Located five miles west of Jackson, the Kate Palmer Sanctuary is the perfect place to take your kiddos on a hike. Managed by the Michigan Audubon Society, the Kate Palmer Sanctuary is a bird and native plant haven and features everything from pines to wetlands to wildflowers. Your kids will love navigating the wooden planks that cross the wetlands, and the chance to choose which trail to navigate. Keep reading for more information about the Kate Palmer Sanctuary.
The Details
Location Name: Kate Palmer Sanctuary
Address: 1001-, 1999 O’Brien Rd, Jackson, MI 49201
Why we love it: Trails of varying lengths, a parking lot right at the entrance to the trails, and scenic grounds
Features: 53 acres of beautiful grounds, six different trails (visit the KPS website for a trail map), and lots of space to explore
Elizabeth’s Suggestion: We first visited after a particularly rainy week, and the trails were mud puddles. Plan your visit a little better than we did, and you won’t lose your shoes to the mud!
Toddler Approved? Yes – I did hold Little’s hand on the path along the stream due to the close proximity
Stroller friendly? No
Big Kid Approved? Yes
Full Sun or Shade? A mix of both – we visited in early spring, so depending on the season you visit in, you’ll most likely have more shade
Restroom? No
Cost? Free
Parking? Small parking lot right off the road at the entrance to the trails
Hours: Dawn until dusk
Website: https://www.jacksonaudubon.org/Kate-Palmer
Closing Review: There is so much exploring to do at Kate Palmer Sanctuary! Visit the website to read the rich history of the land, and donor Kate Palmer, and head out to explore. We highly recommend hiking boots as the trails tend to be quite muddy after rain and bring bug spray just in case. Enjoy listening to the sounds of nature while being on the trails amongst mature trees and plants.
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Looking for more kid-friendly hikes in Jackson County? Check out our Explore page.