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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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USA Parks
Michigan
Southeast Region
Sterling State Park
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Sterling State Park michigan fall colors © Terry Schmelz
just a beautiful picture of pure michigan in the fall
Sterling State Park looking south on beach © Terry Schmelz
looking south down beach at sterling state park this sandy beach is in front of 100 plus camping spots in back ground is edison coal burner monroe power plant
Sterling State Park 1300 acres rec fun © Terry Schmelz
The only state park on Lake Erie, Sterling State Parks 1,300 acres offers great recreational opportunities including over one mile of beach, boating, shore fishing on Lake Erie and the fishing lagoons, lakefront camping, wildlife viewing and 6 miles of trails.
Sterling State Park playing on beach sterling © Terry Schmelz
child playing on sandy beach 1 mile of beach at sterling state
Sterling State Park © Terry Schmelz
Sterling State Park beach looking north © Terry Schmelz
looking north down beach 1 mile of sandy beach the two specs in upper are the fermi power plant cooling towers
Sterling State Park looking north down beach © Terry Schmelz
looking north down 1 mile of sandy beach at sterling in distance is fermi nuc power plant cooling towers at stoney point mich
Sterling State Park double rainbow © Terry Schmelz
double rainbow over sterling state park
Sterling State Park rest-change rooms beach © Terry Schmelz
changing room bathroom and covered area next to playscape and beach
Sterling State Park south fishing lagoon © Terry Schmelz
south fishing and nature trail lagoon 3 mile nature trail and great fishing
Sterling State Park main road sterling park © Terry Schmelz
main paved road into monroe sterling state park
Sterling State Park © Lori Anne Haskell, Esq.
Sterling State Park © Lori Anne Haskell, Esq.
Sterling State Park american eagle nests © Terry Schmelz
there are american bald eagles that nest nest to the south of the park on the detroit edison power plant property no trespassing but some times you can see them soaring over the beach
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STERLING STATE PARK
STERLING STATE PARK
2800 State Park Road
Monroe, Michigan   48162

Phone: 734-289-2715
Reservations: 800-447-2757
The only state park on Lake Erie, Wm. C. Sterling State Park's 1,000 acres offers great recreational opportunities within an hour of Detroit. Swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing have all been upgraded with the 2003 park reconstruction.
Passes
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Swimming
1. Sterling State Park offers a designated swimming area on Lake Erie's shoreline.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. The beach is sandy and usually clean for swimmers to enjoy.
4. Restrooms and changing facilities are available near the swimming area.
5. Picnic areas with grills can be found close by for post-swim meals or snacks.
6. The park also has playgrounds nearby making it family-friendly.
7. Parking lots located conveniently close to the beach access points.
8. Swimming season typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day in Michigan parks.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a boat launch available, providing access to Lake Erie and the Detroit River. Fishing boats are commonly seen in these waters due to the abundance of walleye, perch and bass species present here. Canoeing or kayaking can also be enjoyed on calm days along six miles of shoreline within Monroe County's only state park.
Fishing
Located in Monroe, the park offers a variety of fishing options. Anglers can enjoy shore or boat-based activities.

The waters are teeming with several species including walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass.

Fishing is possible from piers along Lake Erie's shoreline as well as lagoons within the area.

Boat launches provide easy access to open water for those looking to fish deeper areas where larger catches may be found.

Avid fishermen might also encounter northern pike and channel catfish during their excursion on these freshwater bodies.

Remember that all anglers must have a valid Michigan Fishing License before casting out their lines.



Picnicking
Day use areas are surrounded by water and include one mile of sandy beach on Lake Erie, vending machines, a modern toilet building, grills, picnic tables and a playscape that is shared with the campground.

Five picnic shelters are available. The Heron and Red Oak shelters can be reserved by calling 734-289-2715.
Trails
A total of seven miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring. The 2.9-mile paved Marsh Trail circles one of the marsh lagoons in the park. A 0.6-mile hiking trail follows the Lake Erie shoreline. These trails include eleven interpretive stations, an observation deck and a covered pavilion with spotting scopes.

Trails in the park:

Sterling-Marsh Trail - 6 (Miles), Biking, Hiking, Cross Country Ski, Barrier-free Facilities
Bicycling
In Monroe County, a popular destination offers several bicycling options. The park's terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate.

A six-mile paved trail winds through the area providing scenic views of Lake Erie and surrounding wetlands. It's perfect for leisurely rides or family outings.

Mountain biking isn't recommended due to lack of suitable trails but road bikes are ideal given the smooth surfaces throughout this location.

Nighttime cycling can be risky as there aren't many lit paths so it's advised that visitors stick to daytime riding hours only.

Remember safety gear including helmets; they're not just encouraged, they're required by law in Michigan for riders under 16 years old.

Always stay on designated bike lanes/paths since veering off could damage local flora/fauna habitats while also posing potential hazards.

Lastly, during peak seasons like summer weekends/holidays expect more foot traffic which may slow down your ride pace considerably - patience will be key!
Birding
Located in Michigan, the park is a haven for birdwatchers with its diverse range of species. It's part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, attracting migratory birds during spring and fall. Visitors can spot waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors along six miles of trails or from observation platforms overlooking marshes.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 5 Been comin here 30 years!! by Jennifer
park review stars; one to five My parents had taken me to Sterling state park since I was a young child. When I had my daughter in 2000 she was only 6 days old her 1st time coming here (I took her in the water with me and everything, n now she is a great swimmer, always joke that it was because of this) and now we are planning on having her 13th bday party out there!!! There are problems with biting flys but bug spray reapplied fairly often helps alot!! We love coming here. Came out for the fireworks a couple times also...one time there was a huge thunderstorm n we just covered with the blanket n waited it out n watched the fireworks from the water after the storm... good times!!
June 27 Great Walking or Bike Riding Trails by Vivian
park review stars; one to five
July 23 nice campground is clean by linda ,,,brown eyes
park review stars; one to five enjoy the camp ground just have to get the sight you like take a drive and reserve early i did mine in march lol to get where we wanted to camp.they have a area where or labador can swim also great fishing ,only battle is biting flys but i solved that using yard gaured early in morning then they dont bug ya lol.
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Area Campgrounds
River Raisin Canoe Livery
Plank Road
Dundee, MI
734-529-9029
Harbortown RV Resort
14931 LaPlaisance Road
Monroe, MI
734-384-4700
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Erie Party Shoppe
6838 Laplaisance Rd
Monroe, MI
(734) 457-0006
Charlie's Boat & Bait Market
13468 Laplaisance Rd
Monroe, MI
(734) 241-1545
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
Conference Center
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
39 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
Campgrounds
Enjoy Southeast Michigan's Best Family Camping experience at our clean, quiet, friendly campground. Jumping Pillow, WiFi, Paddle Boats, Minigolf, Swimming, Bicycling and more
30.5 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

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Michigan
23

Michigan State Parks

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