Harrington Beach State Park — Attraction in Town of Belgium

I liked this state park for use as a day trip excursion but I would not camp in this park so that is why I rated it as 4 stars. Though not as scenic as Kohler Andre park to the north, this park does offer some interesting tidbits to explore. For one thing, it has a historical background. The park was originally a limestone quarry from 1900 to 1920. It was a company town named Stonehaven, that is a sweet name for a town! So there is essentially a huge pond that was man made after production ceased where the quarry was dug out. It is beautiful around that area plus you can see some of the original foundations of the workers houses from that era. There are two beaches next to Lake Michigan that are sandy and just relaxing to chill on, you can take your pooch to the South Beach. The trails next to the quarry and the lake are very nice and overall easy to walk on, super flat! Just one thing to note, there typically is a shuttle road that takes visitors pretty much around the park but that service is not available right now as part of the road eroded from what looked like storms last year. It is just amazing to see how powerful the Great Lakes are when storms come in! But I found it was nice to walk along the shuttle road as it connected you to different parts of the park plus it is good to get more walking in! As far as camping goes, we were glad we ended up cancelling...sorry but the campground was a combination of a lack of shade, no trees with areas that looked like it was close to a swamp. But if you want to go for an easy going and I would say more of a local park with history dotted in the mix, I would still say this park is...

This is a beautiful park. Stunning beach area, with spectacular views of Lake Michigan. There is also an old limestone quarry which is filled with water and stocked with fish for those who like angling. You are not allowed to swim in Quarry Lake, but there is a very nice trail that circumnavigates it. It is a lovely and easy walk.

The Northern Cross Astronomy Club have an observatory in the park. They host several public events throughout the year that allow access to their powerful telescope. It is always a humbling experience to contemplate the cosmos. I highly recommend attending one of their events.

There is camping here, and an accessible cabin for those with disabilities. Birders and hikers will like the park too. It is a superb spot in the winter as well.

The reason I am giving four stars instead of five is that the runoff from nearby cattle operations as well as some poorly maintained private septic systems along the lakeshore have made the coliform count in the lake high. I do not recommend swimming in the lake at Harrington Beach. We do not let our seven year old swim there. Many do swim notwithstanding, so make your own informed decision. The water quality waxes and wanes, so I definitely suggest checking first. For swimming, I recommend Kohler/Andrae State Park, which has better water quality and is only twenty minutes farther north.

Despite the water quality issues, Harrington Beach State Park is a worthwhile stop. We live in the area and spend a lot...

This is a great place to see! Our limitations are this; we have dogs and children and like to have us all together. The history here is great Campsites excellent The sites to see are a little less; The walk anywhere is very far. They do have a shuttle however with a dog. You can walk Parking to the Dog beach is a HIKE Now take 2 dogs, 2 kids, beach gear and all that stuff on a hike through the woods where you can then gain access to lake Michigan, the dog beach is not really a beach. the water level was high 2015. There is a bunch to see and a ton to walk and do just be ready to be mobile Access from your vehicle is with 1 parking lot. Look at the park map and be ready.

The Quarry while stocked with Trout and quite a site is very inaccessible, you can not get to the lake aside from 1 floating dock and 1 bridge overpass. Filled with Panfish and bass in the shallow waters you will find that any presentation along with multiple baits do not spark any interest to them. The limited access to the deep encouraged buoyant floats with large slip lines to access the deep water when casting out 50+ yards. However, watch you retrieve as there are rocks,cables, debris and many snags that will take hostage your lures. The trail along the quarry is very nice to use and has easy access.

If you take these all into consideration you will find a great time. please look to the north at...