Seven Springs Nature Preserve encompasses 50 acres with half a mile of frontage on Burt Lake’s southeastern side. Beautiful upland forest graces the preserve’s upper portions, while dense forested wetlands can be found below the dramatic bluff that runs across the property just back from the water’s edge. Lakeshore wetlands and offshore waters provide feeding and spawning habitat for a number of fish species. Water flowages associated with the springs which give this preserve its name also provide habitat for the endangered Michigan Monkey Flower, which is known to occur in about twenty other sites in the world.

From the parking area on Chippewa Beach Road, a trail meanders through the upland hardwoods and down to the lakeside wetlands.

This beautiful and environmentally significant preserve was created through the generosity and leadership of the Harris and Weiss families of Columbus Beach, along with contributions from other Columbus Beach families and many other Burt Lake residents and resorters.

Directions: From Hwy. 27 in Indian River, turn west onto Prospect Road, just north of the bridge. Continue straight onto Chippewa Beach Rd. which curves north. Look for the preserve sign about 1/4 mile past the curve.