Waterloo State Recreation Area, State recreation area in Jackson County, Michigan.
Waterloo State Recreation Area is a large protected landscape with forests, lakes, and wetlands across the Lower Michigan Peninsula. The land features diverse natural environments and is accessed through multiple campgrounds and trails that remain open year-round.
The land was farmed by settlers starting in the 1830s, but many farms were later abandoned as farming became less viable. During the 1930s, the abandoned parcels were converted into a recreation project to provide jobs and outdoor access during economic hardship.
The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center displays exhibits about local geology and natural habitats that show how the land has been shaped by both nature and human activity over time. Visitors can learn how different communities have lived alongside these forests and wetlands throughout the region's development.
The area includes four campgrounds with modern and rustic facilities that stay open throughout the year for different camping preferences. Visitors should plan ahead and prepare for changing conditions depending on the season and style of camping chosen.
A section of the land includes the Black Spruce Bog, a protected natural area where visitors can observe geological formations shaped by glacial movement from the ice age. These features reveal how ancient glaciers left their mark across the landscape.
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