The Genesee County Parks system encompasses 11,000 acres of forests, rivers, lakes, hiking trails, beaches and campgrounds. Along the Flint River, visitors can observe wildlife along the banks and explore trails with different profiles; For-Mar highlights trees and plant relationships. This offers several ways to discover Genesee’s natural surroundings.
River Trails and Wildlife Watching
Along some sections of the Flint River, visitors can observe bald eagles, ospreys, minks, beavers, deer, cormorants and herons, among other wildlife. The Flint River Water Trail extends for 73 miles and has 24 access points. Wildlife watching along the riverbank and details about the trail’s length and access points offer different ways to explore the river.
Another option is the 17-mile Flint River Trail. It is part of the Michigan Iron Belle Trail system and runs through downtown Flint north to Richfield County Park. The two trail descriptions emphasize different features: for the Water Trail, the length and number of access points are specified; for the Flint River Trail, the description also notes its place in the trail system and its route to the park.
Gardens and Nature Education
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum has more than 7 miles of hiking trails. In 2015, the 116-acre arboretum’s tree collection included more than 1,800 specimens from 157 species. For-Mar Garden Exploration Space offers a hands-on look at the relationships between plants, insects and people. The focus is not just on individual plants, but also on how they relate to one another and to people.
Applewood’s Demonstration Garden offers another garden experience: it includes herbs and vegetables and is designed to give visitors ideas and inspiration. Those interested in plants can explore vegetables and herbs here, alongside the tree collection at For-Mar.
History, Shows and Exhibits
The Huckleberry Railroad offers a 40-minute historic ride along Mott Lake and over a section of the historic Pere Marquette route. Crossroads Village also has a clear historical date: it was inaugurated on July 4, 1976.
Longway Planetarium uses 4K projection and immersive shows. Flint Children’s Museum has more than 40 immersive, colorful exhibits. Its Discovery Zone features exhibits on kinetic physics, light-based activities and collaborative building challenges. These attractions offer distinctly different formats: a historic ride, planetarium shows and a variety of museum exhibits.
Markets and Local Products
Indoor markets open year-round, including the Flint Farmers’ Market and Davison Farmers Market, offer locally grown agricultural products, goods from producers, quick-service restaurants, freshly baked goods, and meat and seafood. The offerings range from produce and other goods to prepared food. For travelers interested in local food, markets and gardens add a distinct focus alongside nature and culture.
As of September 5, 2026, Genesee County residents received free general admission to Sloan Museum of Discovery and Flint Institute of Arts. They were eligible for a 50 percent discount on admission to Longway Planetarium.
Getting Around and Finding Your Way
MTA Your Ride provides curb-to-curb service for eligible passengers throughout Genesee County. MTA Flint’s fixed main routes run along major thoroughfares and serve areas with large employers, shopping centers, hospitals, colleges and other regional facilities. These offer two distinct ways to get around: a service with eligibility requirements and fixed routes to key areas.
Flint Bishop International Airport is about half a mile from the I-75/US23 and I-69 interchange and has on-site car rentals. MTA routes and operating hours, as well as airport facilities and access details, may change, so check the latest information before your trip.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Genesee, let your travel interests be your first filter: nature and river trails, botanical topics, culture or markets. Tailor your search to what you’d like to discover.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Flint, Grand Blanc, Burton, Clio, Mount Morris, Fenton, Huron County, Cheboygan County.
Return to the main travel overview: Michigan.
