Explore: Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, MI
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 28, 2025)
Ray Townshp, MI – Wolcott Mill Metropark is an amazing cluster of park areas with a variety of ways to connect with nature and with history, located in Ray Township, not far from Romeo in Macomb County.
The Farm Center features a working farm complete with dairy cows, horses, goats, chickens, a pig, a donkey and other animals to be seen. Some can even be petted. I visited first in the spring and again in the fall, to capture two seasons of beauty. In the spring the visitor center had chicks, which by fall had joined the older generations in the chicken coop. The center is a perfect place for kids field trips or family outings, with a pavilion designed for outdoor learning. There are events through the year, and a milking demonstration each day. There is also a garden, and in the fall there freshly harvested veggies for sale in the visitor center.
Another immersive space is the Historic Center, where a grist mill from the mid 1800’s provides a focal point. The mill was owned by Frederick Beech Wolcott in 1878, and his family operated it until 1967. The mill is currently being renovated, and hopefully one day visitors can venture inside. I did peek in the window, and you can see that picture below.
On this section of property there are also places to walk and hike, with paths that lead along the Clinton River. There are woodlands, fields, and river flood plains all packed with the beauty of nature.On both visits I was able to see Green Heron, which are silly little birds with spiky feathers on their heads. These are careful hunters who hang out around the river, and are known to set items on top of the water to lure fish to the surface for easier catching. I also saw deer, snakes, salamanders, and many turtles along the way.
Camp Rotary has a lodge and tent camping options, as well as equestrian trails.
And the North Branch Trails offer a great place for people to get their steps on a mix of gravel and dirt paths that cross the river in a few spots, passing through both fields and forests.
It’s easy to spend a day exploring these varied landscapes, which are undoubtedly beautiful any time of the year.
Wolcott Mlll Metropark is located at 65775 Wolcott Road in Ray Township, not far from Romeo, in Macomb County. Learn more at https://www.metroparks.com/wolcott-metropark.
