Whitehouse Nature Center - Albion College

The Whitehouse Nature Center on the campus of Albion College is a perfect example of the kind of hiking that is present almost anywhere in southeast and mid-Michigan. The center property is 144 acres in size and contains a variety of environments along the Kalamazoo River. The hiking is not incredible, but it's not bad, either. And there are five or six miles of trail. That's enough for a nice two hour hike.

Here is a hike report that I originally wrote on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group:

Whitehouse Nature Center

05/25/02

I got out before the storms this morning for an approximately 5 mile loop hike in Albion. The
Whitehouse Center is owned by Albion College and is about 200 acres in size. There are about 5 miles of trail although there are a few small unofficial spurs. Highlights of hiking here include the Kalamazoo River and a small stream. A well-constructed pedestrian bridge over the Kalamazoo is also very pleasant. The trails are easy to hike. Some are grass. Some are dirt. Some pass through old fields. Others skim the river's edge. This is a good place for kids. And it's also a good spot if there is a threat of bad weather and you don't want to get too far off the beaten path. The nature center is also very nice - I almost walked in on a seminar. The trailhead is just to the east of the Albion College football field. Info. can be found in the Trail Atlas of Michigan and the MI Watchable Wildlife Viewing Guide. I'd recommend this place to those within an hour of Albion.

Map:

http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/map.asp

Trail Guide:

http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/trails.asp

MI Watchable Wildlife Viewing Guide Entry:

http://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/98Whitehouse/index.htm

Directions to Center:

http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/location.asp