All photos of Hudson Mills Metropark. Courtesy HCMA.

The Metroparks are a world of wonder, and right now is the time to get your 2023 Huron-Clinton Metroparks annual park pass at a discounted price. So much for such a small price.

“Purchasing an annual pass is the best way to experience everything our diverse Metroparks have to offer,” said Amy McMillan, director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “Plus, it’s a great value. Nothing else matches it in terms of what you get and how affordable it can be to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, which the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced just how important that can be. It truly is an investment that keeps on giving all year long.”

Here’s the deal: Residents of the five Metropark counties get a $5 discount for an annual pass purchased by Dec. 31, 2022. That’s thirteen parks across Southeast Michigan with 365 days of nature, exploration, fun, relaxation, and almost 25,000 acres of space to enjoy. Need something to do? Look no further.

Come Jan. 1, the 2023 Metroparks annual pass will again cost $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) of the five counties served or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+). But now, through the end of the year, residents can purchase their 2023 vehicle pass for just $35 (or $24 for Seniors 62+).

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, Metroparks, is a group of 13 parks spread across Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The Metroparks were established by the Michigan State Legislature in 1939 and approved by voters in the five counties the following year.

The Metroparks vision was to provide an escape from the growing urban and suburban life of Southeast Michigan to promote health and quality of life. Today, visitors enjoy an increasing variety of year-round outdoor recreational and educational activities in safe, clean environments. Picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, disc golf, winter sports, and a host of special outdoor programs and events are available within a short drive to southeast Michigan residents.

The Metroparks are known for their scenic shared pathways. More than 55 miles of paved hike/bike trails course through the Metroparks, and some of these trails connect with many more miles of trails outside the Metroparks, such as the Border-to-Border Train in Western Washtenaw. The system operates seven regulation golf courses, one par-3 course, and disc golf courses.

Washtenaw County has…