- Attraction: Kensington Metropark
- Location: 2240 W Buno Rd, Milford, MI 48380
- Industry: State Park
- Website: https://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark/
At Kensington Metropark, this magical scene plays out daily across 4,481 acres of rolling hills, pristine lake waters, and diverse habitats that make this southeastern Michigan treasure feel worlds away from urban life.
Since opening in 1947, this sprawling wonderland surrounding shimmering Kent Lake has become legendary among families seeking that perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
You’ll discover everything from twisted water slides and historic farm experiences to championship disc golf courses and some of the region’s most rewarding wildlife encounters.
Water Adventures & Beach Fun
Splash ‘n’ Blast Water Park: Two thrilling 240-foot twisted water slides dominate this aquatic playground, plus an expansive spray ground decorated with palm trees, serpents, and water cannons. The slides require riders to be 42 inches tall, but little ones under 30 inches play free in the spray area.
Twin Sandy Beaches: Maple Beach and Martindale Beach both offer sandy shorelines perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family picnics. Martindale features outdoor shower facilities and changing rooms, while Maple boasts a universally-designed playground nearby.
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Keep Exploring →Kent Lake Boating: Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats, or whimsical character pedal boats to explore the 1,200-acre lake. The 10 mph speed limit keeps waters calm and peaceful for paddlers, while multiple boat launches accommodate private watercraft.
Island Queen Pontoon Tours: Glide across Kent Lake aboard this 46-passenger vessel for guided tours featuring panoramic lake vistas and fascinating park history. You’ll often spot mute swans, Canada geese, and basking turtles during these leisurely cruises.
Trail Systems & Outdoor Recreation
Hike-Bike Trail Network: The crown jewel 8.5-mile paved loop encircles Kent Lake through scenic woodlands and rolling terrain. An additional 3.4-mile extension connects directly to downtown Milford, while connectors link to nearby Island Lake State Recreation Area.
Nature Trail System: Seven miles of gravel paths wind through diverse habitats including the popular 2-mile Chickadee Trail and the scenic 1.75-mile Wildwing Trail featuring extensive boardwalks over marshlands. These trails offer your best opportunities for wildlife spotting and bird photography.
Adult Fitness Trail: Ten exercise stations along the main trail provide outdoor workout opportunities with equipment designed for all fitness levels, including accessible options.
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Discover MoreMountain Biking: A 2-mile unpaved trail connects Kensington to Proud Lake State Recreation Area, offering more adventurous cyclists a rugged woodland experience.
Unique Wildlife Experiences
Hand-Feeding Songbirds: The park’s most magical feature allows you to feed wild Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers directly from your palm. Winter months offer the most reliable bird interactions when natural food sources are scarce.
Sandhill Crane Encounters: These majestic large birds roam freely throughout the park and often approach visitors along trails, though feeding them is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
Wildlife Photography Hotspot: Professional photographers flock here for opportunities to capture everything from friendly songbirds to great blue herons, osprey, and deer in their natural habitats.
Farm Center & Living History
Historic Farm Experience: Meet chickens, goats, sheep, cattle, and draft horses while exploring a beautifully restored 150-year-old barn that won Michigan’s Barn of the Year Award. Spring brings adorable farm babies including lambs, goats, piglets, and chicks.
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Keep Exploring →Hayrides & Sleigh Rides: Weekend wagon tours wind through scenic farm and forest lands along the Huron River, offering peaceful views of nature and wildlife from a unique perspective.
Kensington Living History Village: Learn traditional skills like blacksmithing, woodworking, and brick oven cooking through hands-on classes that transport you back to the 1700s era.
Stone Labyrinth & Kid’s Cottage: Discover these peaceful spots built entirely with natural materials, perfect for quiet reflection or letting children explore.
Championship Golf & Disc Golf
Championship Golf Course: This par-71, 6,624-yard course opened in 1961 and features tree-lined fairways, varied terrain, and abundant wildlife sightings. Fast greens and open fairways challenge experienced golfers while remaining accessible to beginners.
World-Class Disc Golf: Two championship courses include the legendary Toboggan Course, which has hosted the Great Lakes Open on the Disc Golf Pro Tour since 2018. The Black Locust Course offers year-round play with rolling meadows and wooded fairways.
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Discover MoreNature Center & Educational Programs
Live Animal Exhibits: Get up close with native Michigan reptiles, amphibians, and Ranger the red-tailed hawk while exploring interactive displays about local ecosystems and wildlife adaptations.
Educational Programming: Year-round programs cater to all ages, from preschoolers to adults, covering topics like wildlife biology, environmental science, and regional history.
Sensory-Friendly Features: The nature center provides sensory backpacks with noise-canceling headphones, communication cards, and fidget items for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Seasonal Recreation & Winter Fun
Cross-Country Skiing: Twelve miles of groomed trails traverse the park and golf course during winter months, with equipment rentals available at the ski center for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Sledding & Snowboarding: Multiple hills accommodate different skill levels, from a gentle “bunny hill” with padded trees for young children to advanced slopes for experienced riders.
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Keep Exploring →Ice Fishing: Kent Lake’s 36-foot maximum depth provides excellent winter fishing opportunities for bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, and northern pike.
Atmosphere & Setting
Natural Beauty: Rolling wooded hills surrounding pristine Kent Lake create breathtaking vistas throughout the park, especially stunning during fall color season when maples and oaks explode in brilliant reds and golds.
Peaceful Ambiance: Despite receiving 2.5 million visitors annually, the park’s vast size ensures you can always find quiet spots for reflection, whether along secluded nature trails or hidden lake coves.
Wildlife Abundance: The diverse habitats support an incredible array of species, making every visit feel like a nature documentary unfolding before your eyes.
Historic Character: From the restored 19th-century barn to remnants of the original village of Kensington, the park thoughtfully preserves and interprets its rich heritage.
Practical Considerations
Pricing Structure: Annual vehicle passes cost $35 ($24 for seniors), making them worthwhile for multiple visits. Additional fees apply for special attractions like Splash ‘n’ Blast ($7 for adults, $6 for children) and boat rentals (starting at $8/hour).
Accessibility Excellence: The park leads in universal design with wheelchair-accessible beaches, floating beach wheelchairs for water access, all-terrain wheelchairs for trails, and adaptive paddling equipment for kayaking.
Family-Friendly Focus: Multiple playgrounds, changing facilities, life jacket lending stations, and varied activity options ensure families with children of all ages find engaging experiences.
Parking & Access: Ample parking throughout the park eliminates congestion worries, though weekend summer visits may require patience during peak periods at popular attractions.
Seasonal Variety: Four-season recreation means you’ll discover entirely different experiences whether visiting during wildflower-filled spring, beach-perfect summer, color-spectacular autumn, or snow-sports winter.
Pet Policies: Leashed dogs welcome on paved trails and most park areas, but prohibited on nature trails to protect wildlife habitats and enhance the hand-feeding bird experience.
Kensington Metropark
📍 2240 W Buno Rd, Milford, MI 48380
