Lake Allegan, lake in Allegan County, Michigan, United States
Lake Allegan is a man-made reservoir in Allegan County created by damming the Kalamazoo River at Calkins Dam. The water body spans roughly 1,600 acres and features a mix of wooded shorelines and open areas, with calm surfaces that remain steady throughout the year.
The lake was created by constructing Calkins Dam across the Kalamazoo River and is now operated by Consumers Energy to provide electricity to the area. During World War II, a prisoner of war camp housed German prisoners nearby, and remnants of camp structures still remain visible on the western shoreline today.
The lake takes its name from the nearby city of Allegan and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors seeking outdoor recreation. People share stories about fishing trips and boat rides, making it part of the community's way of connecting with nature.
The lake is easy to reach from the city of Allegan and is also close to towns like Holland, Saugatuck, and Grand Rapids, making it accessible from different parts of Michigan. Public boat launches on the south side near Monroe Road and access points like Echo Point near 42nd Street allow visitors to enter the water or enjoy views conveniently.
A small uninhabited island on the water is home to turtles and nesting birds that rest on rocks and fallen trees. During spring and fall spawning seasons, salmon move upstream near the dam, drawing fishermen who come specifically for these runs.
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