Why Kensington Metropark Is One of The Best Parks in Michigan


By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan | Kensington Metropark

Never in my life have I experienced a park where birds such as woodpeckers or chickadees land freely on your hand to eat some seeds or sandhill cranes allow you to quietly observe them as they feed their babies.  There are no fences so the animals are wild and free to come and go as they please.

I was in absolute awe to the vastness of the Kensington Metropark...not only in it's sheer size of 4,481 acres of lush rolling hills, wooded hiking trails and sandy beaches, but the amenities were astounding.  Hiking not your thing?  How about golfing, disc golf, pontoon rides, kayaking or simply enjoying the warm sand at Martindale or Maple beaches.  

Kensington Metropark offers a tons of recreational activities throughout the year, from biking and boating in the summer to cross-country skiing and tobogganing in the winter.  There's even a restaurant called Farmhouse Grill to fill your belly so you can play all day.


Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI

Kensington Metropark Map

Here is a great map of the entire park including the walking and biking trails.  You can obtain this map at the entry of the park but it's helpful in planning your day.


As you meander down a dirt trail canopied by luscious trees, be sure to always look around you as chatty squirrels and chubby chipmunks are always underfoot. 

Clearly they are used to being fed by visitors so they are always looking for a crunch tasty treat. 



It's so fun to try and spot the Sandhill Crane families as the babies are just adorable!


The park receives two and a half million visitors every year so come see for yourself why I think Kensington Metropark is the best park in Michigan!

Activities and Things to Do at Kensington Metropark


Kensington Metropark Activities:

  • 18-hole regulation golf course
  • 27-hole disc course
  • Nature center with animal exhibits
  • Farm center with animals to pet
  • Beautiful shaded picnic areas 
  • Scenic hiking and biking trails for full days of fun
  • Splash 'n' Blast for the kids!
  • Rent a kayak, paddle or swan boats by the hour!
  • Tour the lake aboard the Island Queen II in the summer and fall
  • Enjoy a day ice fishing or skating on frozen lake waters in the winter



Chris was loving feeding the birds as they would land on his hand!  What a fun experience!

This goose was adopted by this Sandhill Crane family when it was just a tiny gosling.  It was the talk of the Metropark and the surrounding areas! People visited the park just to see this miraculous family! 


Kensington Metropark Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to get into Kensington Metropark? $10 per car/day
  2. Does Kensington Park allow dogs? Dogs are allowed but they must be on a lease.  Dogs are NOT allowed on the nature trails.

What to Bring To Kensington Metropark


  • Walking shoes as there are miles of trails
  • Bird seed to feed the birds and squirrels
  • Swim gear if you plan to visit the beach (towels, flipflops, snacks, sunscreen, swim attire)
  • Bikes with bike locks
  • Cash for tips if you ride the Island Queen or quarters if you wish to purchase birdseed. 
  • Money for the entrance fee or annual pass. 
  • Water
  • Snacks


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Chris and Mr. Sandhill Crane discussing the pros and cons of using portrait mode on their phones:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ They were deep in discussion as the sandhill crane family was on a hike and wanted to take pics of their new baby. I think Chris had some great tips for them regarding getting eye level with junior and not dropping the phone in the lake. ;) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sandhillcranes #nature #annarbor #kensingtonmetropark #bigbird #annarbortourism @annarbor #travelislife #travelphotooftheday #photooftheday #michiganblogger #michigansummer #explore_destinations #nature_good #nature_worldwide_birds #puremichigan #ipulledoverforthis#birdsonearch #natureworld #michigan #hey_ihadtosnapthat #sandhillcranesofinstagram #explore_countryside

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by!

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

"Sherry & Chris"

We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

    Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry.

    In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

Sherry & Chris are at the Inn at Bay Harbor and looking out at the lake.
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