Brimley State Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Brimley State Park
iucn_category =


caption =
locator_x =
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location = Michigan, USA
nearest_city = Brimley, Michigan
lat_degrees = 46
lat_minutes = 24
lat_seconds = 58
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 84
long_minutes = 33
long_seconds = 23
long_direction = W
area = 151 acres (0.6 km²)
established = 1923
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visitation_year =
governing_body = Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Brimley State Park is a state park in Michigan. Established in 1923, it is one of the oldest state parks in the region.

The initial 38 acres were a gift from the Village of Brimley, with the remaining area acquired through purchase or exchange. Today, the park consists of 151 acres (0.6 km²) with 237 campsites, hiking trails, a large picnic area, playground, beautiful swimming beach and a picnic shelter that can be rented. Electric and water systems were added in 1947. Brimley State Park is located west of Sault Ste. Marie on the shores of Whitefish Bay, one mile (1.6 km) east of Brimley on 6 Mile Road.

The Straits normally experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 70 °F (21 °C). Winter temperatures average 14 - 18 °F (-10 to -8 °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.

Facilities

Brimley State Park is a seasonal park affording hiking, camping, cabin lodging, swimming, picnicking, playground fun, boating, and fishing. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers are welcome to use the park in the off-season.

Brimley State Park features a 237-site modern campground as well as a mini-cabin and a beautiful swimming beach on Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. There are three modern bathhouses with hot and cold running water and one accessible unit for those with special needs. Both sunny and shady campsites are available. The campground facilities open from April 15 to December 1 with no modern toilets the first and last month. The handicapped accessible mini-cabin sleeps four on bunk beds, microwave, small fridge, small heater, charcoal grill, picnic table and fire ring.

Day users will find a very grassy area with picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, picnic shelter and restrooms. The beautiful beach is a favorite summer swimming destination and boasts the warmest swimming in lake superior.

A boat launch is available for the boating enthusiast, which provides access to Whitefish Bay. St. Marys River and the Waiska River are a short boat ride from the launch. These waters offer the angler fishing for whitefish, perch, northern pike, bass (fish) and walleye.

Hunting is allowed in the park, south of 6 Mile Road. Close to the park, hunters can find snowshoe hare, deer, black bear and ruffed grouse hunting on thousands of acres of State Forest and National Forest lands.

An abandoned railroad grade located near the park can be used for hiking. The North Country Trail is within driving distance of the park.

Although closed in the winter, Brimley State Park is accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Within the local area visitors can explore Tahquamenon Falls, two national fish hatcheries, Hiawatha National Forest, Mackinac Island State Park, the Tower of History, the Museum Ship Valley Camp, the Soo Locks, the Coast Guard Station, the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge and the Mackinac Bridge. A scenic view of the Canadian highlands can be seen north of the park.

External links

* [http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=414 Brimley State Park - Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources]
* [http://sea.unep-wcmc.org/wdpa/sitedetails.cfm?siteid=80417&level=nat World Database on Protected Areas - Brimley State Park]

References