Independence Oaks

The park is open currently from 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
The north gate is open from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Events

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Independence Oaks

Upcoming Events

Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night

Trek beneath the stars and experience the beauty of nature after dark during Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Independence Oaks County Park’s Lake Point Picnic Shelter. Stroll a luminary-lit trail around Crooked Lake with your favorite person, enjoy the lights from afar on a relaxing pontoon ride, then gather around a crackling lakeside bonfire, grab a bite to eat from a food truck and snap some selfies in twinkling photo spots.

Bring your sense of adventure, dress for the weather and get ready for an unforgettable evening in the great outdoors. This event is recommended for adults only. Food truck items and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Event will be held weather permitting.

For more information, call 248-858-0916.

Printable Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night Flyer

4-H Orienteering Adventure

The 4-H Orienteering Adventure is a great way to explore the outdoors while learning basic navigation and map-reading skills. Orienteering is an outdoor adventure sport where participants use a map and compass to find checkpoints in the landscape. It’s like a treasure hunt meets hiking - fun, active and great for all ages. Join us for this fun, beginner-friendly event from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 15 at Independence Oaks County Park.

Participants must be registered 4-H members. It is designed for ages 8 yrs and older and those under age 12 will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Cost is $5. Registration is open now. For more information, contact at Jordan Hewitt at Hewittj8@msu.edu or 248-347-3860 ext. 279.

Archery Range

Give archery a shot at Independence Oaks County Park! Archery is a great way to build strength and improve concentration. It boosts hand-eye coordination, enhances upper body strength and increases confidence. There is no charge to use the facility or equipment on site during Open Archery Range hours from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, call 248-858-0916.

Archery Hunting

Archery hunting for white-tailed deer (with some limitations) is allowed in this park, hunting locations and rules are listed in the individual park archery maps. No parks allow firearm hunting.

Locations where archery hunting is also allowed:

Addison Oaks-East County Park Nature Area
Highland Oaks County Park Nature Area
Lyon Oaks County Park & Golf Golf Course
Orion Oaks County Park Nature Area
Rose Oaks County Park Nature Area

Old-Growth Forest designation

A portion of Independence Oaks County Park has received national recognition for its preservation of mature forests with its induction to the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN), the only national network of “protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature.”

Independence Oaks County Park is the 24th location recognized in the state of Michigan and joins more than 315 forests recognized nationwide. Read more about the designation at OldGrowthForest.net or view the news release.

About

Independence Oaks is the largest Oakland County Park at 1,286 acres. Wint Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, interpretive programs and Scout Badge Days. Camp Wilderness, a youth group overnight camping area, features platform tents and a modern bathhouse. Recreation amenities include: 12+ miles of natural and paved trails; a swimming beach; archery range; volleyball courts; and boat launch (non-motorized boats). Twin Chimney Shelter provides a sweeping view of 68-acre Crooked Lake and is popular for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. Independence Oaks-North is the only Southeast Michigan park with a Catch and Release Special Designation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Anglers can portage and launch canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized boats. No vehicular boat launch is provided. Independence Oaks-North is open for archery deer hunting in the fall.

Printable Map