In Osceola County, nature experiences range from county parks by lakes to trails along the Hersey River and longer routes. The county is also home to the history of the Reed City Heritage Museum. When planning your trip, it’s worth distinguishing between the different kinds of experiences: visiting a park, walking a section of a trail and accessing the water are different outing options.
Parks Between Lake and River
Both county parks are located by a lake and surrounded by natural woodlands. Crittenden Park borders the eastern shore of Big Lake. Rambadt Park is a 33-acre community park with a variety of natural areas. Its nature trail crosses the Hersey River via the “Little Mac” bridge. Crittenden is distinguished by its location on Big Lake; at Rambadt Park, the natural areas and river crossing are part of the trail route.
Westerburg Park also has its own focus on the Hersey River, with trails, fishing opportunities and nature observation. The park also has a BMX park. Those considering different activities for a stay will find both a connection to the river and options not focused solely on nature observation. The Purple Heart Trail in Linear Park runs alongside the Hersey River and connects Rambadt Park with Westerburg Park. This makes the trail a direct link between the two parks.
Trails and Seasonal Options
The paved Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is 92 miles long and connects Comstock Park near Grand Rapids with Cadillac. It is suitable for bicycles. The Pere Marquette State Trail is shorter, at 55 miles, and runs through Clare, Lake and Osceola counties. Paved sections run east from Reed City to Clare; the Pere Marquette State Trail and the White Pine Trail State Park intersect at Depot-Crossroads Park. The trail lengths and named routes make it easier to consider these two trails as different options without treating their respective sections as the same.
Snowmobiles are permitted on the section of the White Pine Trail State Park between Cadillac and the trailhead at Russell Road from December 1 through March 31. Check for current closures before setting out. This helps distinguish the seasonal snowmobile option from using the trail for bicycles.
Water Access and Camping
Osceola County has several access points with different options. In Hersey, there is access for canoes and shore fishing. Evart Park offers access for boats and shore fishing. There is also access for canoes and shore fishing at M-115; a canoe rental station is located upstream of the bridge. Check current conditions at the access points before setting out and confirm that the rental station is operating.
Camping is available in Osceola County at Village of Hersey Park, by the river. Confirm availability before your trip. The differences between canoe, boat and shore-fishing access, as well as the camping option, can help you choose activities suited to your planned stay.
A Historic Connection in Reed City
The Reed City Heritage Museum traces its origins to a memorial cross that was erected and dedicated on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City at the home of Reverend and Mrs. George Bennard. George Bennard wrote the world-renowned church hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” in 1913. In 2021, the museum was renamed and relocated to 138 W Slosson Ave in downtown Reed City. For travelers who would like to include regional history in their plans alongside parks and trails, this offers a distinct cultural highlight.
Find Hotels That Fit Your Travel Plans
First, decide whether your trip will focus on park visits, river access, trail sections or the history of Reed City. Then compare hotel locations and availability for your travel dates so your accommodation suits the mix of activities you have planned.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Evart, Delta County, Oceana County, Van Buren County, Mackinac, Branch, Ottawa and Chippewa County.
For the main travel overview: Michigan.
