Ski Center & Rentals

Cross-country ski equipment rentals are available at the Ski Center, located at the Golf Course Starter Building.

Hours of Operation

• 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Weekends & Holidays
  • Last rental available 90 minutes prior to closing

Rates 

Equipment rentals must be reserved online. Reservations can be made no more than 5 days in advance. Limited reservations available. No refunds. 

Click here to rent ski equipment.

Concessions

Farmhouse Grille, located at the Farm Center

• • April 1 through October 31
    • Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • Weekends, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • November 1 through March 31
    • Weekends Only, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Martindale Food Bar, located at Martindale Beach

• •  Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
    • 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily

Boat Rental sells ice cream, pop, water, Gatorade, candy and chips. Available during Boat Rental hours.

Baseball

Enjoy a game of baseball or softball at one of our fields located at Playfield picnic area, as well as North and South Martindale picnic areas. Ballfields are first come, first served.

Beaches

Take a dip at either Maple Beach or Martindale Beach on a hot day. These two beaches are the ideal settings for a day of fun and sunshine in the great outdoors.

Hours of Operation:

• Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day
  • Swimming permitted 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

NO LIFEGUARDS – SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Biking

An 8.5 mile paved Hike-Bike Trail traverses the picturesque landscapes that circle Kent Lake. A 3.4-mile trail extends north from the loop, connecting to the village of Milford. Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area is connected via a paved connector going underneath I-96. Pets on a six-foot leash are permitted. 

Mountain Biking 

Steer your mountain bike down 2 miles of unpaved trail. Trail begins at the north park entrance and ends at Proud Lake State Recreation Area. 

Boat Rental

Enjoy a day exploring Kent Lake’s waters and shorelines by watercraft. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rowboats, paddleboats and character pedal boats are available for rent near Maple Beach at the Boat Rental.   

Hours Of Operation

• Saturdays and Sunday ONLY from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (last rental at 7 p.m.)

Rates

Rental Rules & Requirements 

•  To rent boats, you must be 18 years of age or older and one of the users at all times. A parent or guardian may rent additional watercraft for children under their care. All additional users must remain under the direct supervision of the parent or guardian renter at all times
• Motor horsepower, number of persons and weight shown on the Waterways Capacity Tag may not be exceeded. 
• Personal flotation devices (life jackets) must be worn by every boat passenger. 
• No swimming or diving off boat. 
• No alcoholic beverages allowed on rental boats/paddleboards. 
• No reservations are taken. Boats are rented on a first come, first served basis. 
• Weekends are often very busy and waiting lists are used as needed. 
• Paddleboards and character pedal boats will not be rented if the wind speed is 12 mph or greater. 

Group Rentals 

All school and camp groups wishing to rent boats must make prior arrangements with the Kensington Metropark Office. A Metropark release and waiver from liability form must be completed in advance by the parent or guardian of each child. There must also be an appropriate adult-to-child ratio. For details and to make reservations, please call (810) 227-8910.

Outboard Motors  

You may bring your own outboard motor. The Metroparks do not rent them. Maximum six-horsepower motor allowed on a 12’ rowboat. Maximum 10-horsepower motor allowed on a 14’ rowboat. 

Heavner Nature Connection And Canoe Rental 

The Heavner Nature Connection offers unique outdoor educational and recreational programs for everyone. From preschoolers to high school students, Boy and Girl Scout troops, social groups, churches, individuals and corporate events. Heavner Nature Connection has a unique wilderness experience for you.

For more information on current programs or building a program call (248) 685-2379.  

Boating

Spend the day on Kent Lake fishing, taking in the views, and catching some sun.  With 8 boat ramps at East Boat Launch and 8 boat ramps at West Boat Launch, you will get on the water easily and quickly for a day of fun. A 10-mph speed limit is enforced.  

A valid Metroparks daily or annual boat pass, in addition to your vehicle pass, is required. If your boat (canoe, kayak or rowboat) is transported into the park inside or on top of your vehicle, you do not have to purchase a Boat Pass. Annual Boat Passes can be purchased at any Metropark toll booth or online.  Click here to purchase your pass online.  

Boats are not permitted on Wildwing Lake or Kingfisher Lagoon. 

Click here to view the Boating & Fishing Guide.

American Sailing Institute

We have a partnership with American Sailing Institute who work to provide an enjoyable, safe, hands-on educational environment while teaching the tradition of sailing. They offer sailing classes on 18-foot Interlake Sailboats at Kensington Metropark. Click here to visit their website for more information on becoming a member and learning to sail.

Camping

Group Camp

Kensington Metropark boasts a 380-acre rustic group camp area, complete with wells and pit toilets.  Properly sponsored and supervised youth groups may use the campsites year-round for daily outings and overnight stays.  

A permit is required. No alcoholic beverages permitted in the area. Swimming is permitted only at park beaches on Kent Lake. Full details are available by contacting the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910.  

You may bring in your own firewood or purchase firewood from the Kensington Metropark Office during office hours. To help stop the spread of forest pests and diseases, we strongly encourage campers to purchase campfire wood at the park. 

Rates  

• Permit: $35 for 1st night ($15/night after) 
• Camporees/Jamborees per Troop/Group – $40 
• Firewood: $25 (approximately half a cord)

Canoe Camp

Kensington Metropark canoe group camp is the perfect place to stop for an overnight paddling excursion. Advance reservation is required. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910 . 

Rates

• $5/canoe (max. 10 canoes per night) 

Canoeing & Kayaking

Explore the islands and tributaries that wind through Kensington Metropark on beautiful Kent Lake. Paddle from shore to shore or take a tranquil trip along the Huron River to see wildlife and waterfowl.  

Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent at Boat Rental. 

Canoe Camp

Kensington Metropark canoe group camp is the perfect place to stop for an overnight paddling excursion.  Advance reservation is required. For more information and to reserve, contact the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910. 

Click here to view the Boating & Fishing Guide.

Cross-Country Skiing

Click here for real-time conditions and grooming updates from Nordic Ski Racer.

Grab your skis and glide across more than 12 miles of groomed trails at Kensington Metropark. Coast past snow-glazed fields, frozen ponds and beautiful deciduous forest. Beginner and intermediate level trails traverse the park and golf course. 

Trail are open during park hours, when conditions permit. The trails are not lit.

Please use only marked ski trails. Skiing is prohibited in the following areas: Nature Center Area and Nature Trails, sledding hills and toboggan runs, snowboarding hills and on golf course greens.  

Disc Golf

Two competitive disc golf courses are located at Kensington Metropark. Spin on by and try your hand at one or both. 

Black Locust Disc Golf Course 

Challenge yourself on the Black Locust disc golf course, named for the Black Locust trees found near Martindale Beach. Enjoy two 18-hole courses that feature fairways lined with rolling meadows and thick woods. The 18th hole, on the north course, also features a basket in a tree stump for added fun. 

The Black Locust disc golf course is located off a gravel lot across from the Martindale Beach parking lot. The course is open year-round during park hours and is not lit at night. 

Toboggan Disc Golf Course 

The Toboggan Course is located across the road from the Maple Beach parking lot and has been thrilling players and fans for decades.  Originally a temporary course for the 2000 Worlds, it has been the official course of the U.S. Amateur Disc Golf Championship since 2002 and has been the site of the Great Lakes Open on the Disc Golf Pro Tour since 2018.

The baskets are only in the ground for a short time each year, so try to get a round in when you can. At 10,210 feet, this champion-level par 63 course has a mix of large elevation changes and tight fairways that will test every shot in your bag. Bring a spotter because it has long holes and punishing rough.

Rates 

Annual Bag Tags and Daily Wristbands are available for purchase at the Kensington Metropark Office and the disc golf booth at the Black Locust course.  

Annual Bag Tags are valid for the disc golf courses at Hudson Mills, Kensington, Stony Creek, and Willow Metroparks.  

Farm Center

Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at the Kensington Metropark Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm as you interact with live farm animals like chickens, goats, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Seasonal public programming is available year-round, including festivals, maple sugaring, sheep shearing and a you-pick pumpkin patch.

Our Farm Center is home to a host of historic and educational experiences like the Kensington Living History Village, a restored 150-year-old-barn, Kid’s Cottage, stone labyrinth and much more. 

Take a weekend hayride (or sleigh ride) through scenic farm and forest land along the Huron River.  Private charters and bonfire rentals are also available. 

School, scout or community groups can experience the farm with customizable on-site programs. 

Click here to learn more about the Farm Center. 

Fishing

Kensington Metropark is a popular fishing location in Southeast Michigan. In any season, Kent Lake presents plenty of opportunities to cast your line on the shore or from a boat. Bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch are all here waiting for you. Parts of the Huron River, toward the north end of the park, also provide shady, secluded locations for casting your line. 

The maximum depth of the lake is 36-feet. Fishing is not permitted on Kingfisher Lagoon or Wildwing Lake. 

Ice Fishing 

Bundle up and enjoy a few hours ice-fishing on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. Popular access points to Kent Lake include the West Boat Launch and Turtlehead picnic area. Winter catches include bluegill, black crappies, yellow perch and the occasional northern pike. Fishing is prohibited in ice skating areas. 

Shanties must be registered (no charge) with the Kensington Metropark Office if they are to be left overnight. Shanties must also comply with all Michigan regulations and are to be removed before the ice becomes unsafe or by March 1st. 

A valid Michigan Fishing License or Sportsperson’s License is required for all anglers age 17 and up. 

Click here to view the Boating & Fishing Guide.

Click here to view the Eat Safe Fish Guides from MDHHS.

Golf

Opened in 1961, Kensington Metropark’s sprawling 6,624 yard, par 71 course is one of seven regulation Metroparks golf courses. The Kensington Metropark course boasts varied terrain, tree-lined fairways and abundant wildlife. Open fairways and fast greens allow both novice and experienced golfers the opportunity to challenge and improve their games.  

Food and beverages are available. Senior rates are available for guests age 55 and older. Junior rates are available for guests age 20 and younger. Tee times can be made up to 14 days in advance. An accessible golf cart is available for use at each golf course, please call 24 hours in advance to reserve. 

Click here to learn more or to book a tee time. 

Heavner Nature Connection And Canoe Rental 

The Heavner Nature Connection offers unique outdoor educational and recreational programs for everyone. From preschoolers to high school students, Boy and Girl Scout troops, social groups, churches, individuals and corporate events. Heavner Nature Connection has a unique wilderness experience for you.

For more information on current programs or building a program call (248) 685-2379.  

Hiking

Hike-Bike Trail

An 8.5-mile paved hike-bike trail traverses the picturesque landscapes circling Kent Lake. A 3.4-mile trail extends north from the loop, connecting to the village of Milford. Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area are connected via a paved connector underneath I-96. Pets on a six-foot leash are permitted. 

Nature Trails  

Explore over 700 acres of forests, fields, fens, and swamps. Discover rewarding scenic vistas and overlooks throughout the nature center trail area.

CHICKADEE TRAIL – 2 MILES
A 2 mile shaded trail of mixed-gravel, with several wooden boardwalks. This trail traverses dense forest, has short portions that are steep, and has tree roots that stick up in several places. This mostly-wooded “backwoods trail” offers opportunities to view deer, turkey, and woodland bird species.

DEER RUN TRAIL – 1.5 MILES
A 1.5 mile trail of mixed-gravel paths with wooden boardwalks. This mostly shaded trail is relatively flat and features two shortcuts that allow you to shorten the trail to a half mile or 1 mile loop. This trail travels through wetlands and mixed forest habitats. You can often spot Sandhill Cranes and Deer on this trail.

ASPEN TRAIL – 1.5 MILES
A 1.5 mile trail of mixed-gravel with wooden boardwalks and wooden bridges. This relatively flat trail contains both shady sections and full sun exposure and features one shortcut allowing you to shorten the loop to 1 mile. Passing through prairies, wetlands and mixed forest habitats, this trail offers opportunities to see abundant wildflowers, pileated woodpeckers and the remains of a historic homestead.

WILDWING TRAIL – 1.75 MILES
A 1.75 mile trail of mixed gravel, with wooden boardwalks and wooden bridges. This trail has shaded sections, full sun sections, areas that are steep, and areas that follow close along the water of Wildwing lake. This trail features an extensive boardwalk that provides scenic views of the marshlands along the eastern shore of Wildwing Lake. From the boardwalk you can also spot nesting great blue herons and great egrets in the heron rookery on the island in the lake.

Know before you go: Occasionally woodland trails may be blocked with debris such as fallen tree limbs. Nature trails are not cleared or salted in the winter and may be snow-covered, slippery or muddy. Pets, bicycles and running are not permitted on the nature trails.

Rustic Trails

A rustic trail loop is located near the Spring Hill picnic area. Pets on a six-foot leash and running are permitted on the rustic trail.

Fitness Trail 

This fitness trail is designed to provide opportunities for well-balanced physical activity. The trail starts in the East Playfield Picnic Area. 

Horseback Riding

Bring your horse to ride along 19-miles of marked equestrian trails. Pass through wooded, hilly terrain, open fields and scenic views of the Huron River and Kent Lake as you observe wildlife and waterfowl along the path. Various terrain accommodates all skill levels. A staging area is located off Dawson Road on Martindale Road.  

A release waiver and bridle tag is required, call the Kensington Metropark Office at (810) 227-8910 for details. Dogs and biking are not permitted on the trails. Trails are not lit.  

Island Queen

Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Kent Lake aboard the Island Queen III. You’ll be charmed by nature’s sights and sounds as you tour the lake on this 46-passenger pontoon boat.  Capture panoramic vistas as the boat meanders around the lake, among islands and bays, and hear stories about the history of Kensington Metropark. Chance upon mute swans, Canada geese, mallard ducks and cormorants and even an occasional osprey. And on a summer’s day, look for turtles basking in the sun. 

The Island Queen III is located at Boat Rental. Special rates apply for seniors and children 12 and under. Group charters may be arranged with advance notice by contacting the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910.  

Pets are prohibited on the Island Queen. 

Hours Of Operation 

• May 4 – May 25 (weekends only, weather permitting), 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. (last ride at 4 p.m.) 
• Memorial Day through Labor Day: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. 
• September through October 14 (weekends only): 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

Public Rides  

• Children (ages 3 – 12) and Seniors: $4/person 
• Adults: $6/person 
• Children 2 years and under: Free 

Morning Private Charter – maximum 46 passengers 

• 1-hour morning charters are offered at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.: $100 per hour 

Evening Private Charter – maximum 46 passengers 

• 1-hour evening charters are offered at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.: $100 per hour 

Marina

There are 93 slips available for rent each season. Slips are located in three separate areas; East Boat Launch (no pontoon boats), Mitten Bay  (pontoons only) and Boat Rental.  

Boats may be docked beginning May 1. Dockage decals expire October 15. Boats must be removed on or before this date so that the water level can be lowered to the winter level. Metropark vehicle and boat passes are required all year.  

Park and lake hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; renters must be off the lake and out of the park by 10 p.m. 

Boat Slip Lottery 

Kensington Metropark has a limited number of slips available on Kent Lake. Interested boaters must enter the online Boat Slip Lottery.

2022 Boat Slip Lottery information coming soon. 

Boat Slip Seasonal Rates 

 If you have questions about Boat Slip Rentals or the Boat Slip Lottery, please call the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910. 

Nature Center

Get in touch with the world around you at the Nature Center. Find educational exhibits and live animal displays to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the ecosystems, wildlife, and history of the park. Explore seven miles of nature trails around the Nature Center, a must visit for birders! 

School, scout or community groups can experience the nature center with customizable on-site programs. 

Click here to learn more about the Nature Center. 

Picnicking

Kensington Metropark provides the perfect setting for your next picnic. Picnic with friends or family amidst rolling hills, tree-lined lawns and beautiful vistas of Kent Lake.  

Picnic Shelters  

Reunions, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays and any other way your family gets together – make your event more eventful with the Metroparks! We have picnic shelters available at Kensington Metropark for all your event and gathering needs. They come in a wide range of sizes and locations within the parks. Some are conveniently located near park amenities like beaches, pools, playgrounds and sports fields to add even more fun to your event – while others are more secluded for a more intimate event. 

Our locations allow you to bring your own food or catering, add bounce houses, music and so much more. 

Save some money – we’re offering weekday rentals at half price. Prices are already reflected online in our online booking tool.  

• All groups, regardless of size, are encouraged to pre-register to use a picnic shelter. Groups of 50 or more, those bringing in special equipment or hosting a special event are required to make reservations in advance.  
• Any vehicle driving off-road must obtain an off-road permit from the Kensington Metropark Office on the day of the picnic.  
• Park entry fees are not included in the shelter reservation fee.  

Click here to explore and reserve picnic shelters. 

Playgrounds

Climb, swing and slide your way into a day of fun on our playgrounds.  Playgrounds are available in the following areas: Martindale Beach, Maple Beach, Playfield and West Boat Launch. Many of the other picnic shelter areas have a swing set and slide. 

The new playground at Maple Beach is an accessible playground built using universal design principles. 

Repair Station

These trailhead kiosks are set in concrete pads enabling greater access to park and trail information. The associated bicycle repair stations can double as wheelchair repair stations. 

Sledding 

Take advantage of a snowy day as you race down the hills, from beginner to advanced, at Kensington Metropark. For the youngest downhill enthusiasts, we even offer a “bunny hill” lined with padded trees. The toboggan runs, sledding hills and beginner snowboarding hills are located at Orchard picnic area. This area offers a nearby picnic shelter with tables and grills.  

Hours of Operation

• 11 a.m. to dusk (weekdays)
• 10 a.m. to dusk (weekends)

Open when weather and hill/run conditions permit. To check for hill conditions, call the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910. 

• Saucers and inflatables are not permitted on the advanced and intermediate hills.  
• Toboggans must be standard toboggans with attached padding on the seat.  
• No sleds or snowboards are allowed on the toboggan runs.  
• Please walk up all sledding and snowboarding hills using the designated pathways, being cautious of others using the runs and hills.  
• We do not rent toboggans, snowboards or sleds.  

Snowboarding

Whoosh through the snow and practice your fundamentals at our snowboarding area. You’ll find a designated snowboarding hill near the Orchard picnic area. A nearby picnic shelter has tables and grills.  

Hours of Operation

• 11 a.m. to dusk (weekdays)
• 10 a.m. to dusk (weekends)

Open when weather and hill/run conditions permit. To check for hill conditions, call the Kensington Metropark Office at  (810) 227-8910.

Splash ‘n’ Blast

Find the ultimate relief from the warm, summer sun and loads of fun for the entire family at our Splash ’n’ Blast. Coast down two, 240-foot twisted water slides or romp through the spray ground with palm trees, serpents and cannons that spray water.  

Waterslide riders must be 42” tall or taller.  

Hours of Operations

• Closed for the 2021 season!

Admission

• Regular Rates:
  • 42″ and taller – $7
  • Under 42″ – $6
  • Under 30″ – Free
• Twilights Rates (after 5 p.m.):
  • 42″ and taller – $6
  • Under 42″ – $5
  • Under 30″ – Free