Antrim Creek Natural Area

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.

Friends of ACNA

“The mission of the Friends of the Antrim Creek Natural Area (ACNA) is to support the mission of the ACNA Commission which is: To manage the site as a natural area, to protect the diversity and fragile features found on the property and keep it accessible for recreational and educational use by the public."

For more information or to become with the friends, follow the link on the left site to their page.

Metal Detecting

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:

• Use of a metal detector in the rest of the natural area is prohibited without the express written permission the the Antrim Creek Natural Area Commission, which requires a scientific proposal with a map of the property showing where the activity will be conducted. Such activities will be conducted by an archaeologist listed in the Register of Professional Archaeologists.
• Any objects of historical and/or archaeological significance are the property of Antrim County and shall be returned to the Antrim County Administration/Planning Office.

Written requests should be submitted to the Administration/Planning Office (countyadmin@antrimcountymi.gov).  

ACNA Master Plan