Fort Custer Recreation Area
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[edit] Fort Custer Recreation Area
Michigan’s Fort Custer Recreation Area covers 3,003 acres of land between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. The area features lakes, the Kalamazoo River, over 25 miles of multiuse trails, second growth oak barrens and dry-mesic southern (oak-hickory) forests.
The land was acquired in 1917 by the Federal Government and used as an induction and military training center for the US Army. Despite the history of military use that has taken place on and around the property, there was never a fort on the land. During World War II, the property was named Camp Custer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources acquired the land in 1971 as part of the Nixon administration's Legacy of parks program. Today, the Fort Custer Reserve Forces Training Site of the National Guard boarders the recreation area.
A mountain bike trail system was established in 1996 by the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA).
Facilities and Activities
Fort Custer is a popular destination for hunting, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, hiking and dog mushing.
External Links
Fort Custer Recreation Area http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=448
DNR History and Details of Fort Custer Recreation Area http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_31399-132559--,00.html Michian Mountain Bike Association Fort Custer Page (MMBA) http://www.mmba.org/trails.php?trail=10
