Why Kensington Metropark Is One of The Best Parks in Michigan

By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan | Kensington Metropark

Never in my life have I experienced a park where birds such as woodpeckers or chickadees land freely on your hand to eat some seeds or sandhill cranes allow you to quietly observe them as they feed their babies.  There are no fences so the animals are wild and free to come and go as they please.

I was in absolute awe to the vastness of the Kensington Metropark...not only in it's sheer size of 4,481 acres of lush rolling hills, wooded hiking trails and sandy beaches, but the amenities were astounding.  Hiking not your thing?  How about golfing, disc golf, pontoon rides, kayaking or simply enjoying the warm sand at Martindale or Maple beaches.  

Kensington Metropark offers a tons of recreational activities throughout the year, from biking and boating in the summer to cross-country skiing and tobogganing in the winter.  There's even a restaurant called Farmhouse Grill to fill your belly so you can play all day.

Kensington Metropark Map

Here is a great map of the entire park including the walking and biking trails.  You can obtain this map at the entry of the park but it's helpful in planning your day.

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I’m never happier than when I’m in nature! I mean seriously, I was beyond giddy! . We are no idea these guys will come up to us and eat out of our hands. These are wild animals and there are no fences keeping them in. Can you see the baby walking into the water behind me? . . . #sandhillcrane #sandhillcranes #sofreakinhappy #bigbirds #feedingbirds #feedingbirdsbyhand #kensingtonmetropark #michigantravel #puremi #michigan #puremichiganders #puremichigan #nature #birdsofinstagram #michigander #metropark #annarbormichigan #annarbor

A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on Jun 20, 2019 at 12:13pm PDT

As you meander down a dirt trail canopied by luscious trees, be sure to always look around you as chatty squirrels and chubby chipmunks are always underfoot. 

Clearly they are used to being fed by visitors so they are always looking for a crunch tasty treat. 

It's so fun to try and spot the Sandhill Crane families as the babies are just adorable!

Activities and Things to Do at Kensington Metropark

Kensington Metropark Activities:

• 18-hole regulation golf course
• 27-hole disc course
• Nature center with animal exhibits
• Farm center with animals to pet
• Beautiful shaded picnic areas 
• Scenic hiking and biking trails for full days of fun
• Splash 'n' Blast for the kids!
• Rent a kayak, paddle or swan boats by the hour!
• Tour the lake aboard the Island Queen II in the summer and fall
• Enjoy a day ice fishing or skating on frozen lake waters in the winter

Chris was loving feeding the birds as they would land on his hand!  What a fun experience!

This goose was adopted by this Sandhill Crane family when it was just a tiny gosling.  It was the talk of the Metropark and the surrounding areas! People visited the park just to see this miraculous family! 

Kensington Metropark Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to get into Kensington Metropark? $10 per car/day
2. Does Kensington Park allow dogs? Dogs are allowed but they must be on a lease.  Dogs are NOT allowed on the nature trails.

What to Bring To Kensington Metropark

• Walking shoes as there are miles of trails
• Bird seed to feed the birds and squirrels
• Swim gear if you plan to visit the beach (towels, flipflops, snacks, sunscreen, swim attire)
• Bikes with bike locks
• Cash for tips if you ride the Island Queen or quarters if you wish to purchase birdseed. 
• Money for the entrance fee or annual pass. 
• Water
• Snacks

Join Us on Instagram, We're FUN! 

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Chris and Mr. Sandhill Crane discussing the pros and cons of using portrait mode on their phones:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ They were deep in discussion as the sandhill crane family was on a hike and wanted to take pics of their new baby. I think Chris had some great tips for them regarding getting eye level with junior and not dropping the phone in the lake. ;) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sandhillcranes #nature #annarbor #kensingtonmetropark #bigbird #annarbortourism @annarbor #travelislife #travelphotooftheday #photooftheday #michiganblogger #michigansummer #explore_destinations #nature_good #nature_worldwide_birds #puremichigan #ipulledoverforthis#birdsonearch #natureworld #michigan #hey_ihadtosnapthat #sandhillcranesofinstagram #explore_countryside

A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on Jun 20, 2019 at 5:45am PDT

More Cool Stuff You Gotta Check Out!

1. Traveling Michigan Home Page
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