Facility Overview

Henderson Park is an idyllic 28-acre county park situated along the scenic bluffs of the Shiawassee River in Rush Township, near the unincorporated community of Henderson, Michigan. Managed by the Shiawassee County Parks and Recreation Commission, the park provides dedicated open-air surface parking lots that serve park visitors, nature lovers, sports participants, and paddlers. The grounds feature multiple parking segments located near the main park pavilions, athletic fields, and the riverside launch area. Because this is a wide-open outdoor recreational destination, there are no vertical clearance barriers or low overhead decks, making the facility exceptionally accommodating for standard passenger cars, full-size SUVs, heavy-duty pickup trucks, high-roof conversion vans, and vehicles towing kayak or canoe trailers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Nestled amid ancient oak groves and hardwood bottomlands along the Shiawassee River, Henderson Park offers a tranquil escape and convenient access to regional attractions across Shiawassee and Saginaw counties:

• Shiawassee River Water Trail: Located directly on-site at the eastern boundary of the park, offering a dedicated primitive boat launch and kayak/canoe put-in for paddlers touring the river.
• Harkema Trail & Nature Trails: Scenic walking and nature paths wind through the 28-acre preserve directly from the parking grounds, leading to picturesque river bluff overlooks.
• Historic Downtown Owosso (approx. 6–7 miles south): A quick 10-minute drive connects drivers to historic Owosso, home to the iconic Curwood Castle Museum, the Steam Railroading Institute, the Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts, and vibrant downtown dining.
• Corunna County Seat (approx. 8 miles southeast): Easy access to the Shiawassee County administrative complex, McCurdy Park, and the Corunna Historical Village.
• Village of Chesaning (approx. 8 miles north): Just a short drive north along the river valley to Chesaning's Showboat Park and regional festivals.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Henderson Park is located at 500 West Henderson Road, conveniently accessible just west of North State Road (M-52). The entrance driveway provides easy two-way navigation with generous turning radiuses that accommodate larger vehicles and trailers. Ingress and egress remain unhurried throughout the week, with ample room to enter and exit without bottlenecks even during weekend pavilion gatherings or youth sports events. Regional motorists can easily reach the park via State Highway M-52, which serves as the primary north-south artery connecting north to Chesaning and Saginaw, and south to Owosso, Perry, and the Interstate 69 (I-69) corridor. While there are no metropolitan train or fixed-route subway systems in this rural setting, local on-demand transit is supported across the region by the Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency (SATA).

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Public Parking: Shiawassee County provides open parking to the public free of charge during normal park operating hours.
• Open-Air Surface Parking: Ample ground-level parking areas proximate to picnic shelters, playgrounds, and riverfront launch zones.
• Zero Height Restrictions: Completely unobstructed clearance suitable for oversized utility vehicles, lifted 4x4s, and kayak/canoe trailers.
• Canoe & Kayak Launch Access: Direct, short-distance vehicular access to the primitive watercraft launch on the Shiawassee River.
• Park Conveniences: Short walking distances to covered rental pavilions (Pavilions A, B, and C), modern and seasonal restroom facilities, potable drinking water, picnic tables, and charcoal grills.
• Recreation Fields: Direct pedestrian paths connecting parking lots to two baseball diamonds, horseshoe pits, and children's playground equipment.

Ideal For

• Paddlers & Kayakers: Boaters accessing the designated launch points along the Shiawassee River Water Trail.
• Family Reunions & Gatherings: Attendees reserving County Pavilions A, B, or C for celebrations, cookouts, and church picnics.
• Hikers & Dog Walkers: Local visitors looking for easy trail access through lush hardwood forest canopies.
• Sports Teams & Spectators: Players and supporters utilizing the ball diamonds and recreational facilities.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Henderson Park operates from 8:00 AM until sunset daily. Gates may be closed at nightfall, so ensure your vehicle exits the property prior to dusk. If you plan to host an organized gathering or secure an exclusive pavilion, reservations should be coordinated ahead of time through the Shiawassee County Parks and Recreation department. During spring paddle seasons or peak summer weekend afternoons, parking spots closest to the river launch fill quickly; drivers towing watercraft trailers are advised to arrive earlier in the morning for effortless maneuvering and turnaround space. Drive cautiously on interior access lanes, watch for children around playground areas, and set GPS navigation to 500 W. Henderson Rd., Henderson, MI 48841.