Rolling hills, open meadows, mature forests and wetlands: Ionia State Recreation Area encompasses these landscapes across 4,500 acres. The Audubon Society has recorded more than 199 bird species there.
Forests, meadows and the Grand River
The 120-acre Ionia Natural Area includes 40 acres of planted prairie and riparian forest, as well as about 2,500 feet of shoreline along the Grand River. Green View Point Park offers views of the Grand River, which lies several hundred feet below the park. Hazel Devore Park offers a different perspective: it is located on a 10-acre island in the Grand River.
A healthy trout stream runs through Bertha Brock Park. The park sits in a landscape of nearly 200 acres of gently rolling hills. The natural scenery ranges from prairie and riparian forest to river views, an island and a hilly landscape.
Trails for biking, horseback riding and winter activities
The Fred Meijer Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail connects Ionia and Owosso along a 42-mile route. This signed bicycle route begins at Prairie Creek Bridge, east of Ionia. Ionia State Recreation Area is also home to the 9-mile Ionia-Chief Cob-Moo-Sa Trail. It is best known for mountain biking, but hiking is also permitted.
The Ionia Equestrian Trail offers 15 miles of horseback riding trails and an equestrian course with 10 obstacles. For winter activities, Ionia State Recreation Area has 10.5 miles of designated cross-country ski trails, including a 1.2-mile beginner loop, a 2.5-mile intermediate loop and a challenging 6-mile route.
The Ionia Natural Area also features several trails: the Fred Meijer River Valley Trail runs along its northern edge, while the Ionia River Trail Grand River Bridge passes through its southern section. The two routes provide access to different parts of the natural area.
Culture and history
The Belding Museum is housed in historic Belrockton, where it occupies three floors. The Ionia Theatre was originally built in 1931 for vaudeville performers; today, it shows current movies and offers live entertainment. The Ionia Free Fair is one of the oldest and largest fairs in the United States.
The historic site “The Camping Ground of the 21st Michigan Infantry” is located in Fred W. Green Park, along the banks of Prairie Creek. Ionia's municipal splash pad is in Trailhead Park, and the Fred Thwaites Grand River Trail includes a boardwalk.
Getting oriented and planning
Ionia is a few minutes north of Interstate 96. At Ionia Recreation Area, a track chair helps visitors access the campgrounds, cabin areas, parts of the hiking trail and the park's day-use area.
At Hazel Devore Park, both pavilions and some campsites can be reserved for a fee through the Village of Lyons office. Confirm availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ionia, Portland, Belding, Clare County, Manistee County, Baraga County, Charlevoix County, Oceana County.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
