Barry County, Michigan
Yankee Springs Recreation Area
Michigan Recreation Area
Plan Your Stay
Book a cabin at Chief Noonday or Long Lake, the two historic outdoor centers within the recreation area.
Reserve Chief Noonday Outdoor Centeror call 207-307-7903
Michigan Recreation Area
About Yankee Springs
Explore Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County, Michigan. 5,200+ acres, 200+ campsites, 30+ miles of trails, historic CCC cabins, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Yankee Springs Recreation Area encompasses more than 5,200 acres in Barry County, Michigan, offering one of the state's most diverse and historically rich outdoor destinations. Shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago, the landscape features rolling hills, kettle lakes, bogs, and dense hardwood forests.
The area's unique geology, formed within the Jackson Interlobe where glaciers once collided, produced a rugged terrain of sandy soils, steep slopes, and scattered lakes. Beginning in the 1930s, the federal Recreational Demonstration Area program—supported by the National Park Service and constructed in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps—helped establish Yankee Springs as a model for public recreation and conservation.
Today, Yankee Springs offers more than 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, while over 10 lakes provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Two designated swimming areas, accessible fishing piers, and numerous picnic shelters enhance the visitor experience.
The recreation area features two historic outdoor centers—Chief Noonday Outdoor Center and Long Lake Outdoor Center—both originally developed in the 1930s. Notable features include Devil's Soupbowl, a distinctive glacial formation, and Graves Hill Overlook with sweeping views. Open in all seasons for summer boating to winter sports.
- Hiking & Backpacking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating & Kayaking
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Horseback Riding
- Wildlife Watching
- Camping
- Acres
- 5,200+
- Campsites
- 200+
- Miles Trails
- 30+
- Cabins & Camps
- Seasonal
Our Properties at Yankee Springs
Two historic outdoor centers within the recreation area offer lodging, event spaces, and group facilities.
Outdoor Center
Chief Noonday Outdoor Center
A rustic outdoor center within the recreation area, offering cabins and group camping for youth programs, retreats, and family gatherings.
Learn more: Chief Noonday Outdoor Center
Historic CCC Property
Long Lake Outdoor Center
Historic CCC property with 16 cabins, 4 bunkhouses, a 120-seat lodge, and private lake access. Ideal for weddings, retreats, and group camps.
Learn more: Long Lake Outdoor Center
Historic Lodging
Stay in cabins and bunkhouses built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, nestled within the recreation area's forests and lakeshores.
Hill Cabins
Set among the trees on a wooded hillside, the Hill Cabins offer a quiet, elevated retreat. Built by the CCC in the 1930s, these rustic structures feature native stone and timber construction.
Lake Cabins
Positioned along the waterfront, the Lake Cabins provide direct lake views and quick access to the dock, swimming, and fishing. Ideal for guests who want to wake up steps from the water.
Bunkhouses
Stage House
Sleeps 8Compact bunkhouse suited for small groups with open sleeping quarters.
Road House
Sleeps 12Mid-size bunkhouse great for scout troops and youth groups.
Infirmary
Sleeps 10Features its own private bathroom for added comfort and convenience.
Mansion House
Sleeps 20The largest bunkhouse, with a charming fireplace and room for big groups.
Glacial Landscape
Yankee Springs sits within a region shaped by the Wisconsin glaciation. The rolling terrain, kettle lakes, and esker ridges create a varied landscape that supports exceptional biodiversity. Devil's Soup Bowl — a deep, bowl-shaped depression formed by a buried ice block — is one of the park's most iconic geological features and a must-see stop along the trail system.
Activities
Over 5,200 acres of forests, lakes, and trails provide year-round recreation for every interest and skill level.
Hiking
Over 30 miles of trails wind through forests, wetlands, and glacial landforms. Routes range from easy lakeside walks to rugged backcountry treks.
Mountain Biking
Yankee Springs is a premier Michigan mountain biking destination with miles of singletrack through rolling, glacially carved terrain.
Fishing
Multiple lakes offer excellent fishing for bass, bluegill, pike, and panfish. Launch from shore or bring your own boat to explore the water.
Swimming
Sandy beaches on Deep Lake and Gun Lake provide refreshing summer swimming with designated swim areas and picnic facilities.
Winter Sports
When snow blankets the landscape, trails open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking through a winter wonderland.
Boating
Bring your canoe, kayak, or small motorboat and explore the recreation area's lakes. Boat launches are available at multiple access points.
Photo Gallery
Explore Yankee Springs Recreation Area
5,200+ acres of Michigan wilderness with historic cabins, miles of trails. The cabins and group camps are open in season. Book your stay today.