The Antrim Creek Natural Area is located in Banks Township, Antrim County, Michigan. It is comprised of 156 acres of land containing nearly one mile of shoreline on Grand Traverse Bay. This is the largest stretch of contiguous, undeveloped shoreline remaining within the entire 132 miles of bay coastline between Norwood and Northport. It supports an incredible array of natural diversity including hardwood forest, forested wetland, conifer swamp, shrub thicket, meadow, wet meadow and coastal dune. It supports a wide range of flora and fauna including federal and state listed threatened plat species. This is a rare and unique coastal ecosystem without equal.
-Master Plan for the ACNA, 1998
Have a great time... hiking, swimming, skiing, fishing!
Many residents and visitors enjoy pursuing leisure time recreational activities in the beautiful natural habitats of Antrim Creek.
The Antrim Creek Natural Area offers a unique experience due to the presence of rare natural features, including diverse wildlife habitats and federally protected plant species. Our map of the are is posted and designates trails, parking, etc. Visitors are encouraged to be "active" stewards of the natural area. Sign displays describe the purpose of the natural area, educate visitors and provide rules/directions for respectful use and protection.
In accordance with the Antrim Creek Natural Area Ordinance, one may not "engage in any digging or excavation of lands within the Antrim Creek Natural Area without proper written permission." In the case of the use of a metal detector or some other device capable of detecting objects below or near the surface of the land, written permission may be given for use on the beach only, in areas below the Lake Michigan high water mark with the following caveats:
Written requests should be submitted to the Administration/Planning Office (countyadmin@antrimcounty.org).