Hickory Creek Preserve

What was once a railroad bed and now power line corridor is a developing "greenway" trail that links other public open spaces to run from Lake Michigan along the St. Joseph River to Hickory Creek and beyond.  SWMLC's preserve protects both sides of Hickory Creek shortly before it flows into the St. Joseph River where, at certain times of the year, visitors can watch the salmon run.

The easy walking and biking trails along the edge of the preserve offer an opportunity to view a variety of habitats, including woodland, savanna, streams, marshes, and ponds.  The variety of habitats makes for great wildlife viewing opportunities as well.  Foxes, deer, butterflies, and all different types of birds (especially during spring migration) are regularly seen along the trails.  Wildflowers bloom through the growing season, beginning with marsh marigolds and jack-in-the-pulpits in spring to wild lupine and butterfly milkweed in the summer and finishing with great fall displays of asters and goldenrods.

Directions:  From I-94 take Niles Avenue exit (M-63) and go north toward St. Joseph.  Turn south onto Lincoln Avenue.  Turn west onto Vineland Road.  Park at Knauf Park or Roger's Foodland.  Walk north through Knauf Park to preserve.

Click here for a trail map.