114 Indian Springs Metropark 

wildlife viewing  |  directions and facility information

  
Photos: © Phil Seng

Photo: © Phil Seng

Located in the headwaters of the Huron River, this park preserves a large piece of the Huron Swamp. The majority of the habitat here is marshland and swamp forest, but there also are meadows, brushy old fields, and upland forests. An 8-mile, barrier-free, hike-bike trail shows visitors a beautiful cross-section of Indian Springs, while a 6-mile network of hiking trails waits for those who want to explore individual habitats a little closer. Stop at the nature center for a map of the trail system and other materials.

Wildlife Viewing

Photo: © Phil Seng

Excellent probability of viewing common wetland wildlife such as muskrats, herons, and wood ducks almost anywhere along the trail system. Deer may also be seen from the trails at dawn and dusk. From mid-April through June, look for the intricate blossoms of showy lady-s slippers, trout lilies, trilliums, and other wildflowers in the nature study area. Two carnivorous or meat-eating plants—the sundew and the pitcher plant—are common in the bog area near Timberland Lake. These unusual plants trap and digest insects to help them survive in the nutrient-poor bog habitat. Please do not pick or damage plants in this fragile wetland community.