Wilson State Park is a state park located within the city limits of Harrison in the U.S. state of Michigan. The park occupies 36 acres (15 ha) along the shores of Budd Lake.
Location and Geography
The park is situated at coordinates 44°01′44″N 84°48′16″W, at an elevation of 1,158 feet (353 m). It lies within Clare County in the central lower peninsula of Michigan.
History
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources lists Wilson State Park among thirteen state parks established in 1920, following the creation of the Michigan State Parks Commission in 1919. The land for the park was originally donated to the city of Harrison in 1900 by a lumber company. It was then transferred to the state in 1922, and the state park was officially dedicated in 1927. The park was originally the site of the Wilson Brothers Sawmill and Company Store, which thrived in the late 1800s. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was active in the park from 1939 to 1941.
Activities and Amenities
The park offers a range of recreational opportunities, including swimming on a sandy beach along Budd Lake, picnicking, fishing (for muskellunge, bass, panfish, perch, and walleye), camping, and a lodge. The campground features 158 single-family campsites, 87 of which have hookups, set in a wooded environment. Additional amenities include a playground and a picnic area, as well as opportunities for paddling and day trips.
Administration
The park is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
