Hartwick Pines State Park

09/28/2026

If you've been to the Old Growth Forest, you might have noticed several trees with the crown cut off. The smooth trunk of our beech trees are all that remains of a once key species.

Beech bark disease is believed to have spread to Michigan from the transportation of infested firewood, first arriving at Ludington State Park.

Years ago, our infected beech trees were cut to prevent further spread of the disease. Leaving the sturdy trunks behind repurposes the dying trees into a new food source for species that rely on standing dead wood, like beetles and woodpeckers.

By purchasing heat-treated or in-house firewood, you can help save our unspoiled forest.

09/15/2026

Hartwick Pines State Park will be hosting the Northwoods Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) starting today, September 15 through Saturday, September 19, 2026.

73 fire practitioners representing 26 organizations are coming together from Michigan and Canada to participate in the Northwoods TREX from September 9 through September 19, 2026. Based in Grayling Michigan, the Northwoods TREX opportunity will give participants fire experience and training throughout Northern Michigan.

The Northwoods TREX is an intensive 10-day training exchange that combines practical training on the use of fire with on-site engagement and discussion. Training will advance participants’ knowledge, qualifications in the application of prescribed fire management in Michigan’s fire dependent natural communities and preparedness for wildland fire response.

Observation of this training may be limited, though visitors may notice fire equipment activity in and around the park.

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

We have great news! The Hartwick Pines Gift Shop is open! Currently the store is cash only and will be open daily, 10am-4:30pm.
We know the store closure was frustrating and we so appreciate your patience. Come in and check out the merchandise, the wait was definitely worth it!

Send a message to learn more

07/31/2026

Today is World Ranger Day!

Our Park Rangers are responsible for everything from emergency response to facility projects, all while working to protect outdoor spaces for everyone.

07/24/2026

Tomorrow is the AuSable River Canoe Marathon! 🛶This is such a unique and exciting event that we are lucky to be a part of.

Please keep in mind that vehicles parked at boating access sites are still required to have the Recreation Passport. If you do not have a Recreation Passport, you can swing by Hartwick Pines and purchase one at our Contact Station, open from 8am-8pm.

Good luck to all the paddlers!

📷Pictured: Entrance sign at Stephan Bridge boating access site.

07/13/2026

One of the coolest things we have to offer here at Hartwick Pines is our Track Chair.

Track chairs are off-road electric wheelchairs that provide the opportunity for anyone to get outdoors. And the best part? It is completely free to use.

To reserve the track chair, call (989) 348-7068.

07/06/2026

Invasive or native?

The White-Spotted Sawyer is a natural part of our local ecosystem, typically feeding on dead pine and spruce trees. The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), however, destroys hardwood trees like maples and birches.

One way to remember the difference is the invasive ALB is also known as the starry sky beetle, due to the night-sky like pattern on its back. The native White Spotted Sawyer has only one white spot at the base of it's wing covers. Other key differences is the White-Spotted Sawyer is a bronzy-black and textured, while the ALB is true black and glossy.

If you think you've found an Asian Longhorned Beetle, capture it for further identification and report any findings to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

07/02/2026

4th of July is right around the corner! A couple friendly reminders for our park and managed lands, including State Forest Campgrounds such as Shupac Lake and Jones Lake.

- Fireworks are prohibited. Sparklers and noisemakers are allowed.
- High temperatures on the forecast mean it's all the more important to stay hydrated, take breaks, and cool off.
- Please clean up after yourself. Wire sparklers in particular can be a painful surprise for people and dogs.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM- 8AM. This includes noise from generators.

Not sure who manages a particular State Forest Campground? Checkout the kiosk information board for who to contact.

06/19/2026

If you've ever taken a look at the display maps at the Contact Station or Visitor Center, you might have noticed something labeled "stump field" along Deer Run trail, and that's exactly what it is!

The stump field is where clear-cutting occurred when this land was owned by the Salling and Hanson Logging Company of Grayling. Despite this being over a hundred years ago, the skeletons of these huge red and white pines remain.

Be sure to check out the less traveled areas of the park for hidden pieces of history!

06/11/2026

We had a beary special guest at the Visitor Center yesterday!
We are often asked if there are bears in the park. Here's some video proof that there sure are bears at Hartwick Pines! While bears tend to stay far away from noisy park visitors and staff, yesterday was pretty quiet at the Visitor Center. This bear felt safe enough to come take a drink from our pond and sniff some bird seed. It was only around for about 3 minutes before wandering back into the forest.

If you are visiting the park, bear sightings are unlikely but not impossible. Learn more about black bears in Michigan and what to do if you encounter one at the link in the comments. Video Description: A black bear walks around the Visitor Center bird feeding area and takes a drink from the pond.