Sterling State Park is the only Michigan state park on Lake Erie, located just a few miles from the Ohio border and approximately an hour from Detroit. The park is situated along 1 mile of sandy shoreline and is home to a modern campground, full-amenity cottages, a boating access site, trails and more. There are plenty of opportunities for shoreline and off-shore fishing.
The park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored lakeplain prairie habitat and is well known for its access to walleye and perch fisheries.
Things to do
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park: The River Raisin National Battlefield Park preserves the site of the Battle of Frenchtown as the only national battlefield marking a site of the War of 1812.
- Sterling State Park: William C. Sterling State Park is a public recreation area located in Frenchtown Charter Township with a small portion lying within the city limits of Monroe, Michigan. It is the only Michigan state park located on Lake Erie.
- Heck Park: Green space with a Vietnam Veterans memorial & picnic pavilion, plus a sledding hill & playground.
- Monroe County Michigan Historical Museum: Located in the heart of downtown Monroe in a circa 1911 Georgian Post Office building, on the site of General and Mrs. Custer’s original home, this county museum houses one of the largest collections of 18th & 19th century artifacts relating to Southeast Michigan. Exhibits include Native American Woodland culture, Early French-Canadian settlers, Victoriana, the Civil War and Monroe County’s veterans, maps, waterways, seasonal displays and many materials from local history, and the life and family of Gen. George Armstrong & Libbie Custer.
- River Raisin Territorial Park: The Territorial Park is located on the bank of the Raisin River. It gives a glimpse of life in the early days of the settlement called Frenchtown. In late fall they have Lantern tours where actors dress in period costumes and take part in the story of life in the late 1700’s early 1800’s all done under the light of the lantern.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
