Island Lake Recreation Area

Island Lake Recreation Area has one of the nation's safest shooting ranges. The park has great canoeing, volley ball courts, picnic shelters, swimming and cabins to rent.

Activities

Biking: There are 4 miles of paved trail that wander through a variety of habitats. This trail also connects to Kensington Metropark and the Lyon Township Bike Trail.

Boat Rental: Canoes can be rented at the Kent Lake beach located near the dam. Rowboats, kayaks and paddleboats are also available for use on the lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Cross Country Ski

Fishing: Four lakes and the Huron River offer a variety of fishing opportunities. A universally accessible fishing pier is available at the park; however, the park does not have a boat launch. Spring Mill Pond is stocked with trout and a special catch-and-release season is in effect from April 1 until opening day of trout season. Only artificial bait may be used. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity.

Hiking: More than 18 miles of trails travel through varied habitats. Visitors can hike, run and hunt along the trails, which are split into two connecting loops. The 5-mile East Loop (Yellow Loop) circles the Huron River and travels through woodlands and fields and crosses Mann Creek. The 9-mile West Loop (Blue Loop) meanders through fields, woodlands and wetlands.

Hunting: Island Lake is open to hunting for all species following state regulations between September 15 and March 31. This park boasts excellent deer and rabbit hunting, while great hunting opportunities exist for woodcock, pheasant, duck, goose and squirrel as well. The park is also open to trapping.

Mountain Biking: More than 14 miles of trails travel through varied habitats. Bikers should ride with caution at all times, following the one-way trail markers. Visitors can hike, bike, run, hunt, snowmobile and cross-country ski along the unpaved portions of the trails. The trail is split into two connecting loops, including the 5-mile East Loop (Yellow Loop) that circles the Huron River and the easier 9-mile West Loop (Blue Loop) that meanders through fields, woodlands and wetlands.

Paddling: A popular attraction is the canoe route down the Huron River. There are two canoe campground sites accessible from the river only. These two sites are for canoe in/canoe out use only. Vault toilets are provided. Canoeists need to supply their own drinking water. Please call the park office for reservations.

Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling is allowed only on unpaved trails.

Swimming: Two beaches are available for day use, one at Kent Lake and one at Spring Mill Pond with more than 100 feet of sandy beach. The pond is spring feed, so the water stays cool and clear all summer.

Campgrounds

Island Lake-Canoe Campground
Island Lake-Group Use Area
Island Lake-Rustic Cabins

Trails

Island Lake-East/Yellow Loop
Island Lake-Paved Bicycle Trail
Island Lake-West/Blue Loop

Facilities

Beach

Beach House

Fishing Pier

Paddle-in Campsite

Picnic Area: The beach at Kent Lake is surrounded by a grassy picnic area. A modern toilet building contains changing courts, vending machines and is adjacent to the playground, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and grills. A ball field is close by.

At the Spring Mill Pond area, a modern toilet building, vending machines, sand volleyball courts and grills are available. The Meadow Picnic Area is the site of the only Balloon Port in the state park system. Balloons usually take off in the early morning or late evening depending on the wind and weather.

Picnic Shelter: Island Lake has seven shelters available for rent and include modern restrooms, electricity, hand pumps, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Please bring your own volleyball and horseshoes.