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Discovery Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in Bay City, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Discovery Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This area of marshland features a boardwalk, observation deck, playground & nature center.
What runners say about Discovery Preserve
“What a clean and beautiful little park.”
“The trail is paved then turns into a boardwalk as it winds through beautiful landscapes, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.”
“Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the busy street, this short nature walk offers a peaceful escape into nature.”
This is a neat little nature preserve tucked away on a busy commercial street. There is a playground with logs, rocks, a cabin, a pebble harp, and a set of chimes. There are information markers along the path, and a little platform at the end of the trail where you can observe animals. We saw a lot of ducks.
Great spot for a little walk. Perfect for kiddos with the nature playground and great for elderly folks as there are benches along the walkway to stop for breaks. Lots of birds and wildlife to see too.
What a clean and beautiful little park. A nicely maintained 1/4 mile walk down a paved trail offers views of indigenous Flora and fauna and many species of fowl and raptor. A small learning playground for children is clean and safe.
This little hideaway park is perfect for curious kids. We've been bringing our kids here for a few years and every time we always see something new. It's fun to watch the park bloom to life in the spring and evolve through the summer.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is paved then turns into a boardwalk as it winds through beautiful landscapes, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.”
“The trail is paved then turns into a boardwalk as it winds through beautiful landscapes, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.”
“One caution I have picked up up ticks while waking my dog here so check yourself when you get back to car.”
“Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the busy street, this short nature walk offers a peaceful escape into nature.”
“The trail is paved then turns into a boardwalk as it winds through beautiful landscapes, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.”
“This park is handicap accessible from end to end and has well maintained portable handicap toilet facility.”
Plan your run at Discovery Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesblc-mi.org
- Phone(989) 891-9986
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Bay City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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