Albert J. Miller Preserve

Twelve undeveloped acres next to Smith Woods Preserve. Entrance on Dexter-Chelsea Rd. at Parker.

Brauer Preserve

187-acre preserve with small lake, hardwood swamp and upland woods. Trails are under development.

Community Park

Playground equipment, a walking path, picnic areas with grills, sports field, and a gazebo available for rent on the eastern side of the village.

Delhi Metropark

This 53-acre park halfway between Dexter and Ann Arbor is a popular picnic destination and a handy spot to launch a canoe. Comfort stations with running water. Shelters can be reserved in advance. Metroparks entrance fees: $4/day, $20/year ($12 for seniors age 62 & over). Fees scheduled to change Jan. 2010. Delhi Canoe Rentals, 769-8686. www.metroparks.com

Dexter Community Aquatic Club

Swimming and diving club open to youth ages 19 & under. Participates in SMSL and WISC leagues. Dexter residency not required. Visit the website for the complete schedule or contact Rachel Clemens, membership@dcacswimming.org. www.dcacswimming.org

Dexter-Huron Metropark

A wooded 123-acre park with three picnic areas and a softball diamond. Comfort stations with running water. Shelters can be reserved in advance. (See Delhi Metropark listing, above, for fees.) www.metroparks.com

First Street Park (Horseshoe Park)

Provides 10 horseshoe pits, and picnic areas with grills.

Hudson Mills Metropark

With 1,600 acres, Hudson Mills has picnic areas, an 18-hole golf course, 6 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, cross-country ski rentals and trails, comfort stations with running water, and two 24-hole regulation disc golf courses. (See Delhi Metropark listing, above, for fees.) www.metroparks.com

Independence Lake County Park

Within its 312 acres, Independence has lakeshore, pond, wetland, and native prairie ecosystems and offers recreation for all ages, including two sandy beaches and swimming areas, a play field, a spray-zone water play area, a two-mile paved multiuse trail, nature trails, four picnic shelters, boat rentals, small boat access, a fishing dock, a concession stand, and restrooms. Call to reserve pavilion or beach center meeting room. Vehicle entrance fees: county residents $5/day ($2.50 for age 65 & over), $25/year; nonresidents $9/day ($5 for age 65 & over), $45/year.

Monument Park

is a downtown park with gazebo (available for rent) and picnic tables. Also, the site of many annual public events.

Peace Park

Small park on Ann Arbor St. at Inverness commemorates efforts for world peace.

Pinckney State Recreation Area

Campground reservations: (800) 447-2757, or online. Silver Lake swimming beach is off Dexter-Townhall Rd. Extensive hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country ski trails. Vehicle pass (good all state parks and recreation areas) required: residents, $6/day or $24/year ($6 for seniors age 65 & older); nonresidents, $8/day or $29/year. www.mich.gov/pinckney

Smith Woods Perserve

Undeveloped, marshy 17-acre nature area with rough trails, just west of town. Recently combined with the 12-acre Albert J. Miller Preserve.

Stinchfield Woods

Favorite among woods walkers and cross-country skiers. Ungroomed cross-country ski trails converge on the top of Peach Mountain, the site of the U-M Observatory. Steep grades; not for novices.

Warrior Creek Park

Provides walkway under Main Street bridge and ideal rapids for kayaking. Picnic tables, playground equipment, and barbecue grills on the bank of Mill Creek.

West Lake Preserve

216-acre parcel on Waterloo Road in Dexter Township. The property includes frontage on the south side of West Lake as well as a wide range of habitats from wetland, open water, shoreline to upland forest and open fields. Currently not open to the public.

Next Section: Dexter recreational facilities and organizations