The Linear Park in Battle Creek, Michigan

The Linear Park in Battle Creek, Michigan is a walking, running and biking trail that runs from Dickman Road near the Fort Custer Cemetery down to the official trail head that starts down Brady road and goes 6.5 miles to downtown following the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek rivers. 

It then continues through downtown following the river, through Bailey Park and across Roosevelt Avenue over to Kellogg Community College, and eventually reconnecting with the original path along the river just east of downtown near 20^th street. 

The entire trail is approximately 15 to 20 miles long in total, and there are plans to expand it even further in the future.  The trail follows the rivers mostly, and through wooded areas, and at times through neighborhoods and commercial districts. 

There are bridges across sections of the river, as well as scenic overlooks and boardwalks along the way.  The trail also travels next to a few playgrounds, seven separate parks and local landmarks. 

The trail passes in close proximity to points of interest like the Willard Library, the W.K. Kellogg House, the Underground Railroad sculpture, the Family Y Center, the Leila Arboretum, Full Blast and the Rink in downtown. 

There are also places to fish along the river, as well as picnic. In Bailey Park there are places to launch canoes in the river.  Some of the rules for the Linear Park are as follows:

No motor vehicles permitted.

The Linear Park closes ½ hour after sunset.

Keep all dogs on a leash.

Stay to the right of the path so faster users can pass you safely.

No speed cycling.

Be careful crossing streets on the Linear Park.

The Linear Park is a great place to go for a walk, run or a bike ride.  There are several loops of the path through the area on the north side of town, and there are also great spots along the way to picnic or just explore. 

Take your camera with you, as the various seasons offer nice photo opportunities along as you travel through each area.  For more information about the Linear Park, check out the Battle Creek Parks website here.