Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests
A refreshing summer dip is enjoyed in the heart of the Irish Hills -- W. J. Hayes State Park.
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Description - W.J. Hayes State Park is one of the system's oldest state parks. Dedicated in 1920, the park got its original name, Cedar Hill State Park, when it reminded early Irish settlers of their homeland. The park has gone through many changes since the 1920s, but the major constant has been the attraction of Michigan's visitors to the recreational waters of Wamplers Lake. In addition, the park's close proximity to Cambridge State Park, Walker Tavern Historic Complex, Onsted State Game and Wildlife Management Areas, Hidden Lake Gardens, Michigan International Speedway, and innumerable antique and crafts events has made the entire area a favorite tourist destination.
Attractions
- Hayes State Park has a modern campground located at Round Lake. Each campsite has an asphalt pad, electricity, and a fire ring. The campground is very suitable for all campers, especially RV campers. There are two mini-cabins located in the campground each designed to sleep four people on two sets of bunk beds. Mini-cabins are equipped with table and four chairs, picnic table, fire ring and grill outdoors. The day use area features a boat launch, concession stand with canoe, rowboat, and tube rentals, a picnic shelter, horseshoe pits and swimming area with changing house. Wamplers Lake is known as a prime fishing and boating lake. Other park lakes offer access as well. Anglers can expect to snag bluegill, sunfish, crappie, northern pike, muskie, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass. Ice fishing is the primary activity in the park during the winter months. Cross-country skiing is possible, but conditions usually make it difficult to blaze good trails.
Recreation - Visitors to the park find 210 campsites, mini-cabins, swimming, fishing, cone rentals, picnic shelters, hiking, hunting opportunities and boating recreations. In winter, ice fishermen and cross-country skiers descend on the park. Climate - Southeast Michigan is the warmest region in the state with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C) but it is not infrequent for days to reach the high 80s. Winter temperatures are warmer as well with averages hovering just below freezing. Yearly moisture amounts range between 18 - 32 inches. Location -
The park is located nine miles west of Clinton off US-12. From US-12, head north on M-124 to reach the park entrance.
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