Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, Cass County, MI

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park

A Michigan INTERNATIONAL Dark Sky Park

Cass County’s Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Vandalia opened for stargazing in June 2020. So the park’s hours are extended past the usual sunset closing and visitors will see what true darkness can reveal. If the weather is clear, viewers will be able to gasp at shooting stars or drink in the majesty of the Milky Way by the naked eye. Through binoculars or telescopes, stargazers may be able to see planets and more distant galaxies as well. Learn more about Dark Sky Parks in Michigan at Second Wave.

“The expanse of the night sky is mind-boggling to me,” says Cass County Parks Board member Robert Parrish. And we are just looking at the northern hemisphere.”

Lawless Park is located on Monkey Run Street, nine miles east of Cassopolis, off M-60 and Lewis Lake Road. Lawless Park has the best mountain biking trails in the area. A helmet is required for all cycling activities.

We are dog-friendly, so you are encouraged to bring your dog here to walk the trails with you, but we do ask that you bring poop bags and clean up after your dog out of respect for other trail users. 

This 820-acre nature park is open year-round and boasts a broad range of recreational activities for every season including but not limited to hiking, bird-watching, and overnight camping in cabins.

Coy-Steiding Group Camp

  • 15 rustic campsites, each with fire ring and table
  • Picnic shelter with tables
  • Cabins with fireplace (sleep 4-6)
  • Electricity in cabins
  • Fresh well water
  • Modern restrooms
  • Parking area
  • Security lighting

Reservations Required

  • Call (269) 445-4456 (County Parks Office)
  • Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm
  • Weekend group reservations recommended

Location: Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, MI 49095 – Directions.

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, Coy-Steiding Campgroung, Cass County MI

Check out the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park Facebook Page.

For Fun & Recreation

  • Picnic Shelter
  • Ball Fields (2)
  • Soccer Field
  • Volleyball Courts
  • Horseshoe Pits (2)
  • Playground
  • Disc Golf
  • Hiking Trails (7 miles)
  • Mountain Biking (10 miles)
  • Leisure Biking (7 miles)
  • Inner tube sledding (tubes provided)
  • Cross-country skiing (7 miles groomed)

Essential Information

  • Park open year-round
  • Park hours (posted at the park)
  • Entrance fee: $1.00 county resident, $3.00 non-county resident
  • Helmet required for all cycling
  • Bicycle trails open year-round
  • Bike Trail Map
  • Park Trail Map
  • Disc Course Map