Hartwick Pines State Park, State park with old-growth pine forest in Crawford County, Michigan, United States.
Hartwick Pines State Park protects about 49 acres of original pine forest with rolling terrain, four small lakes, and a section of the East Branch AuSable River running through it. The land includes numerous trails and lodging options for visitors.
The park was established in 1927 to protect one of Michigan's last remaining old-growth pine forests from logging. Trees here are over 350 years old and survived the heavy timber cutting of the 1800s.
The logging museum here displays how loggers worked in the 1800s when Michigan was the nation's top timber producer. The exhibits show the tools and methods they used, and how this industry shaped the region's growth.
Visitors need a Recreation Passport to enter and can access trails and year-round activities throughout the property. A paved walking path is designed for people with mobility challenges.
A paved path about 1.25 miles long takes visitors directly through the oldest trees near the main visitor center. This walk lets anyone see these ancient giants up close without hiking far into the forest.
Location: Crawford County
Inception: 1927
Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=453&type=SPRK
GPS coordinates: 44.74720,-84.66860
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Michigan holds a wide array of natural and historical sites across its two peninsulas. The shoreline runs for hundreds of miles along the Great Lakes, showing sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and dune formations. In the north, dense forests, waterfalls, and rock formations shaped by erosion dominate the landscape. Lighthouses from the 19th century mark key points along the waterways. Historical sites document the region's development, from military posts to industrial monuments. Visitors can explore places like Pictured Rocks, where colored sandstone cliffs rise directly above the water, or Sleeping Bear Dunes, where sand piles up to 450 feet (137 meters) high. Mackinac Bridge connects the two peninsulas with a span of roughly 5 miles (8 kilometers). At Hartwick Pines State Park, pine trees stand several centuries old. Tahquamenon Falls ranks among the larger waterfalls east of the Mississippi. On Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac dates to the 18th century, while the Heidelberg Project in Detroit presents contemporary art in an urban setting. This collection presents both natural and human-made sites across a region that stretches over both of Michigan's peninsulas.
South Higgins Lake State Park
35.8 km
North Higgins Lake State Park
26.9 km
St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral
31.9 km
Dead Stream Flooding State Wildlife Management Area
43.3 km
Jordan River Pathway
39.3 km
Roscommon Zoo
30 km
Henry Richardi House
50 km
Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area
43.2 km
Edward E. Hartwick Memorial Building
1.4 km
Douglas House
15.9 km
Oscoda County Courthouse
44.1 km
Antrim County Courthouse
49.6 km
Frank A. and Rae E. Harris Kramer House
31.5 km
Call of the Wild Museum
30.3 km
M-72–Au Sable River Bridge
10.3 km
Holtz Site
49.7 km
Main Beach
20.6 km
James A. and Lottie J.
31.3 km
M-88–Intermediate River Bridge
49.9 km
The Chief Golf Course
46.9 km
Shanty Creek Resorts - Summit Mountain
46.6 km
Richardi Park Beach
49.9 km
Wild Frontier Fun Park
50.8 km
CoopersVille USA
24.9 km
Twin Birch Golf Course
38 km
Mancelona Township Library
35.6 km
Mancelona Township Hall
35.6 km
Deadmans Hill
39.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes