Herrick Recreation Area

Herrick Park is part of Isabella County's park system, and is located 20 miles north of town, near Clare. We have been visiting frequenting the swimming area at the park since my daughter was in utero, and even then I think she loved it! There is a large sandy beach with volleyball net, a picnic pavillion and also picnic tables closer to the beach, a decently clean building with restroom/changing rooms, and a pop machine. There is also a playground. The water is roped off in several sections, in the area which is safe to swim in, and buoys warn of water over 5'. The water is crystal clear, not mucky or rocky. Though there is not a lifeguard, park rangers do frequent the area, and patrol the swimmers... I have seen people being too rowdy removed from the water. Across from the swimming area of the park is a campground, but we have not stayed there yet. When we do, I will update the review. more

After 8 years of going to sub par beaches, I finally decided to check one called Herrick Park out. I'd never gotten any word on how nice it was from other people, so I was hesitant to drive the 30 minutes to it if it was going to turn out to be another horrible beach with sharp rocks in place of sand, and zebra mussel's under foot in the water. After finally going for the first time, I must say- Herrick Park is probably the nicest beach I have ever been to, outside of some of the beaches down near Grand Haven & Muskegon at Lake Michigan. The water is extremely clear, and the sand is firm underfoot- no silt, no muck, no mush, no rocks, no zebra mussel's! There is a nice little building for bathrooms which also includes a small concession stand which is only open on weekends. The stand sells items like hot dogs, cotton candy, sno-cones, and more. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as grills, and shade. The beach is long, but the water is not that deep, and is sectioned off according to how deep it gets. There is one area that is so narrow that it only gets to about knee deep, and it's sectioned off. It's perfect for smaller kids, so you are not constantly worrying that they might go out too far, because it stays shallow all the way across. There is NO lifeguard on duty, but there are life guard stands with life preservers. The park is decent, but there are a lot of bees around, so you may want to forgo sending the kids up there alone. All in all, a very decent park & beach. more