Oakland, Charter Township (Oakland, MI)

PARKS & RECREATION

Park Directory

Bear Creek Nature Park

740 West Snell Road
Rochester, MI 48306

Trails

Restroom

Parking

Picnic Pavilion

Nature Programs

Observation Platform

Concerts / Special Events

Fitness & Wellness

Arts & Enrichment

Camps

Trail Map

Park Information

About

Bear Creek Nature Park was acquired in 1977, protecting 107 acres of rolling hills between Snell and Gunn Roads. The natural areas include hardwood forest, Bear Creek Marsh, vernal pools, and open fields.

Boardwalks, mowed paths, and ADA accessible limestone trails give easy access to its forests, meadows, and wetlands. These trails allow hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and observing of some of Michigan’s varied wildlife in their natural habitats.

Residents can park at the main entrance off Snell Road and at the Oakland Township Hall. When parking at the Township Hall, simply follow the trail behind the Township Hall into the park. A pedestrian entry is available on Gunn Road.

Facilities

  • Gravel parking lot
  • Picnic pavilion
  • Grill
  • Playground for 5-12 year olds
  • ADA accessible limestone trails
  • Boardwalks and observation decks
  • Vault toilets

Gallery

Pavilion Rental

The pavilion area at Bear Creek Nature Park is available to rent for exclusive use for a $25 resident or $50 non-resident fee and a $125 refundable deposit.

Animal Policy

Dogs

Please remember that all dogs MUST be leashed and cleaned up after.

Many species of viewable wildlife decline along the trail edges when dogs explore the brush. Off-leash dogs prevent turkey and other birds from ground nesting, may discover and harm fawns, and push mammals further into the woodlands, thus decreasing the park experience for all viewers. Dog excrement is both unpleasant and a health issue. Clean-up bag dispensers are available at the Snell Road entry and the Township Hall parking lot.

Equestrians

The Park is closed to equestrian use from March 1st to June 8th , annually.

Ice Rink

Seasonal Hours of Operation

Regular Hours are Daily: 10:00AM – 5:00PM, conditions permitting. Check our hotline first to confirm open/close status: 248-651-4440, ext 289

Ice Rink Rules

  1. Ice rink unsupervised; skate at your own risk
  2. Do not enter the ice rink area when posted “Rink Closed-No Skating”
  3. No digging, spraying, chipping or throwing ice
  4. Skating in a manner that endangers other skaters is not permitted
  5. No hockey, sticks or pucks are permitted
  6. Skaters must skate with the flow of traffic
  7. No loitering or use of the rink by persons without skates
  8. Do not carry items such as headsets, cell phones, etc., while skating
  9. No pets permitted in the ice rink area
  10. No drink or food including chewing gum is permitted on the ice
  11. Do not sit on, lean over, or leave articles on the side boards
  12. Children 12 years old and under must have adult supervision
  13. Children 6 years old and under must wear a helmet
  14. All other posted Oakland Township Park rules apply


Warning: Skate At Your Own Risk- No Supervision.
WHEN RINK CLOSED-NO SKATING SIGN IS POSTED, NO USE OF RINK IS PERMITTED.

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