Waterloo Recreation Area

08/10/2026

The disc golf course at portage lake will be closed this week Monday August 10-Thursday August 13. We are pouring concrete for new tee pads.

07/28/2026

Discover the beauty of Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan, with What's Up Waterloo!

Discover the beauty of Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, M...

07/24/2026

Alright friends, we're having a debate over here at the park and we need you all to weigh in!

Which is better, sunrises or sunsets?

Team Sunrise is arguing the quiet, cool, fresh start to the day is elite. Team Sunset insists it's a relaxing end to the day and the colors cannot be beat.

So, which one do you think is the best? Where is your favorite place to catch a sunrise or sunset in Waterloo?

07/21/2026

Listen, we know we're the best state park around for paddling adventures. We're also the largest state park in the LP and we have ELEVEN lakes. Seven of those lakes see very little motor boat traffic, perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Our lakes offer calm waters, great fishing, and ample wildlife viewing opportunities! BUT if you've explored everything we have to offer already, there are some other parks nearby that have some really great paddling options for you . . .

Pinckney Recreation Area has the Halfmoon Chain of Lakes and the Huron River Water Trail, which we can admit it is pretty cool going through channels and connected rivers and such. We'll forgive you if you go check them out.

Lake Hudson Recreation Area's namesake is a 600-acre natural shoreline, no-wake lake with many coves to explore, and they have a designated kayak launch, which is quite handy if you're prone to tipping as you board.

Sterling State Park is the only state park on Lake Erie which makes it almost as important as Waterloo, but not quite. You can paddle out on a Great Lake, or glide through the Clearwater Canal, or their other lagoons and marsh areas.

So, if any type of paddling is your activity of choice, come check us out! Or you can visit one of our beloved neighbors, even if they're smaller and not as exciting as we are. Happy paddling everyone!

(We would've told you a little bit about Hayes State Park, but we're thinking they may have blocked us out of jealousy. 😉)

07/16/2026

Not our usual content, but we figured this may be helpful. Stay safe on the internet, friends.

P.S. We are NOT on fire.

Fake news is harder to spot with AI deepfakes and voice clones. Learn how to identify fake news on social media and stay informed with reliable information.

07/14/2026

Today we are highlighting our amazing mountain bike trails here at Waterloo Recreation Area. The DTE Energy Foundation Trail is a 4 loop, 22 mile mountain bike trail system - it's a flowing, machine-built, single-track trail for all skill levels!

We want to know which DTE Energy Foundation Trail loop is your favorite! Give us a thumbs up for Big Kame, a heart for Green Lake, a laughing emoji for Sugar, and a shocked emoji for Winn!

03/03/2026

Have you heard about the Natural Resources Trust Fund? It really is one of the coolest things that our state government has done. It not only benefits the DNR, but it has supported many different public park projects throughout the state!

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12/04/2025

We are now registering, January virtual classroom programs! Reach out to set-up a virtual program for your class!

Winter is coming and that means so are virtual classroom programs! Are you a teacher or do you have a student with a class that might be interested? Contact us for free, virtual classroom programs all about Michigan's natural resources.