In Lapeer County, a variety of discoveries lead outdoors and into the region’s history: The Polly Ann Trail offers a natural-surface section for mountain biking, while the Seven Ponds Nature Center includes wetlands, forests, ponds, fields and prairie. Museums, historic buildings and a local market round out these nature experiences. You can shape your trip around your own interests—with outdoor activity, scenery or a closer look at the past.
Explore the Polly Ann Trail
The Polly Ann Trail is 36 miles long and runs between Orion Township in Oakland County and Kings Mill Road north of Imlay City in Lapeer County. A natural-surface section offers an opportunity for mountain biking. So, if you’re interested in cycling, you’ll find a specific place to start here; the described route also connects endpoints in two counties. The trail’s length and route give it a different scale from a short nature trail.
Habitats at the Seven Ponds Nature Center
The Seven Ponds Nature Center’s Interpretive Building is set on nearly 350 acres of forests, wetlands, ponds, fields and prairie. The varied habitats give the site its natural setting. The Jonathan Woods and Richie Pond Preserve properties bring the Nature Center’s total area to nearly 500 acres. These two figures describe different areas: the grounds around the building and the total area including the named properties.
Learning about wildlife is also part of what the center offers. Visitors can learn firsthand about animals that live in Seven Ponds’ wetlands, forests and prairies by observing more than ten live species of reptiles, amphibians and fish. This adds a direct encounter with the animal groups that live there to the experience of the habitats—without reducing the landscape and wildlife to the same experience.
Another way to experience nature is at the Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, located eight miles south of Lapeer and surrounding Lake Minnawanna. Nature trails are available at Torzewski County Park, and shore fishing is possible at Pero Lake. These details bring together an area around a lake and two different park experiences: nature trails on the one hand and fishing from the shore on the other.
Museums and historic buildings
The Lapeer County History Museum offers a historical experience and educational programs for Lapeer County residents and visitors to the region. At the Hadley Mill Museum, the history of Hadley and Elba Townships comes into view through a collection of agricultural and domestic artifacts spanning three floors. The museum is housed in a mill built in 1874. A demonstration of the engine that once powered the mill brings its former use to life.
Other places tell stories of different chapters in regional history. Dryden Depot was built in 1883 as a station on the Pontiac, Oxford and Port Austin Railroad. The Lapeer County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Michigan still serving its original purpose. General Squier Memorial Park is listed on the national and state historic registers. Together, these examples illustrate different kinds of historical significance: a former train station, a courthouse still serving its original purpose and a historic park.
More experiences and local products
The Lapeer State Game Areas offer public hunting opportunities. The Lapeer Shooting Range is located within the Lapeer State Game Area in Lapeer County. The Historic Farmers’ Market of Lapeer offers locally grown fruit and vegetables, handmade goods, fresh honey and baked goods. The market is seasonal; check its dates before your trip.
There are many different ways to shape your visit: take a bike ride along a natural-surface section of trail, learn about habitats and wildlife, or visit a place connected with the region’s history. The museums and historic buildings each offer their own perspective, while the parks provide nature trails, shore fishing and other outdoor opportunities.
Places in Lapeer County: Lapeer, Imlay City, Almont.
Discover more destinations: Monroe County, Mason County, Allegan County, Kent, Baraga County.
Back to the main travel overview: Michigan.
