Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is a 130-acre recreational area located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was established in 1976 as a part of the United States Bicentennial Celebration. The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors including hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main points of interest at the park is the Portage Creek Dam, which was constructed in the early 1900s and provides a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The park also features a 1.5-mile paved trail that winds through the woods and along the creek, offering beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
For those interested in wildlife, the park is home to a diverse range of species including deer, foxes, and a variety of birds. Fishing is also a popular activity at the park, with Portage Creek stocked annually with trout and salmon.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park was once used as a landfill and was transformed into a beautiful recreational area thanks to the efforts of local residents. Additionally, the park was used as a filming location for the movie "The Big Chill."
The best time of year to visit Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers different activities depending on the season, such as ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Overall, Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is a must-visit destination in Kalamazoo, Michigan, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and engage in a range of outdoor activities.