CASS COUNTY PARKS
Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Vandalia is one of the crown jewels of Cass County Michigan. Residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The park is a “Dark Sky Park” and offers opportunities for star-gazing throughout the year. Please check the Cass County Parks and Recreation Facebook page for the best viewing dates and weather updates.
The parks of Cass County Michigan are one of the little-known natural wonders of southwestern Lower Michigan, and each offers its own unique experiences. Our mission is to provide quality park facilities for everyone. We strive to enhance the quality of life for county residents and park visitors through active citizen involvement, planned growth, and professional stewardship of Cass County parks. Check out the diverse number of recreational activities offered by the Cass County Parks & Recreation Department. And be sure to check out the Cass County Parks & Recreation Facebook Page for their latest event updates.
Michigan Recreation Passport
The Michigan Recreation Passport (replaced the former state parks sticker) is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds, and state trail parking lots. Local, county, municipal and metropolitan park passes will need to be purchased separately. Otherwise, you can pay cash for admission to Cass County’s parks and DNR launch sites. Check out DNR Recreation Passport cost and guidelines.
AURTHUR DODD MEMORIAL PARK
- Picnic Shelters
- Horseshoe Pits (2)
- Playground
- Volleyball Court
- Hiking Trails
- Fishing (Class A Trout stream)
- Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Overnight Camping
DR. T.K. LAWLESS PARK
- International Dark Sky Park
- Picnic Shelters (2)
- Horseshoe Pits (2)
- Baseball Fields (2)
- Soccer Field
- Volleyball Court
- Disc Golf
- Hiking Trails (7 miles)
- Mountain Bike Trail (10 miles)
- Leisure Bike Trail (7 miles)
- Groomed Cross-country (7 miles)
- Overnight Camping
FRED RUSS FOREST PARK
Eight miles east of Dowagiac within the 580 acres of Fred Russ research forest is the Fred Russ Forest Park. This 13-acre park with its rich history and natural beauty is one of Cass County’s most visited parks and includes a designated trout stream.
HARMON PARK WEST/EAST
Harmon Park West provides boat launch access to Shavehead Lake and is located on West Peninsula Drive just 0.10 miles south of Water Cress Way, on Shavehead peninsula. Harmon Park East provides swimming access to Shavehead Lake. Both have limited parking. There is fresh well water available.
Birch Lake Memorial PARK & BOAT LAUNCH
Birch Lake Memorial Park and Boat Launch is also known as the Henry Sears Boat Launch and is maintained by the Cass County Parks Department. Located at the intersection of Birch Road and Lake Shore Drive at foot of the hill, on the south side of Birch Lake, this park offers boating access to Birch Lake with very limited parking.
STEVENS LAKESIDE MEMORIAL PARK
Eva Stevens Lakeside Memorial Park is a small two-acre swimming park on the north side of Little Fish Lake. It’s found by driving south off Stevens Forest Lake Road and turning to the north side of Little Fish Lake approximately 0.2 miles west of Lawrence Road.