Bauer Preserve (Arnold and Shirley Bauer & Pamela L. Polaczyk Nature Preserve)

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  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 21
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 70
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 30
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 29
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 20
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 12
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 8
  • Bauer Add. Antrim Co 3

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Preserve Activities

Before You Head Out

Please review the preserve rules and the hunting rules, which very by preserve. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

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Bauer and Polaczyk Preserves are a great place for a quiet hike.  The property features forested valleys, steep ridges, wetlands and nearly 2200 feet on the Intermediate (Dingman) River near the headwaters of the Chain of Lakes.  Located approximately five miles east of Central Lake the preserve can be accessed from two points.  Both include parking areas, trailheads and informational kiosks.  One is located at the end of Wilson Rd and the other is located along the south side of Schroeder road where the road makes a ninety degree turn to the north and becomes Graham Road.  The trail accessible from the Wilson Road parking area includes a loop atop a forested ridge and a spur to a platform along the Intermediate River.  The platform provides a relaxing place to view the river, flora and fauna.  The trail accessible from the Schroeder Road parking lot consists of a 0.6 mile loop and a 1.3 mile out and back through upland forest and old field.  To help navigate the preserve please check out and download our preserve map.

For driving directions please click the pin indicating the parking areas on the map below and type in your address.

Antrim County. 362 acres.

Maps + Directions

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Mountain Biking is indicated where there are marked trails that are designed for and capable of handling bike traffic.
Birding can be done on all properties so we have added an icon to lands that are either exceptional for birding in uniqueness or diversity or are being specifically managed for bird habitat.
Fishing is indicated where it is a primary feature of the property.
Hiking is indicated where there are marked trails.
Hunting is indicated where it is legal to hunt however each preserve has specific stipulations which are specified for each preserve.
Kayaking/Canoeing is indicated on properties that either have a put-in on the land or have off-property public access proximal to the preserve. Some preserves are only accessible by boat.
Sanctuary properties have ecologically sensitive features and active use is discouraged.
Parking is indicated where there are designated areas for parking. Many lands do not have specific parking so please be safe and respectful of your parking choices when you visit a preserve w/o designated parking.
Skiing / Snowshoeing is indicated where back country (non groomed) skiing and snowshoeing is recommended and the road and/or parking lot is plowed.
Scenic Vistas are indicated where a grand view of the surrounding area is available.
Trail Running is indicated where there are marked trails that are capable of handling the rigors of trail running and are at least one mile in length.
Swimming is indicated where there is specific access to water and is swimming is a primary feature of the property.
Volunteers are needed at this preserve.