CHARLES MEARS STATE PARK
Charles Mears State Park is located in the quaint village of Pentwater along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Paved campsite lots are surrounded by fine sand, with a swimming beach adjacent to the harbor pier. Shore fishing is very popular at Pentwater Lake in the fall. Fishing from piers adjacent to the park is also a popular year-round activity. During the winter, Pentwater Lake provides excellent ice fishing. There is an interpretive trail about one mile in length for hiking. It winds around to the tip of Old Baldy, a wooded and sand-blown dune that provides an excellent view of Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the town of Pentwater and the boat harbor. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the hiking/cross-country trails, but the activity is supported in the park. It also has a metal detecting area.
The existing park land was once owned by Charles Mears, an early settler of Pentwater. The land was donated to the State of Michigan in 1923 by Carrie Mears, the daughter of Charles Mears.
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.
Mears-Modern(800) 447-2757 175 site(s)Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms, Playground
Shore fishing is very popular at Pentwater Lake in the fall, and anglers can expect to catch steelhead, perch, trout and smelt. Fishing from piers adjacent to the park is also a popular year-round activity. During the winter, Pentwater Lake provides excellent ice fishing.
Charles Mears State Park is located near Ludington
A beautiful sandy beach with a beach volleyball court, horseshoe pits, grills, and picnic tables.
Picnic tables, grills and fire circles are available at the picnic areas. Parking is available for 250 vehicles.
There is an interpretive trail about one mile in length that winds around to the top of Old Baldy, a wooded and sand-blown dune that provides an excellent view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the town of Pentwater and the boat harbor.
The park is located just outside the resort village of Pentwater, which offers many unique activities for park visitors. The park hosts a fireworks display on July 3rd and a kids bike parade on July 4th. The Saturday after July 4th holiday is the start of the Pentwater Arts and Crafts Fair. The second Thursday of August marks the start of a four day Homecoming Festival that features a sand sculpturing contest on Park Beach and a fireworks display from a pier adjacent to the beach. The last weekend in September is Fall Fest, an annual art fair. There are boat launches and marinas in Pentwater. Charter fishing is also available at some of the local marinas. For more information on local area events visit the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce
Metal Detecting Areas:
Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statues.
Snowmobiles are not allowed on the hiking or cross-country trails, but the activity is supported in the park.
Take US 31 to the Monroe Rd. exit. Go W. on Monroe Rd. to Lowell St. Go W. about 5 blocks to Park Entrance.
If Charles Mears State Park is anything like the rest of Pentwater, I am sorry I missed it.:(
Aug. 25, 2012, was my first time in Pentwater, MI. I did not make it to the Mears Park and this is only one of the reasons I must come back. The people of Pentwater were very accommodating. It all started at the Beach Nut with Rachael, awesome family. Shout out to them!
Awesome place for vacation. Awesome, awesome, awesome! :)
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