Portage, MI is a fantastic place to explore the great outdoors. Located just south of Kalamazoo, this suburban community is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in Michigan. But what sets Portage apart from other outdoor destinations are its welcoming and vibrant communities that reflect diversity and industriousness.
One of the best places to start your adventure is at Celery Flats Historic Area (7335 Garden Ln S). This 60acre park offers visitors a glimpse into how early settlers lived in Portage. It also features two miles of nature trails that wind through towering oaks and wetlands where you can spot various species of birds such as Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers.
For those seeking more challenging hikes, head over to Schrier Park (850 W Osterhout Ave) which boasts forests filled with cherry trees, willow oak trees among others lining picturesque hiking trails overlooking creeks brimming with smallmouth basses. The sites spacious family gathering shelters welcomes picnics or simply rest after an invigorating hike.
If biking is your thing, then make sure you visit Ramona Park (8600 S Sprinkle Rd), located on Austin Lake. This park has over 24 acres perfect for swimming or creating sand castles on Lake Margaret Beach; boating activities abound complete with public boat launch facilities too! Youll find miles upon miles scenic paved bike paths winding around lake shores while ambling past sandy beaches that feature chairs immersed up warm waters lapping gently against shorelines teaming with friendly people who love to have fun by doing kayaking patrols preventing pollution from excessively ingressing into one of Michigans socalled jewels.
Nature lovers should check out West Lake Nature Preserve(5503 S Westnedge Ave), a 99acre park that provides visitors with milelong nature trails through lush forests, meadows brimming with wildflowers and tall grasses. Expect to see species such as whitetailed deer grazing casually among trees and birds like the Tufted Titmouse, Redbreasted Nuthatch or even Peregrine Falcon while they swoop down upon their prey.
In conclusion, Portage not only offers fantastic outdoor opportunities but it also reflects a familyfriendly and progressive culture that is deeply committed to preserving its natural beauty. So whether youre hiking along nature trails spotting wildlife or simply lounging on sandy beaches enjoying waterfront views spread in part across 14 different lakeshore parks; Portage has something for everyone.
Sources:
Celery Flats Historic Area: https://www.portagemi.gov/752/CeleryFlatsHistoricArea
Schrier Park: https://www.portagemi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/SchrierPark11
Ramona Park: https://www.portagemi.gov/633/RamonaPark
West Lake Nature Preserve: https://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/listings/westlakenaturepreserveandwalkingtrailhead(portage)/2576/
Twitter Names:
7335 Garden Ln S Mi
Portage, MI
United States
850 W Osterhout Ave Mi
Portage, MI
United States
8600 S Sprinkle Rd
Portage, MI
United States
5503 S Westnedge Ave Mi
Portage, MI
United States
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Portage, MI
United States