27-05-2025
Michigan has just 1 state park on Lake Erie. Why it's worth checking off your list
This summer, don't miss out on a trip to southeast Michigan to explore Lake Erie's shores at William C. Sterling State Park — Michigan's only state park located on the lake.
The state park features 1 mile of sandy shoreline along the western coast of Lake Erie in Monroe County, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A trip to the Sterling State Park offers a chance to camp out, fish, swim, hike and more.
"The park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored lake plain prairie habitat, and is well known for its access to walleye and perch fisheries," Pure Michigan says.
Here's what to know.
William C. Sterling State Park is Michigan's only state park along the Lake Erie shoreline.
The state park is located along the western coast of Lake Erie near the city of Monroe in southeast Michigan. The park is about an hour south of Detroit and less than 30 minutes north of the Ohio border.
The park is just minutes from River Raisin National Battlefield Park and the Ford Marsh unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
The state park is connected to nearby River Raisin National Battlefield Park through the River Raisin Heritage Trail. The trail is currently undergoing upgrade work, set to finish in July 2025, the state park's website says.
To visit the state park, you will need a Michigan recreation passport or a daily pass, the park's website says. Rates vary by vehicle type, and whether you're a Michigan resident or not.
Recreation passports can be purchased when renewing your license plate registration at the Secretary of State or at a state park, recreation area or Michigan DNR customer service center, the DNR website says.
If you're a Michigan library cardholder, you can also get a day trip to the park for free with the Michigan Activity Pass. This includes one night of camping for one vehicle, camping fees will still apply.
At Sterling State Park, visitors can relax at sandy beaches and swim, paddle or kayak in Lake Erie. The park offers kayak rentals from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Vast nature offers opportunities for biking and hiking.
You can reel in catches with shoreline or offshore fishing on Lake Erie, along with the Great Lake marsh and lagoons at the park, including walleye and perch. Hunting is available at the state park, though potential hunters should contact park officials for the rules, the park's website says.
The park features a beach house with restrooms and changing stalls, a boat launch, fish cleaning station, observation platform on Marsh Trail, picnic area, picnic shelter and a playground.
Recreational metal detecting is another option in part of the park, as long as its within state law and doesn't harm the park's natural and cultural resources. Park workers must look at any items found and may keep them for investigation.
During the summer season, weekly nature programming takes place at the state park, with the 2025 schedule to be released soon. In the winter, the park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
If you're looking for a longer stay, the state park includes the Sterling full-amenity cottages, 10 new cottages along the Lake Erie shoreline operated by Vista Recreation. The cottages sleep seven each, with bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen with supplies and appliances and more, though linen and towels are not provided.
The Sterling modern campground provides a camping venue, with most sites paved and near the Lake Erie shoreline. Camping sites include 20 or 30 amp service and some 50 amp service, and sanitation stations.
You can book your camping trip to Sterling State Park with online reservations through the Michigan DNR. Select Sterling as the park and pick the dates, number of people and equipment for your stay.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sterling State Park, Lake Erie: Michigan park worth visiting in 2025
