Holly Recreation Area

03/24/2026

To complete critical repairs to the Heron Lake dam at Holly Recreation Area, water levels will be lowered by approximately four feet. This drawdown is expected to begin in April, with construction continuing through October 2026.

As a result, the following closures and changes will be in effect for the 2026 season (April through October):

The Heron Lake public beach, buoyed swim area, and boating access site will be closed for the duration of construction.
The WoahZone inflatable water park will not operate at Holly Recreation Area during the 2026 season; however, it will be available at Bald Mountain Recreation Area.
Water levels at Valley Lake and Wildwood Lake will also be significantly lowered due to the dam work.

All lakes will return to normal levels upon completion of the project.

03/23/2026

The McGinnis Lake Campground will be opening for the 2026 season on April 22nd!

Here is a throwback photo from Holly Recreation Area in 1969

10/18/2025

Unfortunately due to the weather the haunted trail has been canceled. Thank you everyone who attended both weekends and we hope you enjoyed the festivities! 🎃🎃🎃🎃

10/10/2025

Apparently there is some confusion with the schedule for harvest fest. Trick or treating is between 3pm-5pm. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend!!

09/21/2025

Here is the Schedule and flyer for our upcoming harvest festival!

07/18/2025

Have no fear, the tradition continues….

The spooky fun of Hollyween will be happening this year! Mark your calendars for October 10-11 and October 17-18 for our annual event. This year park staff will be hosting a site decorating competition, costume contest, trick-or-treating, co****le tournament, plant-a-seed pumpkin patch, pumpkin bowing, Find Frankenstein scavenger hunt, haunted trail, photos with Smokey Bear and more! Detailed information will be available closer to the event, so stay tuned.

We'd also like to thank The Friends of Holly Recreation Area for their dedicated commitment to our park and this event.

06/22/2025

At this time the beach has re-opened

06/22/2025

The beach parking lot is at capacity and is closed until further notice. You are more than welcome to enjoy the rest of the park but at this time no traffic will be going down to the beach. A post will be made when traffic can resume

02/19/2025

We're hiring! Join our passionate state parks team this year with summer employment opportunities. These positions start at $15.25 an hour and are great to get experience, begin your career at the Michigan DNR or if you just want to work in the outdoors.

Pass it along or apply yourself by visiting Michigan.gov/DNRJobs

01/02/2025

Time to vote!!

12/11/2024