The Kal-Haven Trail State Park is 33.5 miles of Michigan railroad history-turned-recreation paradise.

The Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad built the line in 1871, and for 100 years lumber and other goods were transported between the two cities. The line was abandoned in 1971 and talk of converting it into a rail-to-trail began a few years later. It was set to be opened in 1976, but opposition to the trail delayed the plan for years.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources acquired the land in 1987, and with help from the non-profit Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail Organization, developed and opened the trail in 1989. It is open year round and is popular with hikers, runners, cyclists, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

The limestone and slag trail is marked by a shiny red caboose

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