Van Buren Trail State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Van Buren Trail State Park |
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|---|---|
| Length | 14 miles (23 km) |
| Location | Lower Peninsula, Van Buren County, Michigan |
| Established | 1994 |
| Designation | Michigan state park |
| Trailheads | South Haven (42°24′07″N 86°16′33″W / 42.40191095°N 86.27582721°W) Hartford (42°12′41″N 86°10′16″W / 42.211410°N 86.171065°W) |
| Use | Hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | All |
| Sights | Farmland, blueberry fields, wooded areas. |
| Surface | Dirt and gravel |
| Maintained by | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Van Buren Trail State Park |
The Van Buren Trail State Park, sometimes called Trail State Park, is a cool outdoor path in Van Buren County, Michigan. It's about 14 miles (22.5 km) long and connects the towns of Hartford, Michigan and South Haven, Michigan. This trail used to be a railroad track, but now it's a great place for people to enjoy nature and get some exercise!
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Exploring Van Buren Trail State Park
The Van Buren Trail is a special kind of path known as a "rail trail." This means it was built on an old railroad line that is no longer used by trains. Because of this, the trail is mostly flat, making it easy for many different activities.
What Can You Do on the Trail?
The trail is popular all year round! In the warmer months, many people enjoy horseback riding and hiking. It's a peaceful place to explore the outdoors.
When winter arrives, the trail transforms into a snowy playground. Snowmobilers love to use the path, gliding through the beautiful winter scenery. Cross-country skiers also enjoy the flat terrain for a smooth glide.
What Will You See?
As you travel along the Van Buren Trail, you'll see different kinds of landscapes. The path goes through open farmland, where you might spot crops growing. You'll also pass by pretty blueberry fields, especially fun to see when the berries are ripe! Plus, there are wooded areas with lots of trees, offering shade and a chance to see local wildlife.
Keeping the Trail Great
The Van Buren Trail State Park is maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In 2004, Van Buren County started helping to operate the trail. This partnership helps make sure the trail stays in good condition for everyone to enjoy.
To help pay for the trail's upkeep, there's a special system called a "trail pass." When you buy a pass, your money helps with things like fixing paths and keeping the trail clean. This way, the trail can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Connecting to Other Adventures
The northern end of the Van Buren Trail is in South Haven, close to Lake Michigan. This part of the trail is extra special because it connects to other paths!
In 2015, a 4.5-mile section of the trail was paved with smooth asphalt. This paved part links the Van Buren Trail to the South Haven Trail system. This means you can easily go from the Van Buren Trail right into downtown South Haven. From there, you can explore city shops, visit the beaches, or even connect to another famous trail called the Kal-Haven Trail. If you have a trail pass for the Van Buren Trail, it's also good for the Kal-Haven Trail!
