When the Penn Central Corp. abandoned the rail line some people thought a recreational trail would be a good idea. The Friends of the Kal-Haven was organized in 1984 and, through the efforts of individuals like Rick Oberle, Al Cassada, Ron Stolk, and Rev. Judy Downing, the Kal-Haven Trail became a reality.
Their efforts drew the support of former office holders like South Haven mayor Betty Davis, state representative Mary Brown and state senator Stephen Monsma.
Much of the funding came from the Michigan Land Trust Fund, but fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail and user fees provide for operation and maintenance of the trail.The exaggerated fears, and legitimate concerns, of property owners led to a court challenge to the trail's opening. After a disappointing delay, a settlement was reached.
Through a cooperative effort of the DNR Parks Division and the Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail (supplemented by the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps, Michigan Youth Corps and other volunteers) an abandoned rail bed became a recreational link between Kalamazoo and South Haven
The covered bridge was built with the labor of the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corp and materials donated by Robert Nichols. The bridge is dedicated to the memory of his father, Donald F. Nichols.
The trail has been extended west with the trailhead being moved from Blue Star Highway to an area off of Bailey Avenue. There is also a movement underway to try to connect the trail to downtown Kalamazoo, and from there to other trails.
The railroad ties are gone, but not the Kal-Haven Trail's ties to the past.
Crushed limestone has been added to the trail surface, and bridges rebuilt. The Kal-Haven Trail did not develop overnight and is constantly evolving.
You may expect to see a wide variety of plants and animals along the trail.
Prairie, forest, glacial hills, wetlands, agricultural land, and small communities await the Kal-Haven Trail user. The variety of plant and animal life should satisfy any nature lover.
You may see deer, wild turkeys, herons, and hear the partridge drumming even if you don't see one. Wildflowers include Marsh Marigold, Spring Beauty, Hepatica, Herb Robert, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Dutchmen's Breeches, Trillium and many others .
Trail fees for 2006. (Passes good for both Kal-Haven and Van Buren Trails)
Passes available on the trail, by mail or at Van Buren County Road Commission offices. Additional vendors may have passes subject to availability.
For passes by mail, send check or money order payable to "Van Buren County" to:
Van Buren County Road Commission
PO BOX 156
Lawrence MI 49064
Contact Phone 269-674-8011
Information can be obtained from:
Van Buren State Park
23960 Ruggles Road
South Haven, MI 49090
(269) 637-2788
© John C. Waugh