The beach there sucks, they have parts blocked off so there's very little area to swim and the…read morelifeguards will pull everyone get out of the water every 15 minutes

Hurray for a bit of good news amid an abysmal year. Tests came back for the beach staffers who were…read moreshowing potential Covid symptoms and they received the all-clear. It's freezing out today so the beach is a no-go right now, but it's wonderful to have the option available. They've got another beach campfire event, drive in movie, and drive in concert scheduled at the park this month as well. We appreciate their efforts to provide social but socially distanced events, although we hope they'll do a better job hiring local and/or talented bands for future summer concert series.

Beautiful day for a walk with nature at Asylum Park. Even had a few deer friends with us.read more

Great park for walking on trails. Some are paved, some are grass, and some are dirt. We saw many…read moredeer in our walk! There are serval lakes along the paths too. We weren't brave enough to try the wild berries but there are plenty if you're up for it.

I loved this lake growing up, so many amazing memories of my childhood here. Whether picnics,…read morebirthdays or family reunions. Great beach and lots of shade, perfect for young families.

More than 2,000 acres, one of the largest inland deep clear spring fed lake in west Michigan. In…read moreearly summer lake is very transparent Caribbean blue color. It is in Kalamazoo county!!. Love to go boating, sailing, 2 mile long from south to north end. OK, for swimming and we see sometime scuba divers!! You can see around the Island Park lake floor with google map satellite view!!!! Not only they have yacht club, country club but also ice sailing yacht club!! Since 1897!! http://www.gulllakeiyc.org/ This video is surreal, cool to believe some one ice sail in Kalamazoo County!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYbLGYvqP8E

I came for a quick hike on an icy cold afternoon with my friend. The Park is composed of a…read moreHistorical Area, hiking trails and a kayak launch into the creek. In May, the Park was hit by a tornado that destroyed many of the trees and damaged several structures. It is amazing how Mother Mature can change the face of the land so quickly. The Park is named Celery Flats, because the region has been popular for growing celery with its sandy soil. The Historic Area of the Park is decorated for the holidays with trees and lights. Historic buildings include a grain elevator, a one room school house and Stuart Manor. Stuart Manor as moved to the park in 1994 and was one of the first homes built in Portage. Hayloft Theater is a restored barn turned theater. The barn was damaged by the tornado and is awaiting repair. There is also an amphitheater in the Park that is perfect for summer concerts. The buildings were not open for touring during our visit, but they appear to be open during events. The Historic Area is a perfect place to bring the kids to learn about history. The hiking trail through the Park is part of the trail system that meanders through Portage and Kalamazoo. There are picturesque bridges along the trail with a canoe/kayak launch over Portage Creek. The trails are a perfect place to watch birds. We saw a flock of mallards in the creek during our visit. The trail offered something I had not seen before. There was a solar phone charging station near a bench for those who need to stay connected. The Park has a really nice pavilion that was decorated for Christmas. I could see this as a perfect place to take family pictures or visit with Santa. The parking lot is large with handicapped spaces close to the pavilion. The trails are paved and easily accessible. I will return to see how the forest recovers from the tornado. The Park has a lot to offer.

This is a very popular spot, very clean and beautiful it was recommended by a friend when we asked…read morewhat's a good walking trail. We are from Battle Creek and she told us this spot county zoo.

Fair warning -- many of the paths here run on the muddy side (including some of the raised paths…read moreover the bog that have holes in them that let water through). There is lots of lovely hiking to be done here, though ... And because the area tends to be damp it's a great place to spot cool plants and fungi. Recent, an elevated path was added that connects this park and neighboring Elliason. We're loving all the work the city has done to connect it's natural spaces.

Beautiful park with excellent hiking trails. Wear hiking boots if you're planning on walking bog…read moretrail!

This lovely small space along the river features benches, a spot for fishing, a small playground,…read moretrails and a walking path. There is parking for a half dozen or so cars too. It's rather secluded, so be aware of your surroundings. [Review 11185 overall, 960 of 2019.]

I have watched this trail around 60 times in the past few months, and have no intention of…read morestopping. It's a small walk, but such a gem to discover. If you enjoy animals, especially birds, you see and hear more than in any other park.

Really well kept up trails! I saw a lot of wildlife. There is not parking near the entrance of the…read morepreserve, but I parked in Oakwood Plaza and walked over, it was under a half mile. There were benches sporadically for resting or birdwatching. If you stick to the main trail (it's a loop), it's just over a mile.

This park is closer to "wildlife preserve" than "playground." The property hasn't been graded or…read moreleveled or even cleared. It's excellent to see it in this native condition! There are some picnic tables near the playground, grilles, a nature walk and a rack for securing bicycles. Some street parking is available. [Review 11216 overall, 992 of 2019.]