Hemlock Crossing — Attraction in Port Sheldon Township

Amazing place! This is a large park (county says 239 acres) with a lot of neat features. First, there are meandering trails all over that are nicely marked and maintained. Along the trails, there are quite a few scenic overlooks with a bench for soaking in the spectacular views slowly. There is even a public observatory! I'm not sure when and how to access it though. The observatory is near the parking area, which is close to the entrance. The nature center, restrooms (including a rustic one, according to the county page) and two small pavilions with tables under and grills next to them are also near the parking lot. Finally, there is a pedestrian bridge over the Pigeon River where the views are...

What a beautiful Nature Center & gorgeous trails - well maintained & really wonderful. We spent a whole afternoon here. The Ranger in the Center was helpful, kind, & very knowledgeable. We are so overwhelmingly impressed with Ottawa County Parks. The paved trail is ADA friendly. Really, if you have not visited you are missing out on a wonderfully forested treasure. So impressed! Reminded us of the great Nature centers near the Rockies in Colorado. Yes - THAT nice. Thank you to the taxpayers who support the millages making their County Parks superb. What an excellent use of tax dollars at work. Lovely & really - GO! Get out in...

Such a nice county park! We just got back from a week in the U.P. and want to keep that north woodsy vibe going so we explored this place for a couple hours tonight. This is no competition for Pictured Rocks, of course, but it's really wonderful for what it is. A variety of environments to hike through in a fairly compact space. The trails are well marked and there's helpful signage all through the park to learn about the various plants and wildlife we see there. I like this spot and we'll be back to experience it again as it changes with...