Kalamazoo, Michigan / Camping, Biking, Breweries, Downtown

October 2018, Weekend, 2-Nights

Michigan map on the floor at Bell's Brewery

Markin Glen County Park, Campsite #36

We decided to camp and visit Kalamazoo less than two weeks in advance. When I called the park to inquire about making a campground reservation, I was surprised to learn there were only two campsites left for the weekend we wanted to visit. We made a reservation, and when we arrived, the other open site had been filled, as well. When you make a reservation less than two weeks out, or pay when you arrive without a reservation, you need to pay in cash or by check. Credit cards are only accepted at the main county office, which takes reservations more than two weeks in advance.

Taken from island bridge in park

All campsites have full hookup with 50 amp power. Some of the sites are pull-through, and some sites around the outside edge are a tad more private. The bathhouse only has two showers; one in each restroom. Since the sites are full hookup, I imagine most people do not use the campground showers. 

Paved trail in park on right alongside lake

This park has a small swimming beach, which had been overtaken by ducks during our autumn visit. There are a couple of miles of paved trails in the park near the campsites, and mountain bike trails across the street. There are also picnic areas, two playgrounds, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and a small island with a footbridge out to it. No swimming or dogs are allowed on the island.

Bridge to island; beach in background

Kalamazoo Valley River Trail

Kalamazoo Valley River Trail is close to the campground, and it is about 4 miles to downtown Kalamazoo via the paved trail. When we first arrived, we mistakenly thought the paved trail inside the park was the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail. My GPS thought we could go south on the trail inside the campground to connect to the river trail; however, there is a locked gate at G Ave. with no way around it. We were able to get to Kalamazoo Valley River Trail via a two-track at the north end of the park. We had initially planned to bike to downtown Kalamazoo; however, I'd had foot surgery less than a week before our visit, and my doctor did not want me riding that far. We rode south a short distance to where we could see Kalamazoo River. This trail runs alongside the river most of the way to town.

Bell's Brewery 

Downtown Kalamazoo and breweries

We went on a brewery tour at Bell's Brewery, which was about 45 minutes to an hour long. There is no charge for this, and we had a fabulous tour guide--Michael. This location was very busy during our visit. We were lucky to get  a table to have something to eat and drink after our tour.

Nachos at Bell's Brewery

We had the nachos with brisket, and we each tried a different beer. I was surprised to learn Bell's has so many beers. Before this visit, I was only familiar with their Two Hearted Ale (my husband's favorite). I loved the bourbon barrel brew our son got, although he did not remember the name. I think it was probably the Port Aged Third Cast Ale.

Final Gravity - Experiment #12 on right with napkin

We had picked up Kalamazoo Passport brew books, so after we walked through downtown Kalamazoo along the river, we stopped for another beer at Final Gravity. I had Experiment #12, which was amazing! We also stopped at Kalamazoo Beer Exchange because we wanted to see the experience. We did not end up having anything at this location because we stopped in the afternoon, and the action does not start until 6:00 PM.

Boatyard Brewing Company

We visited Boatyard Brewing Company just north of town on a Friday evening. We were surprised to learn this brewery does not really have anything to do with boaters, even though they sell a Yacht Club Membership. My favorite beer at this location was the Quit Wine-ing Imperial Brut IPA. We received a sample of flatbread that evening, which was delicious. I later learned the flatbread taste we had has the same name as me--The Iris! We liked the atmosphere and the music. 

We cannot wait to visit Kalamazoo again next year! Let me know if you have any questions ~