2043 Gingell Road, Johannesburg, Michigan

Enter at the corner of Gingell Road and Waters Road. (989) 732-6521

Hiking * Biking * Snowshoeing * Cross-Country Skiing * Equestrian 

The old Echo Valley Resort Hotel                      Remnants of lumberjack camp

Please click here to view a brochure for the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve

Please click here to view the Winter/Spring 2013 Events Guide

*Due to the weather, the Night Owl Hike that was scheduled for April 12th has been cancelled. This event will be rescheduled at a later date.

The Louis M. Groen Memorial Day 5K/10K challenge scheduled for May 27th has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvience this may cause.

Equestrian Use Rules: Equestrian uses allowed on the first and third Sunday of each month during Daylight Savings - Biking will not be allowed on those days

Hours of Operation November - March (These hours will change when the clocks move ahead)

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Monday 12:00-6:00pm

Thursday 11:00-6:00pm

Friday 11:00-6:00pm

Saturday 8:00-6:00pm

Sunday 8:00-6:00pm

Hours of Operation  March - November (These hours will change when clocks fall back)

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Monday 2:00-8:00pm

Thursday 2:00-8:00pm

Friday 12:00-8:00pm

Saturday 8:00am-8:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm

The future Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve at Echo Valley Ranch will consist of almost 800 acres of property located in Johannesburg, Michigan. The property contains Kujawa and Johannesburg Lakes, along with being the former home of both the Johannesburg Manufacturing Company as well as Echo Valley Resort.

The intent of the Otsego County Parks and Recreation Commission is to establish the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve. There will eventually be environmental/nature classes given at the nature preserve, along with cross country skiing, hiking and horseback riding along the property's many trails. In addition, tentative plans are to restore the historic sawmill, along with associated buildings, and to help educate people about this important part of Johannesburg history.

The first 764 acres were transferred to Otsego County for the first phase of the Nature Preserve. This first phase, which will be limited activities such as hiking, snow shoeing, and cross county skiing is expected to be open to the public beginning in the summer of 2012. The entrance is planned to be located at the corner of Waters & Gingell Roads at the northeast corner of the property. The remaining property, which will allow for increased activities, will be transferred at a later date.

Mr. Groen's deep commitment to the property during his stewardship and the continuation thereof through the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve emanates out of Mr. Groen's love and respect for nature, animals, and the outdoors. By making these arrangement for the care, custody and maintenance of the property, Mr. Groen is hopeful that generations of citizens of Otsego County will have the opportunity to enjoy, appreciate and respect these aspects of our community.

Otsego County, through the members of its Groen Visioning Committee, have begun working on long-range planning for the future Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve. Though the property remains in private ownership, the Committee has been established to create a plan for the property in anticipation of the future conveyance of the property as a public asset.

Kujawa Lake                                                  Property Trails

Louis M, Groen Nature Preserve Prohibited Activites

Use the preserve at your own risk

The following activities are prohibitied on the property outside of County-sponsored activities/events:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet
• Campfires
• Disturb or destroy any property or wildlife
• Enter any area marked "No Trespassing"
• Enter the property at any location other than the main entrance or outside of posted hours
• Fireworks or any device that may cause a fire
• Hunting or Fishing
• Glass Containers
• Ice skating on lakes
• Littering - please use LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE (Take out what you bring in)
• Park any vehicle in a place other than a designated parking area
• Possess any firearm including bow and arrows, sling shots, bb/air guns, paint guns, or any type of animal trap
• Remove any type of plant or vegetation from the property
• Remove artificats or other items
• Ride a bike or horse on any trail that is not designated for the use
• Smoking
• Sound-amplifying devices
• Swimming, bathing or wading in the lakes

Please note that cell phone coverage is generally available except at lower elevations near the lake.

Click to read more about Mr. Louis M. Groen

Minutes click to see minutes from the Groen Visioning Committee meetings

Click to view historic photographs

Click to view an aerial map of Phase 1

Click to view Phase 1 property photgraphs