Warren Woods State Park

Warren Woods State Park is a protected nature reserve in Chikaming Township featuring old-growth beech and maple forest where trees reach over 100 feet tall with massive trunks. The land also includes sand dunes and damp lowland areas that support the forest ecosystem.

Edward Kirk Warren, inventor of the featherbone corset, began purchasing the woodland in 1879 to protect it from logging and development. His efforts created one of Michigan's last remaining old-growth forests.

The University of Chicago operates a 42-acre ecological field station within the park, conducting research on various natural ecosystems.

The park has about 3.5 miles of marked hiking trails through different forest sections and down to the river. Trails can become muddy in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

The silver-grey bark of many trees displays hand-carved markings that are decades old, telling a quiet story of visitors across the years. These marks remain visible as a record of human presence in this protected space.

Location: Chikaming Township

Inception: 1879

Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=505&type=SPRK

GPS coordinates: 41.83330,-86.62220

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43