Michigan Trail Tuesday: Armintrout Milbocker Nature Preserve, Allegan

Michigan Trail Tuesday is our attempt to showcase a different trail or trail segment each week. The Mitten State is home to thousands of miles of trails, including the new Iron Belle Trail that runs from Detroit in the southeast to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula and more miles of the North Country Trail than any other state.

One of the newest additions to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s collection of properties is the Armintrout Milbocker Nature Preserve in Allegan. This 140-acre preserve has two miles of trails that pass through pine-oak forest and wetlands. The property has three miles of frontage on the Kalamazoo River, and is a great spot for wildlife watching and looking for flowers and other plants. We had a chance to visit in May 2023 and loved the trails and scenic views.

There is a good size parking lot at the preserve, and a three-panel sign tells about the SWMLC, offers trail maps, and highlights the wildlife and plant life visitors might find here. We opted for the White Loop Trail (.8 miles) and headed into the woods. The trail is wide and well-groomed, offering occasional scenic views through the trees.

This trail eventually overlaps with parts of the longer Yellow Loop Trail (1.4 miles). There are several benches for anyone looking to rest or sit and soak in the surrounding nature. We saw many chipmunks and squirrels, and saw and heard many birds (including a few loud woodpeckers). Some open viewing areas offer the chance to see waterfowl like swans on the river, and close observation reveals the presence of at least a few beavers.

According to SWMLC, more than 560 plant species have been documented here. Two that stood out during our visit were lily of the valley and cancer root (bear corn). It would be easy to spend an entire day here just looking at the plants! If you’re looking for a great hike with a few moderate hills, strap on your hiking boots or comfortable shoes, spray some bug spray, and head out to Armintrout Milbocker Nature Preserve in Allegan!

The preserve is located at 137 Thomas St., about a mile and a half from the intersection of M-40 and M-89 in downtown Allegan.