Mears State Park

Mears State Park is a waterfront recreation area along Lake Michigan featuring a sandy beach, camping facilities, and a channel that connects to Pentwater Lake. The park covers about 50 acres and provides multiple outdoor activities centered on the shoreline.

The park was established in 1923 when Carrie Mears, daughter of a lumber merchant, donated the initial lakeside acres to the state. This gift marked the beginning of what would become the present-day recreation area.

The park serves as a central gathering place for summer recreation, connecting visitors to Michigan's maritime heritage through its waterfront location.

The park offers a swimming beach, a fishing pier, and a hiking trail of about one mile leading to the Old Baldy sand dune overlook. Wind can be strong along the shoreline, so visitors may want to bring extra layers and plan activities accordingly.

In the early 1920s, marsh hay was distributed across the park's sandy grounds to combat wind erosion and stabilize the shifting dunes. This resourceful approach to land management shows how early park managers addressed environmental challenges creatively.

Location: Oceana County

Inception: 1923

Website: https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=470&type=SPRK

GPS coordinates: 43.78340,-86.43770

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01