There is a museum, an old schoolhouse, the fire barn and along the sidewalks are "green signs" posted all along Fife Lake to share the history of our little village. The museum, schoolhouse, and fire barn will open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 4 from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Open by Appointment (989-781-0512) Board Meetings: 2nd Monday 7 pm - Schoolhouse (May-Sept) Genealogy Group: First Wednesday of every month; 10:00 am; Fife Lake Library
This library has something for all seasons - read outside on the spacious front porch in nice weather, cozy up by the stone fireplace in the winter. Features include an expansive childrens and teen library area, wide selection of movies, computers, and great wifi! Walking distance to downtown or the shore of beautiful Fife Lake. My sister is a current employee of our public library. Our library is connected with TADL in Traverse City.
Along this 21-mile loop trail, hikers can enjoy the scenic views, serenity of the forest, streams and the Manistee River. They can take advantage of the two state forest campgrounds in the loop and the Trail Town of Fife Lake Village. It is a perfect sized loop for a weekend get-a-way for backpackers or there are numerous options for different length day hikes. https://cadillacmichigan.com/project/fife-lake-loop/
Perch Lake Township Park is located on Hart Road on the East end of Perch Lake. Recently renovated, this park features picnic facilities as well as a swimming beach. Around the corner off Woodman Road a boat launch is available for small, non-motorized watercraft.
While this property was protected by GTRLC, it is owned & managed by Boardman Township. Please contact them with any issues. Visitors to this property will find hiking trails, bridges over creeks and rivers, a viewing platform and interpretive signs marking tree species. The path wanders through many landscapes including a hemlock forest, red pine plantation and cedar swamp. It is a beautiful property encompassing a portion of the Boardman River’s headwaters. For more information and up-to-date rules and regulations, please contact Boardman Township at (231) 369-3336.
The Kalkaska County Museum is located in the Train Depot building in downtown Kalkaska. The original building was built about 1873, but burned down in July 1910. The present building was built immediately following and opened for business in June 1911. It became a museum on June 29, 1970. The building was first rented from the village, then leased in perpetuity. It is maintained by contributions, memberships and memorials. The original structure has been preserved and kept in much the same design as when it was used as a depot. (Only the occasional freight train goes past now.) Artifacts at the museum are all a part of Kalkaska history. Much information is available regarding people, places, dates, businesses, schools, churches, clubs, local government, industries, early exports and pioneer days. It is open to the public in June, July & August from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Wednesday through Saturday. Call Don Bellinger at 231-258-9719 for more information.