sanilac petroglyphs

We drove out of the way to see this site while driving the thumb area. We walked the trail back and the petroglyphs were behind a heavily chained fence with absolutely no access. They might as well take the attraction off the map. We were very disappointed to see nothing, after driving 30 miles out of our way. We were there on a Sunday afternoon at 3PM. Save your time and go have an ice cream or something. There is nothing to see here.

I am sorry to say that the petrographs are disappearing. When I was a child my father and uncle owned the land where the park is now located. We would roam freely through the woods and rocky area, the petroglyphs are not what they used to be. There are also other carvings that are not shown to the public. Across the road from the park is another sight where the Indians actually lived. We would find many artifacts and a few years ago there was an exhibit at the Cranbrook Institute about the area and the finds. There are huge sandstones that over hang a valley and we assumed they lived here in the winter. You won't see this because it's an archeological sight and not open to the public. Go see the petroglyphs now before they totally disappear. They are worth the trip.

Its a large sandstone rock with prehistoric rock carvings that was discovered after the great fire in the Thumb by a farmer. They do have a "building" around it, and usually open on the weekends, so make sure to check the Michigan DNR site to see if its open. Also you can take a mile nature hike, make sure you look for the historic site map, I will add a link here: http://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-profile/3/48/ but if it doesn't work look it up, will show you some stops to check out such as the Thunder Rock and The Big Pine. Make sure you take bug spray.

On a visit to the Petroglyphs, I was able to enter the fenced in area to view the Petroglyphs, but no docent around! There was a car in the parking lot and maybe they were off doing something. I was the only one there; I wish they could do more with this unique attraction and I know they have had funding issues over several years. It is not heavily promoted from my travel, experience and wish it was advertised more. A nice stop on a tour around the Thumb of MI. For history, nature, geology, geography and Indian culture lovers. Large parking lot.

Park staff was informative about petroglyph site. Very interesting and unique to this area. Be sure to go during park hours otherwise petroglyphs are not visible to visitors. Also, take advantage of walking trail, scenic and informative as well.

we went because it was a quick day trip had no idea there would be a guide to explain the petroglyphs it was much better than expected I hope they get their funding this place could be very special for all people

The petroglyphs are in a gated area that is a short walk from the parking lot. The gated area is only open on select days (Wednesday through Sunday in the summer) from 10:00am-5:00pm. The docent who gives the tours is extremely knowledgeable. When my husband and I visited, the docent had just finished a tour for a large family group, but he started a new tour just for us. He spent at least 30 minutes explaining the Native American culture of the area, telling the stories behind the petroglyphs, and answering our questions. A number of other visitors viewed the petroglyphs rock during our tour, but declined to join the tour. Most of these visitors just looked at the petroglyphs for a few minutes before moving on to the nature trail. These people really missed out. The docent has so much information to offer.After viewing the petroglyphs, take a short hike on the nature trail (it's about a mile long). There is poison ivy along the trail, so just be careful to avoid it.

Recent visit had staff present to explain petroglyphs. Interesting to view & understand. Great learning experience.

My husband and I spent the weekend hiking through the petroglyphs and really enjoyed it. The guy that spent his day teaching people about the petroglyphs was full of information. The trails were kept clean. You are able to go where you wanted to and they encourage you to go off the trails.

My family learned so much about Native American history from the interpreter at the exhibit. He was a great teacher and full of information. The actual petroglyphs are disappearing, so hurry up if you want to see the actual carvings. The area has been a victim of vandalism and natural erosion, so it is covered and closed during the off-season. The trail around the area is beautiful but it was absolutely swarming with mosquitoes when were there in late August. The trail to the petroglyphs is easy to navigate, but the one mile nature trail is pretty rugged. We were practically running to get away from the mosquitos, but if you slowed down, it could be a really enjoyable and educational hike. No matter which direction you are driving from to get there, you are going to see plenty of lovely farms and lots of new windmills. The Petroglyphs are worth a visit at least once.

As the other two August reviewers have stated, plan your visit when the park is staffed - Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the markings in the rock and how they are deteriorating. A climate controlled building is the answer to preserving these petroglyphs, but the state doesn't seem to have the money. Our guide thinks they'll be lost forever in about 40 years. The tour takes about 40 minutes and we also took the mile trail which was a nice walk. Admission is free if you have a state park pass, but I didn't see any payment box if you didn't have a pass. Good to see three other park personnel working in the area making improvements.

Update to my original review. Due to increased funding, from May 27 through September 2, 2013 they are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hopefully this will be the case in future years. To really see the carvings well, you need to be inside the enclosure, which is only open when staff are there. Also, the loop trail is fantastic and better maintained now that they have a bigger budget. Bring your camera! It is also listed as a birding hotspot on eBird.org.

This park is not very well marked and has just recently reopened to the public. It is staffed with a interpreter Wed. thru Sun.. We went on a very rainy day and were the only ones there. Very small parking lot, about 8 cars, and a short walk to the exhibit. The petroglyphs are actually enclosed in a security fence that is locked when the exhibit is not open. They are locked up because so many people have walked on them since they were discovered, many of the actual glyphs are eroded away. You can still walk the trails in the park. The glyphs are also covered by a roof to help stop erosion but this has caused another problem. With no sunlight getting to the rocks, algae are now covering much of the exhibit and this makes it hard to see them. Algae roots also grow down into the rock and help break it up especially with our freeze and thaw cycle. The presentation we went through was pretty informative on the different translations of the glyphs depending on which tribe was doing the translating. Sounds like many of our current day translation problems. If you are a history buff, especially local American Indian, I would say this a must stop. Downside is a privy in the parking lot.

I live nearby so it's not hard to get there but I wouldn't travel very far just to see this attraction unless you have prearranged a guided tour. There are definitely some old stone carvings there but because of vandalism most have been fenced in and you can't really see them. This is a very rustic place and if you just want to walk in the woods or have picnic it's a great place to visit.

If you don't know what you're going there to see --- you'll have a hard time --- and my understanding is they no longer staff any people/guides/employees there ....