Holly Recreation Area

Looking for a puptastic place to take your beloved pet? Then load ‘em up and head over to Holly Recreation Area. This humongous park is over 8,000 acres of beautiful rolling woodlands and open fields, and to the Steward and Heron Lakes. 

Your fur baby will be over the moon to know there is a designated dog area at Heron Lake. Most Michigan state parks and recreation areas don’t have this feature. Lucky for your pup this park does! The shoreline has a sandbar where your pal can access the cool water, and a large grassy area for them to sniff around. Clean up bags are provided, so be sure to stoop and scoop when necessary. Be sure to bring water to share with your thirsty pup too!

Holly Recreation Area has about 34 miles of trails to explore and dogs are welcome on every mile. Trails range in length from a half mile all the way up to the 18 mile mountain bike trail. In the Holbridge area, trails are single track and one direction for mountain bikers. If you take one of these trails, it’s suggested that you walk the opposite direction so you and your pal can see the bikers as they approach.

Please note all park visitors must have a Michigan Recreation Passport to enter the park, which can be purchased for $11.00 at the park entrance, or at the time of vehicle permit renewals for Michigan residents. This puptacular pass gives you and your canine adventure buddy access to all Michigan state parks for an entire year. Recreation Passports are also available to non-residents.

Wherever you are in the Holly Recreation Area, make sure your pooch is on a leash no longer than six feet. Above all else, have a furrific time with your doggo in this pawsome park!