a safe space and comfortable shoes.
Indoor Tracks
Gyms, schools, college campuses, and community centers often have indoor tracks, and some are open to the public. One example is Linden Community Schools’ Multipurpose Building, featuring a temperature-controlled, two-lane track. Check your local district or campus to see what’s available. If you want an experience focused purely on walking, this is a great option.
Shopping Malls and Department Stores
Need to run errands? Malls and large stores allow you to walk while you shop—or simply browse. Loop Genesee Valley Center, wander through aisles at a big-box store, or explore a favorite bookstore. It’s movement with a purpose.
Museums
If you’d rather avoid shopping temptations, museums offer a quieter alternative. Stroll through galleries, revisit favorite exhibits, and learn something new along the way. Many institutions rotate exhibits regularly, so each visit feels fresh.
Home
Don’t feel like leaving the house? Walk indoors at home. Take extra trips up and down the stairs, follow a simple step routine, or pace during phone calls or audiobooks. No movement is wasted—especially when it helps you appreciate the everyday spaces around you.
