07-19-2002, 11:17 PM
<b>Charles Mears State Park (Pentwater)</b><br><br><br><IMG SRC="http://www.michigandnr.com/images/RecreationCamping/parkphotos/mears2aerial250x163.jpg"><br><br>Charles Mears State Park is located in the quaint village of Pentwater along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Paved campsite lots are surrounded by fine sand, and a swimming beach is adjacent to the harbor pier. <br><br>History The existing park land was once owned by Charles Mears, an early settler of Pentwater. The land was donated to the State of Michigan in 1923 by Carrie Mears, the daughter of Charles Mears. <br><br>Camping and Day Use The park has 180 modern, paved campsites accompanied by two modern toilet and shower buildings in the campground. There is electricity available at each campsite, as well as a sanitation station for campers. The day use area consists of a beautiful sandy beach on Lake Michigan, picnic tables, a beach house, and a concession area. There is parking for 250 vehicles at the day use area parking lot. <br><br>Trail Information There is an interpretive trail about one mile in length that winds around to the top of Old Baldy, a wooded and sand-blown dune that provides an excellent view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the town of Pentwater, and the boat harbor. <br><br><br>Boating And Fishing There are boat launches and marinas in Pentwater. Charter fishing is also available at some of the local marinas. Shore fishing is very popular at Pentwater Lake in the fall, and anglers can expect to catch Steelhead, Perch, Trout, and Smelt. Fishing from piers adjacent to the park is also a popular year-round activity.<br><br><br>Winter Activities Many winter recreation seekers enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the area. Ice fishing is also a popular activity on Pentwater Lake.<br><br><br>Area Attractions The park is located just outside the resort village of Pentwater, which offers many unique activities for park visitors. The Saturday after July 4th holiday is the start of the Pentwater Arts and Crafts Fair. The second Thursday of August marks the start of a four day Homecoming Festival that features a sand sculpturing contest on Park Beach and a fireworks display from a pier adjacent to the beach. The last weekend in September is Fall Fest, which is an annual art fair. <br><br><br>Location From US-31, take the Pentwater exit and go west on Lowell Street. <br> <br> <br> Mears- Modern - (800) 447-2757, 175 site(s), $20.00-16.00, Toilets/Electricity, Electricity Only <br> <br><br><br><A HREF="http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/MESS6438/" target="_new">http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/MESS6438/</A> <br>For Kids Sake <br>Recycle your old Equipment<br>Dave