Allegan State Game Area

Allegan State Game Area is a large conservation area featuring lakes, bogs, marshes, meadows, and forests along the Kalamazoo River in Michigan. The property connects multiple habitat types that create a varied landscape for visitors to explore on foot or horseback.

The area was established in 1964 when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources combined the Allegan State Forest, Swan Creek Wildlife Station, and Fennville State Game Area into one managed preserve. This merger created a unified conservation zone for wildlife habitat protection.

Native American peoples including the Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Chippewa inhabited this land for generations before modern conservation efforts began. Walking through the forests and wetlands today, you can sense the deep connection these communities had to this landscape.

The area offers hiking trails, horse paths, and camping facilities that can be accessed from multiple entry points throughout the property. Plan your visit according to your preferred activities, as trail conditions and accessibility vary across different seasons.

Every November, the area becomes a stopping point for up to 100,000 Canada geese during migration, with peak daily counts occurring between early and mid-November. This seasonal event transforms the preserve into an extraordinary destination for birdwatchers.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 42.56420,-85.99610

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46