Barry County currently owns and manages five recreational facilities: Historic Charlton Park, McKeown Bridge Park, Bailey Nature Preserve, the Paul Henry - Thornapple Trail, and one educational property.
The Thornapple Birding Trail contains sites throughout the county.
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Located off M-37 on Charlton Park Road, Historic Charlton Park hosts 300+ acres and 3 miles of trails, a swimming area, and a historic village. Open all year as an outdoor recreation facility, Historic Charlton Park also has a variety of seasonal events and educational programs.
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The newest park within the system is located in Assyria Township, southeastern Barry County. This 160-acre park contains 35-acre Metcalf Lake for fishing, canoeing, or kayaking, and connects to Wabascon Creek. Improvements for trails, water, and scenic views are part of future plans.
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Located just off Nashville Road in Hastings, the refurbished historic McKeown Bridge spans the Thornapple River. Featuring accessible fishing areas, a Riverwalk, paved trails, and a canoe and kayak launch, visitors to this park enjoy its easy access to the river.
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Winding its way through Barry County, the 42-mile multi-purpose Paul Henry Thornapple Trail connects Middleville, Hastings and Vermontville with Grand Rapids and Eaton Rapids. The trail has paved, grass, and gravel sections in Kentwood, Middleville, Hastings, and Nashville.
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Educational Forest
Barry County owns a 40-acre undeveloped parcel that is managed by Barry County Michigan State University Extension through its 4-H program as a living classroom. This property is currently not open to the public.
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Birding in Barry County is fun at any time of the year. We welcome all visitors to enjoy the many forest pathways, lakes and fields in this mostly rural county. Explore Barry County's over 22,000 acres of state game areas, many parks, and over 250 lakes.
