Offering more than 11,000 acres of woods, water and fun, Genesee County Parks is Michigan’s largest county park system! And this spring and summer, there are some fun and exciting things to do in the parks, according to Communications, Event & Brand Manager Jackie Domerese.
Many camping enthusiasts are looking forward to the opening of Wolverine Campground in Columbiaville this month, which is earlier than normal due to popular demand. “We have also added 50 more full-hook-up camping sites,” Domerese reports. Nestled on the north shore of the Holloway Reservoir, Wolverine offers a serene camping experience with its natural splendor and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Also anticipated is the opening this spring of Buell Lake Disc Golf Course – a “work in progress” since last fall, according to Domerese. The 5,844-foot course has 18 holes and leads players through open fields and tangles of forests around the radio-controlled airfield. “Through ARPA funding, Thetford Township decided the community needed a disc golf course,” she reports. “The township asked Genesee County Parks if Buell Lake could be its new home.” Buell Lake County Park offers 213 acres for biking, boating, hiking and baseball.
In May, the Canoemobile Festival with Wilderness Inquiry offers learning experiences, fishing and other outdoor activities. The free event takes place at the Bluegill Boat Launch. “Voyageur canoes are 24 feet long and can hold 10-12 people,” Domerese shares. “It’s pretty cool to see!” All gear is provided and no experience is necessary. This event is open to people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.
On August 10-11, the Mott Lake Regatta hydroplane boat race returns for its second year. “We had a great turnout the first year!” Domerese exclaims. “The boats go really fast – up to 180 mph – it’s pretty exciting!” The event is organized by racing group, Marine Prop Riders. “A specialized group of racers from different states and Canada participate. It’s a pretty big deal!” she adds. Taking place at Bluebell Beach, the affordable and fun all-day family event features food trucks, a beer tent and live music.
Hiking, biking and walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts … During the spring and summer, there is something fun to do at all of the Genesee County Parks! And there are many more events and educational programs scheduled for For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum and at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. Here is a sample:
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Genesee County Day
June 1, 2024
- A family fun day the Genesee County way! Enjoy games, giveaways, inflatables and more. Celebrate all things Genesee County with food trucks, vendors and entertainment for all ages. Admission is free!
4th Annual Tractor Show & Vintage Market
June 8-9, 2024
- Get up close and personal with this unique display of antique machines, farm trucks & implements, stationary engines and tractors (1970 and older) from across Michigan.
Curious at Crossroads
June 29-30, 2024
- From tantalizing taxidermy to over-the-top entertainment, the Curious at Crossroads Oddities Festival hosts vendors from across Michigan and beyond. Meet the voice behind Nina Innsted’s true-crime podcast, “Already Gone”; visit with Roxanne Rhodes, author of Haunted Flint. Sunday morning has a special add-on: “Murder and Mimosas” with true-crime author, Rod Sadler. Twisting Smiles will provide free crafts and balloon art for kids.
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
Knee-High Naturalist Series “Ready, Set, Grow!”
April 9, 2024 • 10-11:30am • $5 per student (Check GCP Calendar for other dates.)
- Explore activities that demonstrate how seeds grow and plant some for your garden. Suggested for ages 3 to 6; an adult must accompany children. Pre-register by 4/8.
“Mother Nature’s Helpers”
April 16, 2024 • 10-11:30am • $5 per student
- Explore ways to help Mother Nature and earn your “Jr. Naturalist” badge! Suggested for ages 3 to 6; an adult must accompany children. Pre-register by 4/15.
Friends of Fungi at For-Mar
April 21, 2024 • 1-3pm • FREE • Dewaters Educational Building
- Discover the fantastic fungi at For-Mar during a series of Educational Field Experiences, including an introduction to mushroom identification and identifying fungal species through the seasons. Ages 16 and older; pre-register by 4/20.
For more info about upcoming GCP events, visit geneseecountyparks.org.
Source: geneseecountyparks.org
