Ionia State Recreation Area

Ionia State Recreation Area is a protected recreation area in Michigan featuring open fields, hardwood forests, pine plantations, and rolling terrain. The land encompasses several miles of Grand River floodplain, creating a mix of natural habitats across the entire property.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources established this protected area to maintain the land while offering outdoor activities for the community. This action reflected an earlier commitment to keeping natural resources intact for the future.

The recreation area serves as an educational center where visitors learn about environmental conservation through organized programs and hands-on experiences in nature.

Visitors need a Recreation Passport to drive into the area and access designated hiking trails, campgrounds, and fishing spots throughout the property. It helps to explore the site on foot to find quiet spots that match your interests and energy level.

Nearly 200 bird species have been documented here by the Audubon Society, drawing bird watchers from across the region. The variety of habitats across the land supports this remarkable concentration of avian life.