Visitor Information

Established on abandoned agricultural land, the 716-acre W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest is an MSU AgBio Research Station known worldwide for research on tree breeding and genetics, planting techniques, and plantation establishment and management. Over 157 tree species from around North America and the world can be found at Kellogg Forest.

Currently, research is being conducted that focuses on genetics, the forest carbon cycle, forest health, and regeneration of native hardwood species and the many variables that hinder the process.

There are also demonstrations throughout the property focusing on the various methods of forest management from pre-planning to final harvest and reforestation with educational signage.

Kellogg Forest offers a unique opportunity for the public to learn about forestry research and management directly while also providing access to recreate. Please note that some areas of the forest have limited or restricted public access. This is related to visitor safety, security, and protecting the integrity of research. Please respect signage and the privilege to recreate on such a unique landscape.

Research and Educational Opportunities

From macroinvertebrates in Augusta Creek to Japanese red pine; Kellogg Forest has a lot to offer when it comes to research and education. Kellogg Forest is one of the most unique outdoor environments in southwest Michigan. Professional staff and specialized equipment make project implementation efficient and effective.

Kellogg Forest is also a great place for instructors to administer field-based curriculum for students in courses at all levels of education.

For more information on conducting your research or field based course at Kellogg Forest, please contact the Forest Manager at 269-731-4597 or for.kelloggforest@msu.edu

Educational Tours and Volunteer Opportunities

Tours

Tours focusing on the management of a Forestry Agricultural Experiment Station and specific research are typically conducted by a forester or forest technician. Visiting scholars, college classes, forest industry professionals, community groups, non-profit organizations, and groups employed in related fields are typically interested in this type of tour.

Volunteering

Volunteers assist in projects ranging from guided tours and native pollinator garden maintenance to maple syrup production. Volunteer training sessions are held in the spring and fall, with separate sessions for open house events.

Volunteers are one of our most valuable assets and make operations such as maple syrup production possible. They enrich the community by increasing the capabilities of the staff and opportunities available to the public.

For further information regarding tours or volunteering please contact the Forest Manager at 269-731-4597 or for.kelloggforest@msu.edu.

Hours

Hours Open to the Public

Visitors are welcome during the following hours:

April 1st – October 31st: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

November 1st – March 31st: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Office Hours:   9:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest is closed during the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The forest is research property owned by the university. Please respect signage and policies.

Restricted and Research Areas

The area around the office and infrastructure including the paved parking lot, bathrooms, and pavilion is no longer open to the public. These areas are reserved for business, research, educational activities, and outreach events. Please do not park or enter areas posted “Restricted Area – No Trespassing”, “Research – No Trespassing” or “Authorized Personnel /Vehicles Only”.

Parking

Public parking is available during posted hours in the gravel lot located 0.3 miles north of the main office on the west side of 42nd street.

Access to Trails

East Side Trails

Lemmien Loop Trail

Access to the Lemmien Loop is directly across 42nd street from the gravel parking lot. There is a short scenic trail that leads to a footbridge which crosses Augusta Creek. Follow the red blazes and trail markers. Please stay on marked trails.

North Country Trail

From Vermont to North Dakota, The NCT is the longest National Scenic Trail covering 4,700 miles through eight states.  A portion of the trail makes its way through Kellogg Forest and offers views of upland forests and riparian areas along Augusta Creek. Follow the blue paint blazes.

West Side Trails

The west side of Kellogg Forest is also open for you to enjoy during posted hours. This area does not have marked trails, offers steeper topography, and tends to be more challenging than the Lemmien Loop. Please plan your hike accordingly and do not venture into this area if you are unfamiliar with orienteering or wilderness areas.

If you see something that needs attention, please contact the office at 269-731-4597 or for.kelloggforest@msu.edu

Recreation

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AND ITEMS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT KELLOGG FOREST:

  • FORAGING AND GATHERING
  • ALCOHOL AND FIREARMS
  • CAMPING /CAMPFIRES
  • DRONES/UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

PLEASE REMAIN ON DESIGNATED/MARKED TRAILS

Horseback Riding

West of 42nd street ONLY – May 1st through October 1st. Please park trailers on the outermost edge of the gravel parking lot to allow as much room as possible for other visitors. Parking for trailers is limited and not guaranteed.  Please clean up after your horse while in the parking lot.  Please DO NOT leave the maintained trails.

Archery Hunting

Open October 1st to January 1st in accordance with State regulations.  All hunters are required to apply for an annual MSU hunting permit and adhere to MSU and Kellogg Forest hunting policies.

The hunting permit application is available on the “Resources and Reports” page.

Fishing 

Augusta Creek is open to fishing in accordance with State regulations. Please be respectful of hours open to the public while planning your fishing trip. 

Dog Walking

Your furry friend is welcome to enjoy the hike.

Please clean up after your pal and make sure they are always leashed.

MSU Ordinance -23.01

State Law – Dog Law of 1919

Kalamazoo County Ordinance – Article IV; Section 1

Commercial Photography

Permit Required. The application and Information regarding commercial photography can be found on the “Resources and Reports” page.

Donations

Don’t have time to volunteer, but want to help out? Your generous donations help the Department of Forestry and W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest provide endless recreational and educational opportunities to the southwest Michigan community. From trail maintenance with specialized forestry equipment to educational field trips, every donation helps no matter the denomination.

Donate to Kellogg Forest

For donation information please contact the Forest Manager at 269-731-4597 or for.kelloggforest@msu.edu. 

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