52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Indian Springs Metropark

Explore the diversity of Southeast Michigan’s original habitats. The Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) is a gateway into the complexity and beauty of prairies, wetlands, and woods, here for visitors to study, enjoy and appreciate. The EDC features 60 acres of restored native prairie ecosystems as part of the 2,200-acre park. The award-winning EDC building contains classrooms, a biology lab, and a 200-person event room used for a variety of school, scout, and public programs. The centerpiece of the center is the underwater pond viewing room that gives visitors a below-the-water peek at pond life, including native fish and plants. The center also features interactive exhibits showing the diversity of the park’s ecosystems, as well as live animals native to the headwaters of the Huron River.

Visitors who engage in the center’s day camps spend the day at the EDC with extraordinary camp fun, like insect safaris, rocket science, or caveman survival skills. Research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic, and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. Environmental education engages students in learning and raises test scores. The Indian Springs Metropark Interpretive school programs are a great example of STEM-based environmental education, with hands-on activities, cooperative learning, and critical thinking discussions.

The Event Room at Indian Springs Metropark EDC in White Lake has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the picturesque pond, bringing the great outdoors into any event! Visitors can also explore the walkways and decks at the EDC, or just enjoy the panoramic view.

Visitors looking for a quick getaway can access miles of trails winding through the towering trees and discover what Southeastern Michigan used to look like. They’ll get an up close look at the area’s native ecosystems at the headwaters of the Huron River in an area virtually untouched by human hands.

Located nine miles northwest of Pontiac, the park encompasses more than 2,200 acres of wooded wetlands and rolling meadows. The diverse habitats provide a natural sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife. Spy a red fox running across the restored prairie land or hear coyotes howling at trains passing nearby, observe a captivating wildflower display from April through June.

Additional activities at the Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center and park include paved hike-bike trails, scenic picnic areas, volleyball pits, and horseshoe pits. There is an Adventure Maze, rock-climbing wall, and a playground. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski on nearly 12-miles of trails or bring their sleds for the snowy hill in the Meadowlark Picnic Area.

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Indian Springs Metropark

Very little change has occurred to the habitat within the 2,200 acres of the Indian Springs Metropark, and visitors can take the opportunity to experience life as it has been for a millenia at the headwaters of the Huron River by exploring the area.

Attraction Advice

Hours for the Discovery Center are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving day and Christmas day). Admission is free, but a Metroparks Vehicle Entry Permit is required to visit. The daily fee for entrance into the Metropark is $10 per vehicle.




The glacial formed lake of White Lake provides a variety of recreation for water sport enthusiasts, including boating, swimming, jet skiing, and laying on the beaches.

Visitors and residents have an abundance of walking, hiking, or bicycling opportunities around Indian Springs Metropark and the White River Lake.

The White Lake River Lighthouse sits at the head of the channel that leads to the “great lake” of White Lake, seven miles long and a mile wide.

The park surrounding the Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark offers over 2,200 acres of hiking, biking and horse trails, accessible in all seasons.

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