It is the mission of the Berrien County Parks and Recreation Commission to plan, acquire, develop and maintain in cooperation with all interested individuals and groups, a responsive, efficient and creative natural resource based park and recreation system available to all citizens, composed of a variety of services, park areas and special facilities that contribute to the wellbeing of the individual, the family and attractiveness, social and economic health of the Berrien County community.

Galien River
Love Creek
Madeline Bertrand
Paw Paw River
Rocky Gap
Silver Beach
Berrien County Recycling

Phone Extension for Rentals: 8435

For updated information, please check out our website.

Come play tennis in a familiar and ideal location. Choose one of eight tennis courts or play by yourself against "the wall", or round up your friends for a friendly game of softball. Take time out with your dogs to teach them a new trick or two, there's plenty of room. Bathrooms, lights and playground. No alcohol. Open all year from 8am to 11pm.

Fernwood is a special place where people, plants, and nature come together. Beautiful gardens surrounded by forest are tucked into a landscape of 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. Miles of trails await, and indoors, visitors may enjoy an art gallery, fern conservatory, nature center, cafe, and gift shop. Fernwood offers many possibilities for learning and enrichment, including classes, workshops, lectures, concerts, trips, exhibits, and special events.

Fernwood is a private, not-for-profit institution. We receive no government funds, so contributions are necessary for our operation and development. More than 2,500 members and friends help make Fernwood the special place that it is through their donations of money and service.

In 2001, the Berrien County Parks Commission acquired 86 acres in New Buffalo Township to establish the Galien River County Park. This undeveloped property included a mix of upland and wetland habitats along the Galien River. The wetland area is particularly significant in that it is a part of the larger "New Buffalo Marsh," a Great Lakes marsh that formed along the Galien River just upstream from the river's mouth at Lake Michigan.

With the generous assistance of the Pokagon Fund and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Phase 1 improvements were completed in 2014 and the park is now open to the public. Highlights of these improvements include a 300' Canopy Walkway that leads to a 60' high Marsh Overlook Tower and a 600' long Marsh Boardwalk that leads to River Viewing and Fishing Platform. Both of these major features are accessible via hard surfaced, barrier free hiking trails. Galien River County Park is a great location for casual hiking with frequent stops to enjoy the views! (Try and early morning or evening for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.) 

HOURS:
Galien River County Park is open daily, from dawn until dusk.  The Park will be closed in the winter months due to safety issues with snow and ice.

FEES:
There is no entry fee.

AMENITIES:
Marsh Overlook Platform; Canopy Walkway; River Viewing and Fishing Platform; and the Marsh Boardwalk.

PARK RULES:
Please note: No dogs or pets are allowed at Galien River County Park. See a full list of rules by clicking on the website tab above. 

Phone Extension: 8435

For updated information, please check our website.

The John and Dede Howard Recreation Trail is a multi-use path allowing for beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River over most of the length. The trail starts at the north end of State Street at the Upton Arboretum which runs parallel to the St. Joseph River.

The John and Dede Howard Skate Park is an in-line skating, skateboarding, and BMX biking facility. Complete with ramps, rails and half-pipes. Helmets are recommended.

Monday - Saturday, 9am - 8pm, Sunday, noon - 5pm
BMX bikes only on Mondays from 9am - 3pm
Thursdays from 3pm - 8pm

Kiwanis Park includes 6 tennis courts. one softball field, 2 horseshoe pits, two shuffleboard courts, a basketball court, a picnic shelter, and the skateboard center make this a "full-service" park. Something for everyone and beautiful all year round. Take a break from your beach experiences to come play in a green park with lots of other people.

Lake Bluff Park is located along the west side of Lake Boulevard along the top of the bluff, from Park Street north to State Street.

The Park provides a scenic overlook of Lake Michigan shore and piers. The Park contains several memorials and monuments, a band shell, and restrooms with a lighted stairway down the bluff leading to lower Broad Street and the Amtrak train depot.

Lions Park Beach located at the south end of Lions Park Drive, has three shelters, public restrooms, grills, picnic tables, and playground equipment. There are no lifeguards and swimming at this beach is discouraged.

There is a small daily per car parking fee for both residents and non-residents. Residents may obtain a free seasonal parking permit and non-residents may purchase a seasonal parking permit from the City Clerk's Office at City Hall.

Located on Lakeshore Drive north of Hawthorne Avenue, has two separate parking areas with picnic facilities allowing a scenic view of Lake Michigan. The southerly parking area includes the Richard Kiesel Memorial Viewing Structure, which allows visitors their closest approach to the edge of the bluff and the best view.

Love Creek winds its way through this rolling 200-acre natural area outside of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Six miles of hiking trails provide access to a variety of habitats, including a mature Beech-Maple forest with spectacular spring wildflowers.

The Berrien County Parks Commission's naturalist service is based here and activities are available throughout the year.

Love Creek offers outstanding cross-country skiing opportunities with groomed trails and ski rentals available. The Fields & Forests Bike Trail also provides cyclists with access to a 4.5 mile beginning to intermediate level mountain bike trail from spring through fall and this winter we'll be grooming a 3 mile fat tire Snow Bike trail!

Open all year. See Love Creek News at top of our website page for current building hours. Trails are always open during daylight hours.

FEES
The daily entry fee is $3.00 per vehicle for Berrien County residents. $5.00 for non-residents.

Annual Park Permits are available for park entry, cross country skiing, and winter fat bike trail use.

Love Creek Trail Map

NATURALIST SERVICES
Click Naturalist Services to learn more about the natural history programs provided by interpretive naturalists for schools, organizations and the general public.

RENTAL FACILITY:
Love Creek County Park’s Trillium Room is an inviting space for your next event, meeting, or gathering.

PARK RULES:
Visitors are required to stay on trails and picking or removing wildflowers or other plants is not permitted.

Leashed dogs are permitted on trails when snow conditions do not exist. (Trails are closed to dogs and hiking when there is enough snow to groom trails for cross-country skiing and fat biking, as footprints damage the trails.) Check Love Creek News at the website tab above for current trail access conditions.

Alcohol is prohibited at all Berrien County Parks locations.

For updated information, please check out our website and Facebook page.

Located just south of Niles, Madeline Bertrand County Park offers a public area of natural beauty along the St. Joseph River. Trails lead through pine and oak forests, offering opportunities for hiking and bicycling. Trails are groomed and lighted for cross-country skiing in winter and ski rentals are available. One of the park's most unique and popular features is a challenging 18-hole disc golf course. Covered shelters, an indoor lodge, scenic picnic areas and a children's playground structure make Bertrand a favorite location for family and group outings.

PARK HOURS
April - October: Open daily, 10 am - Closing time varies (Call to check).

November - March: Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday. (Call to check)

FEES
Daily Entry Fees: $3.00 per vehicle for Berrien County residents; $5.00 for non-residents.

Annual Permits are available for Park Entrance, Cross-County Skiing, and Disc Golf. Learn more at Annual Park Permits.

RENTAL FACILITIES:
Madeline Bertrand Park has 3 unique rental facilities: the Bertrand Lodge, the Topenebee Shelter, and the River Shelter. Click the Facility Rental page to learn more about these facilities and how to reserve them for your next outing or function.

PARK RULES:
Pets are allowed when leashed. Alcohol is prohibited at all County Parks. 

For updated information, please check our website and Facebook page. 

Paw Paw River County Park is approx. 14 acres of wilderness and peaceful tranquility near downtown Watervliet, MI. The Park is designed for people of all abilities and encourages the public to experience a natural river area in a beautiful Southwest Michigan setting.

AMENITIES:
• Circular Drive and Ample Parking

• Bridge to the Island

• Hard Surface Hiking Trails

• Barrier Free Kayak Launch

• Overlook Decks for River & Wildlife Viewing

• Fishing Access

PARK HOURS:
Paw Paw River County Park is open daily, from dawn until dusk.  The Park will be closed in the winter months due to safety issues with snow and ice.  

ENTRY FEES:
None

PARK RULES:
Alcohol is NOT allowed. Leashed pets are allowed. Visitors must stay on established trails.

Phone Extension: 8435

For updated information, please check out our website.

The Woods Fitness Park is a huge outdoor playground, filled with over 60 obstacles and fun zones. Come walk, run, crawl, jump, climb and swing your way through the course anytime daily from sunrise to sunset. The park is fun for all ages, even dogs!

Whirlpool Centennial Park and Compass Fountain, located below the bluff and adjacent to Silver Beach Center, opened in the fall of 2009. There is no fee to enjoy this amazing interactive fountain.