ALGONAC STATE PARK
A Wonderful Resource
by Dave Ponke

If you just do a little bit of homework, you will find there is a terrific resource well worth investigating, practically right outside your back door.

The Algonac State Park is the home to many attractions.

A drive through the park will make it easy to point out some highlights; a walk down the trail, or bike path that carves its way from the Clay Township border north towards Cottrellville Township will offer even more insights.

A recent stroll down the path revealed that the park is made up of about 1,500 acres. Informational signs mention that the Algonac State Park is also home to many rare habitats, which include prairie plants, butterflies, birds, and oak savanna trees.

You can watch a variety of animals, some of which I witnessed in the recent past: The rabbits scamper along the edge of the woodsline that borders the bike path, and many different birds glide past, too.

Throughout the park signs explain the reasons as to why citizens are fortunate to have such a terrific opportunity in their community.

The "blazing star prairie" plants, which grow wild near the gun archery range, offer a golden chance to watch wildlife in action.

Visitors from all around the country have made this park a destination on their annual itinerary. Seldom is there a vacant slot for campers along highway M-29 during the peak summer time, which provides a fantastic vantage point for passing freighters in the St. Clair River shipping channel.

What's really nice is the park is open all year; the winter season is just as active as summer, as cross country skiing and snowmobiling highlight the list of activity.

Fishing, hunting, swimming and more are also on the list.

But the natural way, or the version that touches the senses most, is when you have nothing else to do on a day off work, and then think to yourself; "Why not park the car at one of the access points that enter the park…..and….." simply go along for an invigorating walk.

The first time I did this was during the fall season, when the tall trees shaded overhead in many spots, making the air feel cool, then a bit warmer when I entered the open sunshine. Then I would get the whiff of moist, fallen logs, often covered in mushrooms and green algae. Not being a mushroom hunter, or even sure if picking was allowed, of course, I continued on until I discovered the wide, open expanses of wooded areas; often a flat land, sometimes gently rolling, but always providing a hint of the majesty and beauty. Green or brown, lush tall grasses, speckled with mixes of colorful flowers and wild plants are the canvass that the painted artistry of the forest lays upon.

The information offered at the park ranger booth explains there are 296 campsites in two separate areas; the water front and the "wagon wheel," in the back portion of the park. The wagon wheel often provides ideal locations for tent camping, as I have discovered.

What better way to spend an evening camping; the pleasant aromas of a slow burning campfire of hardwood, and the clear cool sky above, positioned just perfect in your favorite lawn chair while exchanging conversation with family or friends. And, of course, be sure to grill hot dogs and warm up your cider or cocoa!

There is easy access to the park, as it's located just north of Algonac in Clay Township. It's even home to an annual antique car show now, too.

People have enjoyed going there since its opening in 1937; its popularity certainly hasn't fizzled over time.

And the fall season offered a spectacular picture-perfect view of the leaves as they blossomed into a rainbow of colors on the trees this year.

Now that the winter season has entered the scenario, it's time to strap on the skis and hit the trails, or simply lace up your boots and make your way to the trail for a jaunt; you never know what may venture across your path!