Visit Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
There is no admission fee to use the trails or the Visitor Center. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary art exhibit in the Visitor Center. Fees may apply for programs and special events. Climate controlled restrooms are available year-round and are open on the south side of the visitor center daily from dawn to dusk.
Location Information
701 West Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, MI 49058
Phone: 269-721-4190
Fax: 269-721-4474
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Hours and Admissions
Visitor Center
Open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Restrooms on the south side of the Visitor Center open daily from dawn to dusk
Trails
Hiking trails are open daily, dawn to dusk.
Snowshoe Rental: Members FREE | Non-Members $5 (At least, 6 inches of snow needed for snowshoeing.)
Group Visits
Whether you are looking to schedule a presentation, have a guided nature hike or meet for a delicious meal, our friendly staff will work with you to arrange an exciting visit! For more information, please contact HR and Hospitality Manager Tracy Noorman at 269-721-4291 or at tnoorman@cedarcreekinstitute.org.
Dining Service
Food service is not available on a daily basis. An on-site catering department is available for Institute functions, facility rentals and group visits. Visitors may bring their own picnic lunches, which may be enjoyed on the veranda by the Visitor Center dining room or elsewhere on the property. Institute staff members are happy to recommend nearby restaurants, as well.
Rules and Regulations for Trail Users
- No hunting, fishing, camping, trapping, or collecting of plants, mushrooms, or minerals, except for those with prior Institute approval.
- Do not release wildlife or domesticated animals on the property.
- No littering or dumping.
- Keep all pets on a 6-ft leash. Pets are not allowed in the buildings. As a courtesy to other participants please do not bring pets with you to programs, including hikes. Clean up all pet waste on trails. Service animals are allowed for all normal programs and inside the buildings.
- Respect the rights of adjacent property owners.
- Stay on trails and do not interfere with research projects and equipment. Off-trail hiking may be permissible with written staff consent.
- No bikes, ORVs or horses on trails.
- No personal or motorized watercrafts on Brewster Lake or Cedar Creek.
- Recreational swimming is prohibited.
- Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and possession of illegal drugs on the property are strictly prohibited.
- Possession and/or discharge of firearms, weapons, fireworks and/or explosives are prohibited with the exception of bows and guns used strictly (with written consent) for deer and turkey management programs.
- Campfires are prohibited. Campfires in the designated fire pits adjacent to housing units are allowed with staff permission.
Institute statements about herbicide use and rattlesnakes on the property
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute uses chemical controls when and where they contribute to the protection and preservation of native species and natural communities on Institute property. When controlling hazardous, noxious, and undesirable plants Stewardship Staff identify the most efficient and environmentally compatible method which may include the use of herbicides. Stewardship Staff are certified as Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicators. Proper information and signage are posted prior to any herbicide applications in publicly accessible areas. Any questions regarding herbicides and chemical controls can be directed to Stewardship Manager Mary Parr at mparr@cedarcreekinstitute.org.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes live in southern Michigan, including here at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Our land managers actively participate in habitat recovery efforts as it is listed as a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Massasauga rattlesnakes are primarily found in areas in and near wetlands. While this species is venomous, they are generally reclusive and do not actively threaten humans. If you encounter a rattlesnake while visiting the property, they should be left alone and given plenty of space. Any questions regarding eastern massasauga rattlesnakes can be directed to Education Director Sara Syswerda at ssyswerda@cedarcreekinstitute.org.