Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, State park and nature preserve in Jackson and Washtenaw counties, Michigan, United States.
Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is a 1,122-acre protected area across two counties featuring open meadows, mixed hardwoods, and wetland zones. A five-mile former rail corridor links these spaces and leads to the lake at the center.
The property was acquired by Royal and Sally Carpenter Watkins, who made it available to the freedom movement before the Civil War erupted. They were instrumental in sheltering people seeking to escape slavery on their land.
The park is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, marking sites linked to African American liberation efforts. Visitors can trace these historical connections while walking through the landscape today.
The area is mostly open year-round, though certain zones have closure periods to protect wildlife and vegetation. Visitors should check current access rules and any required permits before arriving.
The property is jointly managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. This unusual partnership allows coordinated care between state and local authorities.
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