Osceola County: Lakes, Riverways and Nature
Accommodation in Osceola County
Osceola County combines lakes, wooded parkland, riverways and long trails with unique insights into the region’s history. This offers families and other travelers who want to organize their days flexibly around nature, outdoor activities, water and culture a range of options when planning their trip.
Lakes, Parks and Nature by the Water
Osceola County has two separate county parks. Each is located on a lake and surrounded by natural woodlands. Crittenden Park borders the eastern shore of Big Lake. Rambadt Park is a 33-acre community park with diverse natural areas. This means that even when selecting individual destinations, different landscape impressions take center stage: the lake at Crittenden Park and the natural areas of Rambadt Park.
At Rambadt Park, a nature trail crosses the Hersey River over the “Little Mac” bridge. At Westerburg Park, trails run along the Hersey River; there are also opportunities for fishing and observing nature. A BMX park rounds out the offerings. The Purple Heart Trail in Linear Park also runs along the Hersey River and connects Rambadt Park with Westerburg Park. Those traveling with children or wanting to combine different interests within a group can consider these specific locations as different ideas for day trips, without having to combine all activities into a single itinerary.
Cycling Routes and Seasonal Trails
For longer rides, the paved Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park provides a distinctive point of reference. The trail is 92 miles long and connects Comstock Park near Grand Rapids with Cadillac. It is suitable for bicycles. A specific section between Cadillac and the trailhead at Russell Road is open to snowmobiles from December 1 through March 31. This seasonal regulation is just as important when planning winter activities as deciding whether a trip should focus primarily on cycling or on other nature experiences.
Another long-distance connection is the Pere Marquette State Trail. It is 55 miles long and runs through Clare, Lake and Osceola Counties. Paved sections lead east from Reed City to Clare. White Pine Trail State Park and the Pere Marquette State Trail cross at Depot-Crossroads Park.
Water Access and Time by the River
There is a canoe and shore-fishing access point in Osceola County near Hersey. Evart Park provides boat access and shore fishing; Evart can therefore also serve as a specific reference point for trip planning. There is another canoe and shore-fishing access point on M-115. A canoe rental station is located there upstream from the bridge.
The Village of Hersey Park on the river offers camping opportunities in Osceola County. Together with the access points near Hersey, at Evart Park and on M-115, this shows that water experiences can take different forms: boat access, shore fishing, canoeing or spending time by the river. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, you can use these desired activities as the starting point for planning your own itinerary and the areas you want to explore.
History at the Reed City Heritage Museum
Reed City also offers a cultural point of interest. The Reed City Heritage Museum originated with a memorial cross that was erected and dedicated on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City at the home of Reverend and Mrs. George Bennard. In 1913, George Bennard wrote the world-famous hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.”
In 2021, the Reed City Heritage Museum was renamed and relocated to 138 W Slosson Ave in Downtown Reed City. This makes it possible to plan a stay in Osceola County not only around parks, trails and water, but also around a specific historic site. A vacation rental in Osceola County can therefore serve as the starting point for very different days of travel: nature by the lake, trails along the Hersey River, longer bike rides, water access points or a visit to Reed City.
For the overarching travel overview: Michigan.
More Destinations
More places within the same destination:
