Brooks Nature Area

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Brooks Nature Area Brooks Nature Area Park Hours: Dawn to 10:00 pm

Take I-94 to Exit 110. Go south toward Marshall. Go south on Homer Rd. Proceed east to 18 1/2 Mile Rd.

At the Fountain Circle (Michigan Ave.), travel east to Marshall Ave. Follow 18 1/2 to parking area on the right. Welcome to the Brooks Nature Area! There are currently 2.3 miles of maintained trails within the park, with more being established. The park’s terrain is relatively flat with a variety of habitats to enjoy. Trailhead (0.25 Miles)- This stretch of the trail system extends from the trailhead parking area on 18 ½ Mile Rd and connects to the North Prairie Trail. The trail borders a restored native tallgrass prairie with views of Stuart Lake. This is a good spot to view sandhill cranes, blue heron, Canada geese and numerous duck species. North Prairie Trail (0.7 Miles) – This trail travels along a restored tallgrass prairie, wetland, and wooded areas. Frogs can often been seen along the trail near the wetland area. Woodland Loop (0.4 Miles) – Shady, wooded areas are found along this loop which borders prairie and farmland. Woodland birds such as the pileated woodpecker might be spotted here. South Prairie Trail (0.7 Miles) - This trail borders tallgrass prairie with views of Stuart Lake and mature woods. Take notice of the numerous bird houses and their residents along the way. Lakeshore Loop (0.25 Miles) – Three hundred-year old cherry and oak trees can be viewed along this trail through shady, mature woods. A variety of other forest species are also visible from the trail. Outstanding views of Stuart Lake are another highlight of this loop. We hope you enjoy your visit to the park!

We want to thank everyone for coming out to the 20th celebration yesterday! What a beautiful day to enjoy Brooks. Thank ...
10/19/2026

We want to thank everyone for coming out to the 20th celebration yesterday! What a beautiful day to enjoy Brooks. Thank you to all who were involved, those who attended, and to Janet DeVine for leading a lovely walk and stretch. We are so grateful for all the support. Let's keep celebrating!

Today's the day! And what a beautiful day it is. See you soon!
10/18/2026

Today's the day! And what a beautiful day it is. See you soon!

If you've been out to Brooks you will have noticed many nesting boxes along the trails. They are hand-crafted and mainta...
10/14/2026

If you've been out to Brooks you will have noticed many nesting boxes along the trails. They are hand-crafted and maintained by our long time, dedicated volunteer, Don Jewett! He will be at Brooks on Sunday for the 20th Anniversary Celebration with some samples as well as information on how to install and maintain this important home for birds in your own backyard.

As you may have heard, we turned 20 this year, and we want to celebrate this special milestone with you! Join us at the ...
10/12/2026

As you may have heard, we turned 20 this year, and we want to celebrate this special milestone with you! Join us at the Brooks Natural Area 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 18th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a free, family-friendly celebration packed with autumn fun.

Here is what we have planned:

-C***r and doughnuts
-Self-paced hikes featuring local history and ecology
-A Mindful Walk & Gentle Stretching Session with Janet Tierney DeVine on the Stuart Lake observation deck (sign up encouraged)
-Native seed giveaways
-Goodie bags and scavenger hunt for the kids
-And more!

Whether you walk the trails every week or have never visited before, know we welcome you and your friends and family to join in the fun and celebration!

If you haven’t cleared your schedule and marked your calendar for the Brooks Nature Area 20th Anniversary Celebration on...
10/05/2026

If you haven’t cleared your schedule and marked your calendar for the Brooks Nature Area 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 18, good news, it’s not too late!

Come join us for c***r, doughnuts, hikes, a Mindful Walk & Gentle Stretching session, activities, celebration, and community.

Find your peace surrounded by autumn scenery and natural sounds during a Mindful Walk & Gentle Stretching Session on the...
09/24/2026

Find your peace surrounded by autumn scenery and natural sounds during a Mindful Walk & Gentle Stretching Session on the Stuart Lake observation deck during the Brooks Nature Area 20th Anniversary Celebration. Local teacher, Janet Tierney DeVine, will lead this opportunity to slow down and connect.

Participants can gather at the main pavilion to begin at 2:30. From there, Janet will lead a guided mindful walk to the observation deck where she'll lead the group in gentle stretching.
No experience necessary. You're welcome to bring a blanket or mat for comfort.

Pre-registration is required by filling out this form below. Space for up to 10 is available:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDMZfgyjgjLk9ajDoTV5OBXYRkT2oFj8k_KTH6HF0ETp_2Yw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108790132826899382238

Corndog or cattail? There’s only one way to confirm - attend the the Brooks Nature Area 20th Anniversary Celebration on ...
09/22/2026

Corndog or cattail? There’s only one way to confirm - attend the the Brooks Nature Area 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 18th!

See you there!

Over the last 20 years, the Brooks Nature Area has been a host site for some pretty cool field trips. What a rich place ...
09/18/2026

Over the last 20 years, the Brooks Nature Area has been a host site for some pretty cool field trips. What a rich place for learning, at any age.

Calling all young explorers and future ecologist, conservationist, enthusiast! Kiddos visiting the Brooks Nature Area 20...
09/14/2026

Calling all young explorers and future ecologist, conservationist, enthusiast! Kiddos visiting the Brooks Nature Area 20th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 18th will receive special goodie bags filled with gifts and outdoor fun. Admission is completely free for all ages.

Address

11481 Stuart Lake Road
Marshall, MI
49068

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 10pm
Tuesday 6am - 10pm
Wednesday 6am - 10pm
Thursday 6am - 10pm
Friday 6am - 10pm
Saturday 6am - 10pm
Sunday 6am - 10pm

Telephone

(269) 781-3985

Website

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