Kalkaska County: Trails, Lakes and History

Explore Kalkaska County through its trails, waterscapes, and local history. The North Country Trail is among the longest trail sections in the county. At Kalkaska Road, it leaves Pere Marquette State Forest; a nearly four-mile road section passes the fairgrounds and runs through downtown Kalkaska. You can choose between a forest route and a route through town.

Trails Between Forest and Water

Croy Lake Township Park encompasses an 80-acre natural area with trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. At Seven Bridges, a hiking trail and boardwalk wind through cedar stands, with bridges crossing the Rapid River. In the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, trails wind around small lakes. Each place offers a different kind of route: wildlife viewing, cedars and river bridges, or a lake landscape.

There are also different options when choosing an activity. If you want to explore the landscape along the North Country Trail on foot, Kalkaska offers both a section through town and a connection to Pere Marquette State Forest. Seven Bridges is another option for a route with a boardwalk section and bridges; Croy Lake Township Park combines hiking trails with wildlife viewing.

Lakes, Rivers, and Nature

Croy Lake is a 2.4-acre inland lake with opportunities for relaxing shore fishing. At Rugg Pond, you can fish for brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. In fall, the pond is also known for its vibrant foliage. This means water-based experiences center on both fishing and seasonal scenery.

Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve encompasses about one mile of the North Branch of the Manistee River, as well as Grass Lake and Perch Lake. Another river landscape awaits at CCC Bridge State Forest Campground, which is located on the Manistee River, part of the National Wild and Scenic River System.

Cycling and Events

The Kalkaska Mountain Bike Trails connect to the Kalkaska-to-Traverse City mountain bike trail. Most riders access the trails from the Park’n’Ride lot on West Kalkaska Road. The Iceman race offers a different cycling experience: it starts at Kalkaska Airport, runs through Pere Marquette State Forest, and finishes 30 miles later at Timber Ridge in Traverse City.

Local History, Festivals, and Regional Products

The Kalkaska County Historical Museum is located in the Train Depot building in downtown Kalkaska. Today’s Kalkaska Train Depot opened in 1911 and was converted into a museum in 1970.

The National Trout Festival includes events, activities, and parades held mainly at the Kalkaska County Fairgrounds and Railroad Square. The Kalkaska County Fair is an annual event in mid to late summer. It celebrates agriculture, livestock, community, crafts, competitions, and 4-H projects. The annual Kalkaska Winterfest takes place in winter and was founded in 1965. The festivals offer different seasonal highlights, from Winterfest to the fair’s summer program and the Trout Festival events.

From May through September, the Kalkaska Farmers Market is held every Tuesday at Railroad Square. It offers locally grown produce and crafts; Railroad Square is just off US-131. Since the market is seasonal, check the date before your trip. The farm store at De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery sells organic milk, cheese, and ice cream. Visitors can pet and feed cows, as well as bottle-feed a newborn calf; confirm the availability of these visitor activities before arriving.

In June, Strawberry Fields Farm Market offers strawberries for picking. Check seasonal availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Kalkaska, Osceola County, Lenawee County, Van Buren County, Ionia County, Wayne, Cheboygan County, Saginaw

For the main travel overview: Michigan.