Fort Custer State Park

Michigan, United States of America

About Fort Custer State Park

Fort Custer State Park is a State Recreation Area in Michigan, USA. Covering an area of 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) with a diverse landscape of lakes, forest and pr...

Fort Custer State Park has a Moderate difficulty level and is Family Friendly.
Michigan, United States of America
Latitude: 42.317781, Longitude: -85.342834

Activities

Hiking
Horse Riding
Mountain Biking
Sledding
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Boating
Camping
Paddle Boarding
Kayaking
Canoeing
Swimming

About Fort Custer State Park

About Fort Custer State Park

Fort Custer State Park is a State Recreation Area in Michigan, USA. Covering an area of 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi) with a diverse landscape of lakes, forest and prairie land, the area is well-suited for numerous outdoor activities.

The park has over 40 km (25 mi) of multi-use trails for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. The trails vary by difficulty and are clearly marked by colour; red, yellow, green and blue.

During the winter months, these same trails can be used for dog sledding and cross-country skiing. Every winter the park hosts special dog sledding events while snowmobiling is permitted in specific areas, provided there is at least 10 cm (4 in) of snow on the ground.

Three lakes and the Kalamazoo River at Fort Custer provide a blissful haven for fishing. Eagle Lake, Jackson Lake and Whitford-Lawler Lake are home to pan and sport fish such as bluegill, redbreast sunfish, yellow perch, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Ice fishing is also popular with the most dedicated fishermen during the winter months.

Fort Custer has a long military history, but a fort was never actually built here. The site was used as a military training ground during both World Wars. Named after the legendary Civil War officer, General George Armstrong Custer, the site was established as Camp Custer in 1917 and eventually designated Fort Custer in 1940.