Autumn in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a vision straight out of a dream! Though the air grows crisper, the vibrant tapestry of red, yellow, orange, and brown leaves fills the landscape with a comforting warmth.
Beyond the enchanting scenery, fall is cherished by many Michiganders for its fleeting charm. Bonfires crackle, cozy sweaters make their appearance, pumpkin patches invite families, and cider mills offer their seasonal delights, making this time of year truly special.
Check out this list of where to capture the best fall colors in Kalamazoo!
- Kalamazoo Nature Center
- Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
- Kal-Haven Trail
- Al Sabo Land Preserve
- Asylum Lake Preserve
- Markin Glen County Park
- West Lake Nature Preserve
- Lillian Anderson Arboretum
Kalamazoo Nature Center
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is home to miles of trails winding through woods, wetlands, and prairies. Climb to one of the highest points in the county and enjoy spectacular views on the Raptor Ridge Trail. This trail allows you to observe soaring birds over the Kalamazoo River valley and examine rocks in the old gravel pit. The Ridge Run Trail is another great trail at the Nature Center.
Hike through woodlands, pine plantations, and old meadows, including a short, steep climb. It is an excellent trail for viewing fall foliage and sunsets. Read more on the entire trail system at the Kalamazoo Nature Center here.
If you happen to work up an appetite on the trails, Nena's Cooper Cafe is just a short drive from the nature center and is an excellent choice for lunch or breakfast if you stop there before your hike!
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is an 18.4-mile heavily trafficked out-and-back trail located near Kalamazoo, Michigan. It features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs can also use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
Kal-Haven Trail
The former Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad track bed has been converted to a biking, hiking, cross-country and snowmobile trail. The trail runs 34 miles, beginning on Kalamazoo's west side to the town of South Haven, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Kal-Haven Trail meanders through wooded areas, past farmlands, rivers, and streams. Trail highlights include a camelback bridge and a covered bridge. Trails are great for cross-country skiing, hiking and biking.
The fall season is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal brews and cocktails! Latitude 42 Brewing Company in Oshtemo is just up the road from where the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail and the Kal-Haven trail meet. Biking all those miles will leave you thirsty, so stop by and enjoy their beer garden and some pretzels with beer cheese!
Al Sabo Land Preserve
The habitats here are a diverse mix of woods, wetlands, and open meadows. Here, you will find both coniferous tracts of woodlands and mature hardwood forests. The wetlands here serve as the headwaters of the West Fork of Portage Creek.
Many of the trails at Al Sabo are marked and easy to follow, but there are also many unmarked and unmapped trails. If you travel on these trails, a compass and map are advised. Bicycles are allowed only on the trails marked for bicycles. No bicycles are allowed north of the land bridge. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
Asylum Lake Preserve
Asylum Lake Preserve is a 274-acre parcel owned by Western Michigan University. The lake and adjoining property lie in the West Fork of the Portage Creek Watershed.
The land is preserved as a passive-use recreation area under an agreement between the city of Kalamazoo and WMU. Asylum Lake's preservation was ensured as a condition of the development of the College of Engineering on Parkview Avenue.
Markin Glen County Park
Markin Glen features unique and beautiful natural features. From the top of one of the highest points in Kalamazoo, hikers can experience a scenic view of downtown. The park is also home to a wide variety of spring flowers and has a mature beech-maple forest. The state-of-the-art campground was opened in 2004 and offers 38 sites conveniently located just north of downtown Kalamazoo.
West Lake Nature Preserve
Photo by Bill Dolak[/caption]
The West Lake Nature Preserve is a 110-acre wetland bog with 1,400 feet of frontage along West Lake and near Portage's city center. The Preserve boasts a variety of upland, woodland, and sensitive wetland areas, as well as unique plant species and animal habitats. Two miles of hiking trails are available, featuring a winding bark trail that meanders through a shaded lowland forest and ends with a boardwalk promenade leading across a picturesque bog with a panoramic view of West Lake.
If you catch a perfect sunny fall day, consider hopping over to Steinspark Biergarten and Food Court after leaving the preserve! Steinspark is a seasonal authentic German-style Biergarten (beer garden in English) - and the first in Southwest Michigan! It is an all-outdoor space for patrons to come together, enjoy good beer (and other drinks), tasty food and engage with their community - all under the lush canopy of mature trees and twinkling lights during the warmer summer months.
Most of the time, you can listen to traditional German brass music, and you may see some guests wearing dirndls or lederhosen. They also have some corn hole games and a foosball table to have fun with, and they even have a dance floor for line dancing most Thursday nights.
Lillian Anderson Arboretum
The Lillian Anderson Arboretum is a private facility owned by Kalamazoo College. It welcomes members of the public who share its commitment to preserving its natural qualities.
The Arboretum is comprised of 140 acres of marsh, meadow, pine plantation and second-growth deciduous forest in Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
Aside from academic uses of the Arboretum, this lovely outdoor space can be used for recreational purposes by students and members of the community. Take a walk or run along the trails, bring your dog (on a leash!) and your friends and family!
