Cheboygan State Park is located on the Straits of Mackinac, boasting scenic Lake Huron beachfront, views of historic lighthouse ruins, and a total of 932 recreational acres. A variety of developed facilities are offered at the park. Day users rank among the highest visitation numbers flocking to the large picnic facilities adjacent to Duncan Bay Beach. This beach is a result of foresighted individuals (Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation) who in 1956 conducted a survey of Michigan's coastline for possible state park sites. Another highlight at Cheboygan State Park is the Cheboygan Point Light. This historic structure was originally built in 1851 but harsh winter weather took its toll. By 1859 another lighthouse was built on the accompanying shoreline. It served as a beacon of hope for coastline mariners until 1930 at which time the lighthouse and the surrounding properties were conveyed to the State of Michigan.

Attractions - Cheboygan State Park is a favorite Straits Travel Region destination offering wonderful scenery and well-maintained developed amenities. The park's campground offers 78 sites, each with electric hookup, picnic table, fire ring, and a centrally located modern bathhouse. A sanitation station is also convenient to users. Campsites with broken shade are available upon request. The facilities are open May 1 to November
If camping is not your style, the park offers three rustic cabins on the coastline along Lighthouse Point. Their rustic design offers the visitor a unique recreation experience.

At the site of the old campground stands a modern beach house with running water. Playground equipment, picnic tables, and grills are available.

The park has several well-marked hiking trails that travel throughout the park and along the lakeshore. Cheboygan is known for supporting rare wildflowers such as members of the orchid family and the pitcher plant. Trails are open to cross-country skiers in winter.

Boating and fishing are two favorites on Duncan Bay. A small boat launch that services 14-16' boats provides access to the bay. Duncan Bay has the reputation as being one of the area's finest fisheries. Typical catches include northern pike, largemouth bass, perch, and pan fish. Little Billy Elliot Creek, which flows through the park and into the bay, is well known for its speckled brook trout.

Recreation - Visitors to Cheboygan State Park find enjoyment in swimming, picnicking, viewing a historic coastal structure, camping, cabin lodging, hiking, boating, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Climate - The Straits normally experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 70 degrees F (21 degrees C). Winter temperatures average 14 - 18 degrees F (-10 to -8 degrees C). Yearly rain and snowmelt in the region averages 28 - 36 inches but can be dramatically altered by the "lake effect," thus depositing significant amounts of snow within a short period of time causing hazardous road conditions.

Above Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests