Lake St. Clair Metropark

40 minutes
31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Twp.; metroparkscom/parks/lake-st-clair-metroparks

Not only does this park have a 1,600-foot boardwalk overlooking a mile of waterfront and scenic trails through marsh and wetlands, but it's a fun place to bring the whole family. There's a beachfront, public pool, mini golf, nature center and If you're extra lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a deer.

Photo via metroparks.com

Lake St. Clair Metropark

31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Twp.; 586-463-4581; metroparkscom/parks/lake-st-clair-metroparks

Not only does this park have a 1,600-foot boardwalk overlooking a mile of waterfront and scenic trails through marsh and wetlands, but it's a fun place to bring the whole family. There's a beachfront, public pool, mini golf, nature center and If you're extra lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a deer.

Photo via metroparks.com

Thomas Edison Park

Thomas Edison Pkwy., Port Huron

Freighters, the Blue Water Bridge, and a lighthouse can all be found in Thomas Edison’s childhood hometown, which, if you plan your trip accordingly, can serve as a scenic — and historic — escape. I-94 East from Detroit will lead you to 23 Mile Road and Old Jefferson Avenue, which runs along the St. Clair River to where it opens into Lake Huron which is where you can explore this park's breathtaking view of the Blue Water Bridges spanning across the crystal blue St. Clair River. There's a riverwalk for walkers, bikers, and roller-bladers, and there's a grassy lawn suited for taking in the sights, indulging in a picnic, or just… sitting. Remember doing nothing?

Photo via Wikipedia Commons

Algonac State Park

8732 River Rd., Marine City; 810-765-5605; dnr.state.mi.us

Algonac State Park is a scenic drive that is a bit more about the destination than the drive — though taking I-94 east for 55 miles ain’t too shabby once you get past Harrison Township. (RIP to the Gibraltar man!) With 1,500 acres and a half-mile of St. Clair River frontage, Algonac State Park offers easily accessible habitats but is perhaps best known for watching international freighters along the river, which you can do from the safety of your own car. Date night, anyone?

Photo via Wikipedia Commons

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve

27215 W 10 Mile Rd., Southfield; 248-796-5000; dnr.state.mi.us

Just 30 minutes outside of Detroit is 42 acres of woodlands, forested wetlands, and native meadows, all of which surround Carpenter Lake — and it’s still one of southeast Michigan’s best-kept secrets.

Photo via Southfield Parks and Recreation/Facebook

Lake Erie Metropark

32481 W. Jefferson, Brownstown; 734-379-5020; metroparks.com/parks/lake-erie-metropark

When you're not enjoying this nature center, beach, or any of the many other niceties offered at Lake Erie Metropark, you can take a hike on their marsh trail. A popular bird-watching location, it's just a short drive from the city.

Photo via GoogleMaps

Stony Creek Metropark

4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Twp.; 586-781-4242; metroparkscom/parks/stoy-creek-metropark

Want to feel like you're “up north” without having to make the drive? Look no further than Stony Creek Metropark, which offers 4,461-acres that span Washington, Oakland, and Shelby Townships with hills, mills, orchards, and a 500-acre lake fit for swimming and boating. There's also a nature center, disc-golf course, 18-hole golf course, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and reservable shelters and grills.

Photo via Scott Smithson/Flickr

Kensington Metropark

4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford; 810-227-8910; metroparks.com/parks/kensington-metropark

If you travel an hour north you'll find yourself in a sleepy, picturesque town of Milford, home to a beautiful 4,481-acre Metropark. Kensington Metropark surrounds Kent Lake and offers abundant wildlife, waterfowl, and wooded hiking areas. In addition to taking in the natural sights, Kensington also offers opportunities for biking, boating, and beachfront fun, as well as a splash zone, golf course, disc golf course, nature and farm center, and plenty of opportunities for a cute little picnic, because who doesn't love a picnic?

Photo via GoogleMaps

Dexter-Huron Metropark

6535 Huron River Dr., Dexter; 734-426-8211; metroparks.com/parks/dexter-huron-metropark

With 122-acres along the Huron River, Dexter-Huron Metropark has everything you need to escape your daily doldrums. Described as a sanctuary, this Metropark offers rich woodlands and unique and colorful flora throughout the spring and summer seasons. For those looking for some action, there are picnic areas, a playscape, a softball diamond, and a canoe launch.

Photo via metroparks.com

Indian Springs Metropark

5200 Indian Trail, White Lake; 248-625-6640; metroparks.com/parks/indian-springs-metropark

This one is for nature lovers. Indian Springs Metropark offers an intimate look at the area's native ecosystems via the park's Environmental Discovery Center, which also offers an underwater pond viewing room. For those who want to get their blood pumping, the park also boasts hiking trails running through the virtually untouched land along the Huron River, encompassing more than 2,215 acres of wooded wetlands and meadows, home to red foxes and wildflowers. There is also a slew of recreational activities including a golf course, picnic areas, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, as well as a splash zone, adventure maze, rock climbing wall, and playground.

Photo via metroparks.com

Hudson Mills Metropark

8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter; 734-426-8211; metroparks.com/parks/hudson-mills-metropark

Hudson Mills Metropark, which is about 12 miles from Ann Arbor, is a perfect spot for bass anglers, picnic lovers, and anyone looking to escape to serene woods and waters. If relaxing isn't in the cards for you, this Metropark also has a golf and disc golf course, basketball court, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, as well as a three-mile paved hike-bike trail.

Photo via GoogleMaps

Palmer Park

910 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit; 313-757-2751; peopleforpalmerpark.org

This is one of the rare opportunities to escape the city without actually crossing Eight Mile Road. Historic Palmer Park comprises 296 acres of lawns and historic woodlands, as well as tennis courts, splash park, and hiking-biking trails. There are some pretty neat attractions like the lighthouse, Lake Frances, a historic log cabin, and the largest Virgin Forest in the tri-county area. There are even some oak trees that are estimated to be more than 350 years old. Designed in the late 1800s, the park was donated to the city of Detroit and remains a stunning landmark and getaway for Detroiters and non-Detroiters alike.

Photo via People for Palmer Park/Facebook

Delhi Metropark

3902 E. Delhi, Ann Arbor; 734-426-8211; metroparks.com/parks/delhi-metropark

Just a few miles northwest of Ann Arbor is a quiet, 53-acre park filled with oak trees and grassy lawns along the Huron River. Delhi Metropark is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and nature watching. There are also plenty of opportunities for the little adventurers in your life to explore the park's adventure play ship and playscape.

Photo via metroparks.com/parks/delhi-metropark

Wolcott Mill Metropark

65775 Wolcott Rd., Ray; 586-752-5932; metroparkscom/parks/wolcott-mill-metropark

Though the historic center at Wolcott Mill Metropark is currently closed due to restoration efforts, this Metropark is basically like three parks in one. For one, it's a late-20th century working farm and a working mill built in the 1840s which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are barns, antique farming equipment, and a Model-T dump truck. In addition to ponds and animals, there are trails and wooded areas along the North Branch of the Clinton River for those looking for a moment of very historic zen.

Photo via Jono Martin/Flickr

Lower Huron Metropark

40151 E. Huron River Dr., Belleville; 734-697-9181; metroparkscom/parks/lower-huron-metropark

With easy access from I-275 and I-94, you’re never far from the natural beauty of Lower Huron Metropark’s 1,258 acres of mature woodlands, grassy meadows, and the scenic Huron River. Run or inline skate along a paved, hike-bike trail. Shoreline fish or canoe along the river, as you observe swans or geese floating on the water. In the summer, coast down a water slide or drift along the lazy river at the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center. Lower Huron Metropark also offers scenic picnic areas, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.

Photo via metroparks.com

Maybury State Park

49601 Eight Mile Rd., Northville; 248-349-8390; dnr.state.mi.us

A State Park in the metro Detroit area? Look no further than Maybury State Park, which is described as being an oasis of lush, green forest amidst developed land. Connect with nature by exploring the park's miles of trails spanning nearly 1,000 acres of gently rolling terrain, open meadow, and mature forest. There are trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and features a working form, fishing spots, educational programming, and, most importantly, endless opportunities to succumb to nature.

Photo via dnr.state.mi.us

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

7800 Gale Rd., Waterford Twp.; 248-666-1020; dnr.state.mi.us

Who let the dogs out? No, really, this park offers an off-leash (as in, fenced) area for dogs and camping for humans (and their dogs). Pontiac Lake Recreation Area also has a model airplane flying field and the longest beach in southeast Michigan at just over 1.5 miles. There are marshes, ponds, heavy forests, and old farm fields, as well as rivers, lakes, and trails for horseback riding and hiking. For the mountain biker, this park has an 11-mile mountain bike trail that has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Trails in the U.S.

Photo via Pontiac Lake Rec Area/Facebook

Willow Metropark

23200 S. Huron Rd., New Boston; 734-697-9181; metroparkscom/parks/willow-metropark

More than 1,531 beautiful acres of mature woodlands, scenic 17-acre Washago Pond and the picturesque Huron River await you at Willow Metropark in New Boston. There's golf and disc golf, too, and opportunities for fishing, and hiking and biking along the park's 4.5 mile trail.

Photo via metroparks.com

Dodge Park #4

4250 Parkway Dr., Waterford; 248-682-7323; michigan.org/property/dodge-4-state-park

Offering a sandy beach along a one-mile shoreline on Cass Lake, Dodge Park #4 has wildlife, recreational activities, swimming, picnic spots, and plenty of opportunities for relaxing and exploring. Fun fact: this park was donated to the State of Michigan by the Dodge Brothers in 1922 under the condition that the land be maintained as a public park.

Photo via Dodge Park 4 State Park/Facebook

Cherry Hill Nature Preserve

6375 Cherry Hill Rd; Superior Charter Twp.

It's right there in the name, but nothing can prepare you for the nature awaiting you at Cherry Hill Nature Preserve. From wetlands, woods, and meadows, Cherry Hill has a 1.6-mile loop set in a wooded forest with a trail system that supports hiking, walking, and nature trips. There's a boardwalk, too, so you can explore the wetland and grass prairie.

Photo via Cherry Hill Nature Preserve/Facebook