Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests
Dodge #4 is a day use state park donated by the Dodge Brothers Corporation.
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Description - The land which now comprises Dodge #4 State Park was donated to the State of Michigan by the Dodge Brothers Corporation in 1922, under the stipulation that it always be maintained as a public park. There are no overnight facilities but plenty of developed day use area.
Attractions
- A white sandy beach stretching one mile along Cass Lake makes Dodge #4 State Park an excellent location for summer and winter water activities. Dodge #4 is well known for its accessibility to visitors who are interested in ice fishing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Ice sailing is a new and increasingly popular sport on Sundays in the area. There is no camping in Dodge #4. The park, however, is very popular for its picnic areas and swimming beach. There is a large bathhouse with changing courts and showers for park visitors who want to change and shower after their day at the beach. There is a large picnic ground with shaded and sunny areas, picnic tables, and grills. Two shelters overlook Cass Lake. The shelters are by reservation only, and require a rental fee. Cass Lake is an excellent spot for boats and canoes. There are boat launches and a parking lot that can accommodate in excess of 66 vehicles with boat trailers. Cass Lake has a good reputation for year-round fishing. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, bluegills, perch, splake, and trout can all be found in Cass Lake as well as the surrounding canals. Although there are no marked foot trails in Dodge #4, hiking is encouraged throughout the park. Also, for a historical and educational trip, Greenfield Village, which main themes are automobile history, is located in nearby Southfield.
Recreation - The park offers swimming, fishing, boating, paddling, water-oriented sports, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice sailing, picnicking and more. No camping offered. Climate - Southeast Michigan is the warmest region in the state with summer temperatures averaging 70 degrees F (above 21 degrees C) but it is not infrequent for days to reach the high 80s. Winter temperatures are warmer as well with averages hovering just below freezing. Yearly moisture amounts range between 18 - 32 inches. Location -
Dodge #4 is four miles south of Whitehall. Take M-59 west from Pontiac to Cass Lake Road, and go south to Cass-Elizabeth Road, turn west on Cass-Elizabeth Road then south on Parkway Drive into the park.
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