Explore and Learn at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Immerse Yourself in Nature at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
What to Expect
Easily spend half a day exploring the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, this family-friendly spot is conveniently located near the beach towns of Harbor Springs and Petoskey. It’s the perfect outdoor location for kids to learn and explore while vacationing in the area.
This 30 acre preserve contains trails, a sandy beach, and a small nature center packed with interactive nature displays and educational exhibits. It’s an ideal place to embrace the tranquility of nature, away from the busier towns.
Seasonal Hours :
The Nature Center is open Memorial Day through to Labor Day from 10:00AM - 7:00PM.
Trails open daily from 10:00AM to sunset from April 15 - November 14.
General Admission: Adults & Children Free
Parking Fee: $3.00
Approximate Time: 2 hours to explore and hike, if you plan to swim you may stay longer.
Where to Start
A rule of thumb any time you visit a preserve or nature center is to begin at the visitor’s center and talk to the knowledgeable staff. When our family visited the preserve on a warm day at the beginning of July, a naturalist greeted us and explained the layout of the preserve trails and shared the rules of the protected areas. After checking out the nature center, we leisurely hiked the trails and explored the beach.
TIP Check out the map of the grounds and the monthly scheduled programs offered, including hikes, a shitake log workshop, nature crafts and animal talks.
Bird’s Nest Displays in the Nature Center
Learn Inside the Nature Center
Adults and children alike will enjoy learning as soon as they step inside the nature center. Although it may be a tiny building, it’s packed with colorful nature displays and wild animal exhibits. You can discover various bird’s nests on display, identify differing animal’s scat, be amazed by the history of a tree ring, and touch & feel furry animal pelts while learning about wildlife hands on through interactive exhibits.
Play area at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
In the corner of the building, a small play area and wooden platform allow children to climb up or crawl under to discover what animals make burrows.
In addition, the nature center offers a variety of summer programs for a broad range of ages to learn about the great outdoors and foster a lifelong curiosity.
Explore the Trails
Boardwalk Trails at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Twittering birds, chorusing bullfrogs, blue forget-me-nots and colorful mushrooms create a tranquil experience along the trails. With 1.5 miles of trails, your children can get a taste and see the joy of hiking in this beautiful natural area. A mix of woodchipped paths lead through the forested trail, while other trails wind through marshy boardwalks surrounded by cat tails, grasses, and vegetation.
Informative signs and plant identification plaques are located throughout the trails.
Next, experience an expansive overlook of the Lake Michigan shoreline and play at the stretch of sandy beach. It’s a wonderful way to escape while surrounding yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.
Observation Platform and Overlook
Wooden Overlook Platform
Stairs lead down to a wooden boardwalk and an observation platform overlooking the grassy sand dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline.
A great spot to grab some beautiful pictures.
Play & Relax at the Beach
There is a small creek that runs into the Lake, creating a perfect spot for children to play. Climb atop the boulders near the shore or relax on the bench and enjoy the view.
This tranquil spot is a great spot for a snack break or picnic. The softy sandy beach is ideal for kids to splash and play.
Although the beach is small, it entertained my children for quite some time.
Eight tall wooden posts have been placed in the ground to delineate the end of the public beach area at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve.
Beach area designated by sign and wooden posts
No rocks or plants can be taken from the preserve
We love and appreciate the protected beauty found at preserves. Please follow and remember no plants or rocks can be taken from the preserve.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully this has inspired you visit Thorne Swift Nature Center and experience the beauty found throughout this 30 acre space in the Little Traverse Bay Area.
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Relax on the bench at the Thorne Swift beach
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Balancing on the boulders along the shore
