Wabasis Lake Park (Get directions here)
11220 Springhill Drive
Greenville, MI 48838

In 1930, Wabasis Lake Park was named the “playground of the county” by the County Road Commission. That year the 32-acre park welcomed picnickers to its natural beauty and Indian legends for the first time.

Located in Oakfield Township only 25 miles northeast of Grand Rapids, Wabasis Lake Park shares our county’s largest and most beautiful spring-fed lake. The shimmering lake is nearly two miles long and averages one mile in width. Early visitors trolled for whitefish, lake trout and immense pickerel. Limestone bluffs on the west shore provided breezy, breathtaking and unforgettable views of the lake.

For all its serenity, Wabasis Lake Park has a tumultuous past. It was named in honor of Ottawa Chief Wab-ah-see (White Swan), who slipped deservingly out of favor after selling his people’s land and secreting the proceeds. Though enraged at this treachery, Wabahsee’s tribe postponed his death and exiled him to a cave in the limestone bluffs on the west side of Wabasis Lake. They searched for the gold, possibly hidden in an iron kettle, but time passed and they found nothing. Frustrated by failure to recover their money and angered by loss of their hunting grounds, the tribe invited Wabahsee to a corn feast. There, the new Chief Neogamah numbed Wabahsee with alcohol and killed him with a flaming log. Local residents say Wabahsee’s hoarded wealth is still undiscovered.

Today, more than 400 Wabasis Lake Park Facebook friends share many “thumbs up” postings about plentiful fishing, excellent swimming, chasing fireflies, and camping under the stars. The park is a favorite picnic spot for family gatherings and reunions, and hosts annual events like Bailey’s Doggie Dash.

You’ll find hidden treasure in the quiet places of Wabasis Lake Park. Search out afternoon picnic grounds or toast marshmallows in the evening. Follow loping hills and breathe in fresh air. For those who want to stay over and explore, several camping options are available. Stay in style at the rental cottage, or bring your camper and enjoy water/electrical or full hook-up sites. When your idea of camping is more rustic, sleep under the trees in primitive sites with a tent between you and the stars.

At Wabasis Lake Park, modern amenities abound. Heated restrooms with accessible showers, laundry facilities, a gameroom and camp store are all available. You can also visit the rustic nature cabin that hosts regular craft activities for children. The park features basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and a volleyball court. Cool off at our clean sandy beach!

While you’re here, remember to wander the park’s nature trails and search for nature’s treasure. You’ll find it in the resonant waters, rustling leaves and deep history book forests of Wabasis Lake Park.