Mears State Park


Charles Mears State Park is a public recreation area in the village of Pentwater, Oceana County, Michigan. The state park encompasses on the north side of the channel that connects Lake Michigan and Pentwater Lake.

History

Mears State Park was among 13 parks established in 1920 following the creation of the Michigan State Parks Commission a year earlier. The park land, which was once owned by lumber baron Charles Mears, was donated to the state by his daughter Carrie Mears. The park originally comprised only 16 acres "strictly made up of lake sand." In 1921, the vegetation that held the sand in place was disturbed during a grading process, resulting in a loss of sand to the winds, much to the annoyance of neighboring dwellers. To cure the man-made problem, five tons of marsh hay were "evenly distributed and disked in." A toilet and fireplaces were also constructed.

Activities and amenities

In addition to fishing, swimming, camping, and picnicking, the park offers a one-mile hiking trail that ascends the Old Baldy sand dune.