I love this park and have an annual pass ($35) on my car. Daily passes are expensive ($10) but if you come early in the morning or after 6 pm you can get in for free. There is a playground for small children and a comfortable, heated rest room for men and women, with handicap access. The Metropark police patrol the place often and it is safe from mischief or crime. In fact, one of the police officers is usually parked there for hours in a marked white SUV.

Located about 5 miles west of Ann Arbor a pleasant riverside park with pavilion shelters, picnic tables, playground, and softball fields. Popular place for dog walking, and workplace picnics. Fee required whe entrant entrance both is staffed. Water/bathrooms available.

To me, this metropark with its rapids, picnic grounds, canoe rentals etc. epitomizes the feel of getting outdoors in SW Michigan without really leaving the city. It is not a big park so if you're having a family reunion or something, you need to reserve a pavilion. Bathrooms were clean on our visit and all of the tables etc. were in good order. It is a very pretty peaceful spot to just chill out.

A lovely place to bring young kids for a toddler friendly 'Adventure Ship playground, right near the parking lot. Walking trails aren't paved, a great spot for a family gathering near the river (but you might have to watch for goose excrement!)

We try to Kayak every time we come to Ann Arbor, which is generally every other year. This year no exception. We hired 2 Kayaks from Skips Huron River Canoe Livery which is right there at the park. They take you up river by van where your Kayak/Canoe is waiting for you. Takes about 3-4 hours to get back to home base where you started and your car is parked. Beautiful scenery along the way, lot's of turtles, birds, etc. Just be sure to check the weather before you go.