Protected, owned and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
Due to its location on a private road, GTRLC cannot provide unlimited public access to this nature sanctuary. Visitors are required to call GTRLC at (231) 929-7911 for permission each time they visit and display a Conservancy-issued day pass on their vehicle dashboard while parked at the property.
Sisters Josephine Marquis Scholtus and Elizabeth Marquis Kerns donated this sanctuary to the Conservancy in 1993 out of concern about escalating development pressures and a commitment to protecting undisturbed natural land in northern Michigan. It was named in honor of the sisters’ grandmother, Elisabeth Parr, who loved the Crystal Lake area.
The sanctuary features dramatic views of Lake Michigan from a steep bluff, and protects a tranquil northern hardwood forest canopy with a rich understory and critical dune habitat.
No hunting is allowed due to the property’s small size, sensitivity and proximity to residences.