Independence Oaks County Park

Michigan dnr > wildlife viewing guide > southern lower peninsula >independence oaks

113 Independence Oaks County Park

wildlife viewing | directions and facility information

The eastern chipmunk is a common resident
of the woodlands within the park. Chipmunks
can carry huge amounts of seeds in their
expandable cheek pouches. Photo: © Ray Rustem

Located at the headwaters of the Clinton River, Independence Oaks County Park contains the full spectrum of habitat types; from dry, upland forest, to fallow farm fields, to river floodplains, to a 68-acre lake. Nearly 10 miles of trails wander about through these diverse habitats.

Wildlife Viewing

An extensive bluebird trail that runs through the fallow farm fields and open acres of the park offers a good probability of viewing bluebirds and tree swallows from March through August. Overall, more than 150 species of birds have been sighted here. Stop at the nature center to pick up a bird checklist and other materials. A feeding station at the nature center attracts many of the small mammals and songbirds that do not migrate to warmer climates for the winter. On the lake, turtles and water snakes are plentiful, and the river floodplain area is a good location to look for the small, reclusive massasauga rattlesnake. Massasaugas are venomous but non-aggressive. If you find one, observe it from a healthy distance and count yourself as one of the lucky few who ever see Michigan’s only rattlesnake.

Directions

Take I-75 north out of Detroit. Exit at Sashabaw Road near Clarkston. Turn right (north) and travel 2 miles past Pine Knob Music Theater. Park entrance is on the left side of the road.

Ownership: Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (248) 625-6473 or 625-0877

Size: 1,088 acres

Closest Town: Clarkston

Weather and Driving Directions for Clarkston

Plan Your Trip with travel.michigan.org!

Facilities and Opportunities

Restrooms – Restrooms with flush toilets are located throughout the park. Port-a-johns are also found at the Beach Cove Shelter and at the beginning of the trails.
Trails – Find easy, moderate and difficult trails. Nearly 10 miles of marked nature and ski trails. The All-Visitors Trail is designed for individuals with disabilities. Hawk’s View Trail is a 2.5 mile paved hike, bike and blade pathway. Maps available.
Picnic – Seven areas throughout the park.
Visitor Center – Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Open Labor Day to Memorial Day, Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Holidays.
Cross-country Skiing – Four trails of differing lengths and difficulty. Rental equipment available on site.
Boat Ramp – Located at the Twin Chimneys Shelter.
Drinking water – Available throughout the park.
Fishing – 68 acre Crooked Lake.
Entry fee - $8.00 per day or $5 per day for Oakland County residents. Annual vehicle permit $46 or $25 for Oakland County Residents.
Barrier free – The All-Visitors Trail is a 1/3 mile paved trail, located adjacent to the boathouse and features an outdoor observation deck overlooking Crooked Lake.

Additional Information:
Oakland County Parks and Recreation web site
E-mail: ocparks@co.oakland.mi.us

Other local features: The park is located at the headwaters of the Clinton River. There are many glacial landscape features, such as moraines and outwash plains. Some of the highest elevations in Oakland County are found in this area.

Conservation efforts: Volunteers help conserve natural resources at the site through maintenance of a bluebird trail and participation in a state-wide frog survey. Call the Nature Center to volunteer.

top

* learn more about the symbols