Back to listing

Ott Biological Preserve

Visit Website
Address
Arlington Ave
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Regions: Battle Creek
Phone
(269) 781-0782
(map loads here)
view map

Expand All
Description
This greenspace includes 298 acres of natural habitat that is open to the public for hiking, exploring fauna and observing wildlife. Look for carnivorous plants, find one of the lakes or bring your bicycle.

Within its boundaries are two spring-fed kettle lakes, large wetlands and ridged uplands.  Well-developed hardwood forests of the uplands include black, red and white oaks; pignut and shagbark hickories; and flowering dogwood. Common tree species of the lowland hardwood forests are yellow birch, red maple, black ash and spicebush.

From the tree line to the water’s edge is an interesting habitat called prairie fen. These fens support carnivorous plants including the purple pitcher plant, bladderworts, and several orchid species.

The park is home to over five miles of trail including portions of the North Country Trail, Calhoun County Trail, Iron Belle Trail and Great Lake to Lake Trail. The Calhoun County Trail traverses the outer edge of the preserve and is a great route for bikers and families. Other trails meander through the middle of the Ott and navigate the park’s wetlands and eskers and only allow foot traffic.

The park can be accessed via the northern and southern parking lots. Each lot contains a sign, kiosk and bike rack.

The park consists of trails that are rustic, have varying slopes, traverse wetlands and erode rapidly. Though the trails are maintained regularly, many do not meet accessibly standards.
Photos

We would like to lookup your present location so we can provide accurate directions.

Your browser may ask for your permission to determine your location (possibly at the top of this page).

If you agree, we will use your current location as the starting point for directions. If you don't agree, you may enter a starting location when the map is displayed.

Call
Map
Translate