My friend Dan and I decided to revisit this stretch of the Kalamazoo River in early September of 2025. We saw a few boaters on the river, but most of the time we had the river to ourselves.
This stretch of the river is mostly wide and shallow with slow current. There are a few places with moderate current. This section of the Kalamazoo River flows in a southwesterly direction. The shoreline is wooded. There are only a few homes on the river and those are in the Galesburg area and the Augusta area. The waterway is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. There are plenty of spots to stop for a break (dependent on water level), but the spots get fewer in number as you get closer to Galesburg.
Kayakers can choose between two landings for river access. Both are within the Fort Custer State Recreation Area. The entrance to the recreation area is on the south side of Highway M96, east of the village of Augusta. Follow the park signs to the river access.
We chose a river access that lies on a small sliver of park land on the north side of M96, between the Kalamazoo River bridge and the railroad tracks, east of Augusta.
A view downstream from the landing:
Just around the bend from the boat landing, the M96 bridge and a railroad bridge span the river.
Downstream from the railroad bridge, Augusta Creek (trout stream farther north) flows into the Kalamazoo River on the right. The creek is not navigable.
The river serves as the western boundary for the Fort Custer State Recreation Area.
Continuing downstream, the other river access is on the left. The landing features a concrete boat ramp and a vault toilet.
Scenic woodlands border the river all the way to Galesburg.
Dan decided to wet a line and landed a tackle-busting smallmouth bass.
We tried to paddle up Gull Creek from the river but we didn’t get very far because of fallen trees.
The Michigan Avenue Bridge spans the river at the east end of Galesburg.
Downstream from the bridge, the Time Out Lounge is on the north riverbank. The lounge caters to kayakers, so Dan and I beached our kayaks and had a beer on the deck overlooking the river
Heading back down the river, the Kalamazoo enters a long straight stretch followed by a gentle curve. Look for two decks and a boat ramp on the north side of the river. This is the Galesburg Community Park, where your trip ends. The park is located behind the Galesburg City Hall, on Michigan Avenue. There are two entrances, one on each side of the building. A gravel road leads from the paved rear parking lot to the waterfront and the landing.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 