Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve

A short walk from the parking area, visitors can experience several iconic features of the West Michigan landscape: oak-hickory and beech-maple forests, hardwood swamps and vernal pools, sphagnum bogs and tallgrass prairies. Overlooks and boardwalks provide impressive views of the bog and other wetlands – and frequent glimpses of the wildlife they contain. The ever-expanding tallgrass prairie is one of the most popular features of the property because of its shifting beauty throughout the seasons. Trails are well maintained (even for little walkers) and well marked with blazes in the wooded areas and mowed trails throughout any prairie or open area. The child hazards in the wooded areas are mainly uneven surfaces and tree roots. There are two main loops from the parking lot, with a total of roughly 2 miles of trail. The are is mostly flat. There is a small creek running through the Southern loop of the Preserve, with small bridges to cross the creek. With the water areas, the Preserve has a large number of mosquitos in the spring and summer season. There are two small boardwalks with viewing areas of the bog. One is elevated. You can not walk into the bog as part of the nature preservation efforts. Lots of wildlife can be spotted including geese, swans, pitcher plants, frogs, Sandhill Cranes, deer and more. Dogs are allowed on a leash.