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Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary
Loda Lake is an area that includes a small spring-fed lake, a bog-like wetland area, a creek and riparian marshy areas, oak forest, pine plantations, and an early successional old farm site. Botanist Clayton Bazuin noted, “Loda Lake is ideally suited as a wildflower sanctuary and although near one of Michigan’s busy highways, can still be a natural reservoir of wild plants. This is due to the large number of ecological associations it affords in which they may survive".
Loda Lake is the only Wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest System, a project supported both financially and botanically by the Michigan Garden Clubs for over seventy years.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply. |
| Area Amenities: |
|
| Fees: | Day Use
|
| Permit Info: | Special Use Permit
|
| Open Season: | May 1 - October 31 |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Busiest Season: | May to August |
| Restrictions: | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
|
| Closest Towns: | White Cloud |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Baldwin White Cloud Ranger District - (231) 745-4631 |
| Information Center: |
General Information
Directions:From White Cloud
Wildflower Sanctuary
- Travel north on M-37 for 7 miles.
- Turn left and travel west on 5 Mile Rd. for 1 mile.
- Turn right and travel north on Felch Rd. for 1 mile.
- The site is located on the right side of the road.
Boat Launch
- Travel north on M-37 for 7 miles.
- Turn left and travel west on 5 Mile Rd. for 1 mile.
- Turn right and travel north on Felch Rd. for 1.25 miles.
- The site is located on the right side of the road.
General Notes:
Downloadable Resources
- History of Loda Lake A National Wildflower Sanctuary Brochure Set to print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.
Flickr Albums
General Information
Location
Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary, Loda Lake
Nearby Recreation Areas
- Mena Creek
- Minnie Pond
- Indinan Lake
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Highbanks Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area
- Loda Lake Semi-Primitive Motorized Area
County
Newaygo
Seasonal and Other Information -
- This site is not gated in the off season.
- This site is not maintained in winter:
- Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed.
- No toilet facilities are available.
Parking:
Wildflower Sanctuary
- 8 vehicle capacity
Boat Launch
- 3 vehicle capacity - with trailers
Bus Parking is Available
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
| Fishing Mode | Boat, Shore |
| Special Designations | National Wildflower Sanctuary |
| Fishing Platform | No |
| Cleaning Station | No |
| Accessible Platform | No |
| Water Temperature | Warm |
| Fishing Method | Fly, Pole |
| Water/Flow Level | n/a |
Day Hiking
There is a 1.2 mile interpretive trail where visitors can stop to identify some of the 238 identified plant species found around the numbered posts using the trail guide and map. Boardwalks and resting benches around the trail make the short walk easier for those looking for something less strenuous.
A connector trail provides access to the North Country Trail. A second connector trail links Loda Lake to the Birch Grove Hiking Trail, which will take visitors to the North Country Trail Association Schoolhouse and the Newaygo County Park on Diamond Lake.
Viewing Wildlife
There are many areas on the forest for scenic viewing.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropritate for the season and activitiy.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food availale in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
An online version of the Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on the MI-DNRE website.
| Special Feature | National Wildflower Sanctuary |
Viewing Plants
The 1.2-mile hike has 42 carsonite posts that correspond to a walking guide that will help visitors identify what native plants are located in that area.
| Species | Native wildflowers, warm and cool season grasses, native trees, native plant restoration |
| Special Feature | National Wildflower Sanctuary |
Interpretive Areas
Informational signs are located at several locations throughout the area, including several around the remains of the structures.
A history of Loda Lake is located in the Learning Center of the website, as well as the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary Interpretive Resources Guide.
Wildflower tours are available. Arrangements can be made by calling the Baldwin Ranger District or Email Us.
Picnicking
General Info:
ParkingWildflower Sanctuary-
- 8 vehicle capacity
Boat Launch -
- 3 vehicle capacity - with trailers
Parking
From White Cloud
Wildflower Sanctuary-
- 8 vehicle capacity
Boat Launch -
- 3 vehicle capacity - with trailers
| No. of Sites | 1 |
| Reservation Info | No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Sleeping Shelter | No |
Group Picnicking
Amenities
- Picnic table/area
- Pedestal grills
- Gravel boat ramp
- Interpretive trail
- Boardwalk
| No. of Sites | 1 |
| Reservation Info | No reservation needed. All sites are first come, first served. |
| Group Shelter | No |
| Group Cooking Facilities | No |
| Hookups - Electric | No |
Boating - Motorized
| Launch Ramps | Gravel |
| Trailer Parking | Yes |
| Class of rapids | 0 |
| Size Restrictions | 0 - 25 Feet |
| Type of Craft | Fishing Boats |
| Motor Type | Gas, Electric |
| Fuel availability | No |
| Marina/Mooring | No |
Boating - Non-Motorized
| Trailer Parking | Yes |
| Class of rapids | 0 |
| Size Restrictions | None |
| Type of Craft | Canoe, Kayak |
Alerts & Warnings
Related Information
Location
