5 Best Family-Friendly Hikes in the Kalamazoo Area
Summer is right around the corner and Kalamazoo, Michigan is blooming with natural beauty waiting to be explored by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From breathtaking sights of lush forests to the soft sounds of bubbling brooks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So put on your hiking boots and try out these family-friendly hikes that guarantee unforgettable experiences!
Asylum Lake Preserve
3836 S Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Located just minutes from downtown Kalamazoo, Asylum Lake Preserve offers a serene retreat into a peaceful savanna of oaks. Families can explore over 274 acres of wooded trails, wetlands, and meadows. With easy to moderate levels of difficulty, it is perfect for families with children of all ages. Be sure to keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and turtles!
Kalamazoo Nature Center
7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
The Kalamazoo Nature Center offers over 14 miles of preserved land featuring miles of hiking trails suitable for all different types of families. From scenic overlooks to summer wildflowers, there is plenty to discover. Families can also engage in guided nature walks, educational programs, and hands-on activities designed to engage young explorers!
Bow in the Clouds Preserve
3401 Nazareth Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
A hidden gem in Kalamazoo County is the Bow in the Clouds Preserve which has 60 acres of land that will immerse you in the present and fully engage you with the world around you. This one-mile, child-friendly trail showcases breathtaking platform views of the marsh below. Over the wooded bridge going through gorgeous wetlands, you are taken to a pond that waterfowl and other native animals like to frequent. The ease of the trail and the various landscapes you’ll explore make it a perfect choice to get the family outside!
Al Sabo Land Preserve
6310 Texas Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Home to 741 acres of wetlands and sandy soils, Al Sabo Land Preserve has a lot to offer families that want to go in the great outdoors! The habitat has a grand spread of forests and open meadows that grow fields of colorful wildflowers. You will find nicely shaded trails, multiple bodies of water, and towering trees. Whether you are looking for a leisure stroll or a more challenging hike with panoramic views, Al Sabo has something for you.
Portage Creek Bicentennial Park
7335 Garden LanePortage, MI 49002
The Portage Creek Bicentennial Park has over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails for outdoor fun. The forest canopy often shades the trails and includes a deck rest stop with benches to enjoy the wooded serenity. The park contains many amenities to relax after the hike including grills, picnic tables, fishing, restrooms, and play equipment for the extra energized folks. Next to the park is Celery Flats where families can engross themselves in the area’s wonderful heritage and explore the restored historic buildings. People are advised to avoid the area for the next few weeks due to storm cleanup, but check back often with Portage Parks and Rec for updates.
