Fort Custer Recreation Area (Eagle Lake)

Fort Custer Recreation Area features 22 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of mountain bike trails and 16 miles of bridle trails. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in the winter. The park also rents 2 mini cabins and 3 rustic cabins, with one rustic cabin along the banks of the Kalamazoo River. In terms of mountain biking trails, Fort Custer Recreation Area is composed of three loops: Red 7.2 miles, Green 5.6 miles, and Yellow 5.6 miles. The trails traverse hills, ravines, bogs, and streams. Maps are available at local bike shops or send SASE and 25 cents each to: Maps, PO Box 23, Augusta, MI 49012. Please see the Trail Website for more information. These trails are maintained in part by volunteers of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA).

From the West: Take I94 East to exit 85 (Galesburg exit). Head north on 35th street to M96. You will see a sign to Ft. Custer. Go through Galesburg, and follow M96 until you see the park on the South side of the Street From the East: Take I94 West to exit 95 (Helmer Road) and head North a few miles (past the airport to the west) and go left (West) at 37 (which is actually Dickman road). Travel west about 6 miles, past the Ft. Custer military base to the South, and keep a lookout for the entrance to Ft. Custer Recreational Area on the left (South).