DeYoung Natural Area
Discover a serene boardwalk winding through forests to Cedar Lake, featuring an innovative Edible Trails Project and active reforestation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
DeYoung Natural Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a serene boardwalk winding through forests to Cedar Lake, featuring an innovative Edible Trails Project and active reforestation.
"A truly beautiful little stroll with a boardwalk through trees and a beautiful lake at the end."
Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome! Many visitors enjoy bringing their furry friends along for the walk. :dog:
Bug Protection
Summer visits can be buggy, so pack insect repellent to ensure a comfortable experience. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boardwalk Through Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake
A quaint, benched boardwalk offering serene views and a peaceful spot to relax by the water.
Edible Trails Project
Various locations
Discover a unique project showcasing how public spaces can provide access to healthy, edible plants.
Reforestation Efforts
Throughout the area
Witness ongoing efforts to plant new trees, contributing to the area's future natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Boardwalk Path
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome! Many visitors enjoy bringing their furry friends along for the walk. :dog:
Bug Protection
Summer visits can be buggy, so pack insect repellent to ensure a comfortable experience. :bug:
Explore Off the Main Path
Venture slightly off the main trail to discover hidden gems like the Cedar Lake boardwalk. :hiking_boot:
Support Reforestation
Look for opportunities to help plant new trees and contribute to the area's growth. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome! Many visitors enjoy bringing their furry friends along for the walk. :dog:
Bug Protection
Summer visits can be buggy, so pack insect repellent to ensure a comfortable experience. :bug:
Explore Off the Main Path
Venture slightly off the main trail to discover hidden gems like the Cedar Lake boardwalk. :hiking_boot:
Support Reforestation
Look for opportunities to help plant new trees and contribute to the area's growth. :evergreen_tree:
Fishing Access
The lake offers opportunities for fishing from the boardwalk area. :fishing_pole:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise DeYoung Natural Area for its charming boardwalk, serene lake views, and unique Edible Trails Project. It's a peaceful spot for a stroll, though some natural trails can be rough with roots. The ongoing reforestation efforts add to its appeal as a developing natural space.
"Such a cool little boardwalk that curves through a seemingly magical little Forest. My dog and I found this after venturing off the main trail by mile
Marker 4. There’s a quaint benched boardwalk where you can sit and chill out in Cedar Lake; you can fish too!"
Stephanie Polakowski
"A nice little nature area. Terrain was a bit rough and there are LOTS of roots on the lake side but as other have said it’s nice for an evening walk. Looking forward to how beautiful the forrest will grow with the new trees!"
Lou Lou
"Stopped by here on a whim after dinner to take a walk, at first glance I thought it was going to be nothing but it ended up being a boardwalk through some trees with a beautiful lake at the end. It was really fantastic."
Daniel Witvoet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
DeYoung Natural Area is located in Leelanau County. While specific public transport options are limited, it's easily accessible by car. Many visitors find it by looking for mile markers along the road, with one reviewer mentioning finding a boardwalk after venturing off the main trail near mile marker 4.
Information on dedicated parking lots is scarce, but visitors generally find space to park when arriving by car. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a convenient spot.
DeYoung Natural Area is situated in the Lake Ann area, making it a convenient stop for those exploring Leelanau County. It's a great addition to a day trip exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
DeYoung Natural Area is a natural area, and typically such places are free to enter and explore. There are no mentions of admission fees in visitor reviews or social media posts.
As a natural area, DeYoung is generally open from dawn until dusk. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the scenery.
While general access is free, specific events like tree planting workshops may require sign-ups. Check the Leelanau Conservancy's website or social media for any upcoming volunteer opportunities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The area features a charming boardwalk that curves through a forest and leads to Cedar Lake. Adjacent trails can be a bit rough with many roots, especially on the lake side. +1
Absolutely! It's described as a 'nice little stroll' and a 'beautiful little stroll,' perfect for an evening walk or a brief nature escape. +1
The Edible Trails Project at DeYoung Natural Area showcases how public spaces can be utilized to provide access to healthy, edible plants, promoting community nutrition. 
Yes, visitors can fish from the quaint benched boardwalk that extends into Cedar Lake.
The boardwalk is generally easy to navigate. However, some of the natural trails, particularly near the lake, can be rough and have many roots, requiring a bit more caution.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk winding through the forest and the serene lake views offer picturesque scenes. Capturing the unique Edible Trails Project and the ongoing reforestation efforts also makes for interesting shots.
Yes, with its diverse flora, lake access, and ongoing ecological projects, it provides ample opportunities for nature photography, especially during different seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing bug spray for summer visits, as mosquitoes can be present. The Edible Trails Project also offers a unique educational opportunity to teach children about where food comes from. Keep an eye out for volunteer planting days, which can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Strollers & Dog Walkers
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a popular choice for dog walkers. While the boardwalk is smooth, be mindful of roots on other trails if you're venturing further afield. The area is particularly lovely for an evening stroll when the light is soft.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Volunteers
If you're passionate about conservation, look for opportunities to volunteer with the Leelanau Conservancy for tree planting events. It's a chance to actively contribute to the area's natural beauty and learn more about local ecology.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Boardwalk and Trails
While the boardwalk is smooth, adjacent natural trails can present a bit more of a challenge. These paths, particularly those near the lake, are noted for being rough and having numerous roots. This means visitors should wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution if they choose to explore these less-manicured routes. The combination of boardwalk and natural trails offers varied experiences for different preferences.
The Edible Trails Project: A Community Vision
+1Visitors can explore these trails and witness firsthand how public land can be cultivated for sustenance. It's a unique educational opportunity that highlights sustainable practices and the potential for urban or community foraging. The project encourages people to imagine a future where healthy food is readily available along pathways and in shared spaces.
+1Conservation and Reforestation Efforts
Visitors might encounter tree cages designed to protect young saplings, a visible sign of these conservation initiatives. Participating in or observing these planting events offers a chance to contribute directly to the area's future. It's a reminder of the ongoing work required to maintain and improve natural spaces for generations to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit