Dexter – Parks & Recreation Areas
Baker Woods Preserve
11914 Trinkle
This site has a varied topography with well-shaded, steep slopes along Mill Creek traversing the property from north to south. The park houses the Chelsea District Library’s seasonally updated Storybook Trail, an interactive, half-mile children’s book path. Parking and bike racks. parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves
Border to Border Trail (B2B)
A 35-mile, ADA-accessible paved pathway currently consisting of six corridors, three of which are accessible from Dexter. The 4.58-mile Hudson Mills Corridor, with views of the Huron River, prairies, and forest, connects the Hudson Mills Metropark entrance at North Territorial Rd. to Main St. at Mill Creek Park. The 2.1-mile Dexter-Chelsea Corridor runs along Dexter-Chelsea Rd. from the intersection with N. Parker west to N. Dancer. The 2.6-mile Ann Arbor–Dexter Corridor links downtown Dexter at Central St. to Ann Arbor’s Delhi Metropark to the east.
Brauer Preserve
3200 S. Parker, south of Scio Church Rd.
Small lake, hardwood swamp, and upland woods on a 226-acre farm. More than 2 miles of trails. Owned by Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program. parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/ nature-preserves
Burns-Stokes Preserve
2905 N. Zeeb
Forest and prairie hug the Huron River at this 29-acre county preserve with just over 1 mile of trails. Ideal for birdwatching, fly-fishing, and nature study. Be sure to see the previous owners’ old teepee ring and portions of the old mill dam. parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves
Community Park
3757 Ryan
Green space with a playground, walking path, picnic areas, sports field, basketball court, and a gazebo.
Delhi Metropark
3902 E. Delhi, Ann Arbor • (734) 426–8211
This 53-acre park is a popular picnic destination and a handy spot to launch a canoe. Restrooms with running water. Shelters can be reserved. Metroparks entrance fees: $10/ day, $40/year for residents ($29 for seniors 62 & older). Disabled veterans free with a state-issued Disabled Veteran license plate. Kayak/canoe rentals: Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery.
Dexter-Huron Metropark
6535 Huron River Dr. • (734) 426–8211
A wooded 122-acre park with 3 picnic areas, restrooms with running water, and a stone labyrinth. Bike or walk the Border to Border Trail or paddle the Huron River Water Trail. Shelters can be reserved. Metroparks entrance fees: $10/day, $40/year for residents ($29 for seniors age 62+). Disabled veterans free with a state-issued Disabled Veteran license plate. metroparks.com
First Street Park (Horseshoe Park)
End of Edison off Second. A favorite among fans of lawn games, this park is home to 10 horseshoe pits, plus picnic areas.
Hudson Mills Metropark
8801 North Territorial • (734) 426–8211
A 1,549-acre park with picnic areas, an 18-hole, par-71 golf course, cross-country skiing, shuffleboard, bike rental, hiking and biking trails, fishing, restrooms with running water, and two 24-hole regulation disc golf courses. Metroparks entrance fees: $10/day, $40/year for residents ($29 for seniors age 62+). Disabled veterans free with a state-issued Disabled Veteran license plate. metroparks.com
Lions Park
Ann Arbor St.
Named in recognition of the Dexter Lions Club, this park has a small gazebo, benches, and a play structure.
Mill Creek Park North
Behind the fire station along Mill Creek
This 2.15-acre park is an ideal kayaking spot with rapids. It also has picnic tables, playground equipment, grills, a stop on the Border to Border Trail, and a ¼-mile pedestrian bridge leading visitors across Mill Creek and through wetland habitat.
Mill Creek Park South
South side of Main
Approximately 4 acres with launches for nonmotorized boats, a trail network, and fishing docks.
Miller-Smith Preserve
8560 Dexter-Chelsea Rd.
A 29-acre nature area with nearly 1 mile of trail through dry oak-hickory forest, wet areas of swamp white oak, and small wetlands. parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves
Monument Park
Downtown
A .3-acre gathering place with a monument honoring Dexter’s fallen soldiers, a gazebo, and an outdoor ice rink in the winter. Situated in the town center, it is also the site of many community celebrations.
Parks & Recreation Commission
Becky Murillo chairs this 9-member commission appointed by the city council. Meets 3rd Tues. 7 p.m. in person at City Hall (3515 Broad) and on Zoom.
Peace Park
Ann Arbor St. at Inverness
A .2-acre minipark commemorating efforts for world peace, whose stated mission is “to encourage residents to relax and reflect on the cultural and social diversity of the City.” Features picnic tables and benches; strollers welcome.
Pinckney State Recreation Area
8555 Silver Hill, Pinckney (headquarters) • (734) 426–4913 • Campground reservations: (800) 447–2757
This more than 11,000-acre park north of Chelsea is made up of 3 main sections: Silver Lake and Halfmoon Lake day use areas, and Bruin Lake Modern Campground. Has many lakes for swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing (avoid-foam and do-not-eat fish consumption advisories are in effect for the Portage Lake chain of lakes and Huron River); modern and rustic campgrounds; hunting in season; and 40+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and birding. Halfmoon Lake open Apr. 1–Nov. 1. No alcoholic beverages allowed in park Apr. 1–Sept. 30. Recreation Passport required: state residents $14/year with license plate renewal, or $19/year at park gate; motorcycles $7 with license plate renewal, $12/year at park gate; nonresidents $11/day, $40/year. michigan.gov/pinckney V
Stinchfield Woods
9401 Stinchfield Woods Rd., Pinckney • (734) 764–9316
777 acres of woods owned by U-M. A favorite among naturalists, bird watchers, hikers, and runners; no bikes allowed. Open dawn to dusk. Limited parking at main gate. All dogs must be on a leash. Stay on trails to avoid damaging research. Research and caretaker’s areas are off-limits to the public at all times. seas.umich.edu/stinchfield-woods
Trinkle Marsh at Easton Farm Preserve
1152 N. Dancer
A large county wetland complex covering 151 acres with .35 miles of boardwalks, paved and unpaved trails, two observation decks, and excellent birdwatching. parks@washtenaw.org, washtenaw.org/336/nature-preserves
