Cancelled - 2020 Haven Hill Festival - Cancelled

The 2020 Haven Hill Festival has been cancelled due to ongoing covid-19 pandemic concerns. Thank you for your support and understanding during these difficult times for all of us.

Thank you for your support and understanding during these difficult times.

John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

Free Fall Color Tours of Haven Hill This Saturday

The Haven Hill Festival will feature free shuttle bus rides up and down historic Haven Hill to and from the main Festival grounds at Goose Meadow on Saturday. The forests of Highland State Recreation Area are reaching full peak color this weekend and the free shuttle rides will allow visitors to see the beauty along the winding (and in some portions steep!) Haven Hill road up to Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Carriage House and Lodge site.

The shuttle will be a rare opportunity for many folks to receive a free and easy bus ride up and down Haven Hill. Some sections of this beautiful road have a high incline and the bus ride will make it easy for otherwise challenged would-be hikers. A historic photo display and Friends of Highland Recreation Area members will be available at the Hill top of the Hill to provide historic information about Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s era.

The top of Haven Hill is a gorgeous sight during the Fall color season. Come to the Haven Hill Festival on Saturday to enjoy the beauty of your state park… especially with a Free ride up and down Haven Hill!

Recreation Passport required for free entry.

HHF 2019 85x11 Flyer as PNG.PNG

Haven Hill Festival with Fall Colors - Saturday, October 19

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Fall is here and the 2019 Haven Hill Festival is coming on Saturday, October 19!

Everyone will enjoy the beauty, nature, and history of Haven Hill at Highland State Recreation Area with a backdrop of gorgeous Fall colors. In Goose Meadow, the Novi Brass Band will accompany Vintage Base Ball as the Barn Stormers host the Gate House Nine starting at 10:00 am. Festival foods and beverages will be served during Festival hours between 10 am and 3 pm.

Haven Hill history displays at the Gatehouse, Edsel Ford Barn, and on the Hill will inform the public of the State Park's amazing history. Bring your family and enjoy the Haven Hill Festival this Fall on October 19. Visit www.fohravolunteers.org for more information.

Recreation Passport required for Free state park entry.


John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

New Roads "Pave the Way" for Highland State Recreation Area's Haven Hill Festival 2019 Date Change

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Great news for park visitors that are bothered by unpaved and sometimes muddy or dusty bumpy roads… the long-awaited road paving project at the Highland State Recreation Area will begin in July! New blacktop roads will be installed throughout the summer starting after July 8, 2019.

To avoid conflicts with the paving of roads and of the Goose Meadow and Edsel Ford parking areas, the annual Haven Hill Festival will be moved from its’ currently scheduled date of July 27 to Saturday, October 19.

M-59 Highland Road sign announces the repaving project at Highland State Recreation Area.

M-59 Highland Road sign announces the repaving project at Highland State Recreation Area.

The major road paving project will cause some inconveniences when various areas of the park are repaved and repaired. Park visitors are encouraged to be patient and safe with road crews as they do their jobs throughout the summer.

As a result of the newly announced paving schedule the Friends of Highland Recreation Area have rescheduled the annual Haven Hill Festival to Saturday, October 19. A Fall season theme will add new enjoyment to the day of vintage baseball, beautiful collector cars, outdoor activities, Haven Hill History, and more.

State Park visitors are reminded that 2019 is the 100th anniversary of the Michigan State Park system and that Highland State Recreation Area was a pillar in the newly formed state park system as the lands of Haven Hill were contributed by Eleanor Ford.

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

Haven Hill Festival Saturday, August 24

The Haven Hill Festival is provided to the public as a no cost enjoyable day in the park for all who attend (entry into the state park is now via the Recreation Passport on your license plate). The event promotes awareness of the wonderful natural and historic resources that make up Highland State Recreation Area. Food and beverage sales serve as a fundraiser for the Friends of Highland Recreation Area.

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