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The sandhill cranes that use this area will
migrate south all the way to Georgia
and Florida
to spend the winter.
Photo: David Kenyon, Michigan DNR
When combined, these two adjoining Michigan Department of
Natural Resources properties total more than 22,000 acres of rolling,
forested hills, pine plantations, shrubby old fields, wildlife openings,
wetlands, and small lakes and ponds.
Yankee Springs has campgrounds, beach areas, and six hiking
trails that wind throughout the park and along scenic GunLake.
One of the trails, the Gun Lake Trail, is barrier-free. It’s one half mile of hard surface and wooden
boardwalks are wheel chair accessible. This trail connects the campground
to GunLake
and crosses wooded, wetland and lakeshore habitats ending at a viewing
deck and fishing pier on beautiful GunLake.
Another trail is a twelve-mile mountain bike trail that traverses good
woodland habitat well populated with wildlife.
Female wild turkeys (hens) usually have a bluish-colored head, and are
slightly smaller than the males (toms).
Photo: David Kenyon, Michigan DNR
Barry is less developed and is actively managed for upland
wildlife such as ruffed grouse, wild turkey, cottontail rabbits, and a
multitude of songbirds and other wildlife. These species require a
mixture of woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields to survive.
Management practices on Barry focus on maintaining this habitat diversity
and include periodic timber harvesting to maintain openings throughout
the area and the maintenance of wildlife openings and food plots. An
entry fee is required to use Yankee Springs State Recreation Area. Yankee
Springs’ most popular geological features are the Devil’s Soup Bowl and
Graves Hill Overlook. These features are in the same general area of the
park and are accessible through most trails. The Devil’s Soup Bowl is a
glacially carved “kettle” formation descending several hundred feet. A
trail winds to the bottom of the formation to provide a unique look at an
unusual area. Graves Hill provides visitors a challenging hike to a scenic
vista of the surrounding area.
Wildlife
Viewing
White-tailed
deer are common throughout the area. Deer can run up to 35 miles per
hour, and can cover more than 15 feet in a single bound!
Photo: David Kenyon, Michigan DNR
White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are very common on both
areas and the winter months offer excellent viewing opportunities. On
Yankee Springs, take the Long Lake Trail to view waterfowl and wading
birds such as great blue herons. This trail also contains a scenic
wetland boardwalk. Watch for sandhill cranes in
and around the northern section of Barry State Game Area. Warbler viewing
on Barry during spring migration is also very good. Visitors may travel
and park along any roads on both properties unless otherwise marked. Stop
at either property headquarters for maps of the areas.
Barry and portions of
Yankee Springs are open to public hunting. Contact either
property headquarters for hunting seasons and regulations.
Directions
From US-131, turn east at Bradley exit (Exit 61) and proceed
along M-179 to South Briggs
Road. Follow the signs to the Yankee Springs
Headquarters.
Ownership:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources 269-795-9081 (Yankee Springs
Headquarters).
Size:
Yankee Springs State Recreation Area: 5,000 acres
Barry State Game Area: 17,000 acres
Closest Town:
Hickory
Corners. This site is about equidistant from Hastings, Middleville, and
Wayland.
Restrooms
– 4 in Day Use, 2 at the GunLake Campground. Trails – 16.5 miles
of hiking trails. 1 easy, wheelchair-accessible trail and 5 moderate to
difficult trails; one 12-mile difficult mountain bike trail; and one 9-mile
moderate to difficult horseback trail. Picnic – Located in
Gun LakeDay Use Area. Two picnic shelters
may be reserved by calling Park Headquarters, 269/795-9081. Camping – 200 sites
have electrical service on site–no full hook-ups available in any
campground. 11 sites have pads.
Daily fees: Modern sites $19; Rustic sites $9; Horseman’s sites $13. Early
Spring and Fall, Semi-modern $15.
Cross-country
Skiing – 1 moderate trail. Boat Ramp – Located at Gun Lake Day Use Area, Gun Lake Campground, and
Deep Lake Rustic Campground. Drinking Water – Located throughout the park in the campgrounds and Day Use
Area. Fishing – Fish for panfish, bluegill, perch,
smallmouth bass, pike, and others. No cleaning stations available. No bait
on-site, but can be found at nearby stores. Hunting – In designated areas of the park only. Bicycling – 12 miles of non-paved, difficult mountain bike trail. Barrier Free – Gun LakeCampground and
campground toilet buildings and showers, as well as Gun Lake Trail Fishing
Pier in Day Use Area [with accessible vault toilet]. Entry Fee - Michigan State Park Motor Vehicle Permit
required for entry.
Wildlife
Viewing 
White-tailed
deer are common throughout the area. Deer can run up to 35 miles per
hour, and can cover more than 15 feet in a single bound! 
