Population17,939 (2020 Census)
Woodland Trails, River Views and Village Gatherings
Kalkaska County, MichiganKalkaska County offers woodland trails, river scenery and a downtown gathering place at Railroad Square. Walk through Seven Bridges, explore the South Boardman Preserve or plan a stop for a meal in Kalkaska. Outdoor shops and library services add useful destinations along the way. This guide connects those outings with county offices, schools, health services and transportation information, helping residents and visitors plan both leisure time and everyday tasks.
Kalkaska County at a Glance
Population17,939 (2020 Census)
County SeatKalkaska
Largest MunicipalityKalkaska Township (5,027; 2020 population within county)
Established1871 (organized)
ZIP Codes8 ZIP codes wholly or partly within the county
Total Area570.6 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesUS-131, M-66 and M-72
Area Codes231
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Kalkaska County
Kalkaska County
Kalkaska County’s government was organized in 1871, and its present-day gathering places reflect a continuing relationship between working landscapes and community life. Railroad Square transformed a former lumberyard into a public space for markets, meals and events. Away from the village, Seven Bridges and the Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area protect opportunities to experience rivers, woods and wetlands. Local libraries, schools and small businesses provide another side of the county’s character, connecting people with services and shared activities throughout the year.
Kalkaska, Rapid City, South Boardman and the surrounding townships offer different combinations of local services and outdoor access. School enrollment, utility providers and transit arrangements depend on where you live, so confirm details using your address. The county library includes township branch services as well as its main location. Trails and seasonal events offer choices for free time, but conditions, opening hours and booking requirements can change. Check the responsible organization’s current information before setting out.
What Shapes Us
River and Woodland
Seven Bridges and South Boardman Preserve provide short nature outings, with maps and property rules that help visitors choose an appropriate route and access point.
Village Gathering Place
Railroad Square brings a pedestrian path, event lawn and seasonal activities into downtown Kalkaska, making it a useful starting point for a village visit.
Outdoor Connections
Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area and the county’s motorized trail network offer very different experiences, so choose the right map, activity rules and seasonal information.
Find your pace among river paths and village places.
Around Kalkaska County
Around Kalkaska County
Places, landscapes and community stories
Lead Story
Summer Nights Bring Greenfield Together
Music, food, and neighbors fill the courthouse square as the county summer season gets underway.
Read the Story June 12, 2026 • 5 min read
Around Kalkaska County
Stories from every corner of Kalkaska County.
Summer Nights Bring Greenfield Together
Music, food, and neighbors fill the courthouse square as the county summer season gets underway.
June 12, 2026 • 5 min read
A New Season at the Lake
Boating, trails, and sunny days return to the water.
June 10, 2026 • 4 min read
Festival Weekend Returns
A favorite local celebration returns this weekend.
June 9, 2026 • 3 min read
Main Street After Dark
Shops, dining, and music bring downtown to life.
June 8, 2026 • 4 min read
Five Hidden Stops Worth The Drive
Scenic places and local favorites worth discovering.
June 7, 2026 • 5 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the right local resource
Use these resources to connect with public offices, essential services and community organizations in Kalkaska County. Visit the linked provider for current details before making a trip.
County Government
Board of Commissioners — Official county office information, contacts and services.
County Clerk — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Treasurer — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Register of Deeds — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Equalization — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Schools and Education
Confirm school assignment with the district serving your street address.
Kalkaska Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Forest Area Community Schools — District serving the Fife Lake and South Boardman area; confirm enrollment with your address.
Kalkaska High School — School information, student resources and contacts.
Kalkaska Middle School — School information and family resources.
Rapid City Elementary — Elementary school contacts and family resources.
Hospitals and Regional Care
Call 911 for an emergency. Regional facilities are labeled separately.
Kalkaska Memorial Health Center — Munson Healthcare facility on South Coral Street; consult its current service directory.
Public Safety
Kalkaska County Sheriff — County law enforcement and public safety contacts.
Kalkaska County Emergency Management — Local emergency coordination and preparedness information.
Michigan State Police — State law enforcement contacts and resources.
DNR Law Enforcement — Conservation enforcement and outdoor regulations.
Michigan local emergency management directory — Official county emergency management contacts.
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate police, fire or ambulance response.
Kalkaska County Emergency Management — Local emergency coordination and preparedness information.
District Health Department #10 — Kalkaska — Local public health and environmental health services.
North Country Community Mental Health — Regional mental health access and crisis-service information, including Kalkaska County.
National Weather Service Gaylord — Official regional forecasts, watches and warnings.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Hartwick Pines State Park — Regional option near Grayling in Crawford County, outside Kalkaska County; check entry passes and notices.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Seven Bridges — Woodland and river nature area in Kalkaska County; use the preserve map and follow posted access rules.
South Boardman Preserve — Township-owned nature preserve with a short trail; check property rules and current conditions.
Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area — Wetland and forest wildlife area spanning Kalkaska and Antrim counties; choose access from the official map.
Railroad Square — Downtown gathering space with a pedestrian path and event lawn; purchases, rentals and special events are separate.
Kalkaska County Sand and Snow — Trail maps and grooming information for motorized recreation; current permits, seasons and signed routes apply.
Utilities
Providers and public water or sewer service vary by address; confirm your service territory.
Great Lakes Energy — Electric cooperative contacts, including the Kalkaska service center; confirm territory coverage.
Consumers Energy — Utility account and outage information within its service territory.
District Health Department #10 — Kalkaska — Local public health and environmental health services.
MPSC electric service area map — Identify the electric utility serving an address.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
Libraries
Kalkaska County Library — County library system with a main location and Garfield and Coldsprings township branches; check current service hours.
Courts
Kalkaska County Courts and Friend of the Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Court Contacts/Location — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
46th Circuit Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Jury Duty — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Friend of the Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Secretary of State — license and ID renewal — Review renewal options and documents.
Michigan Secretary of State — vehicle tabs — Renew vehicle registration.
Michigan Secretary of State — titles and registration — Prepare for a vehicle transfer.
Michigan Secretary of State — address changes — Update your address with the department.
Michigan Secretary of State — disability parking — Find placard application and renewal information.
Michigan self-service stations — Find a nearby kiosk and check supported transactions.
Transportation
Kalkaska Area Transit — County public transportation with scheduled service options; confirm coverage and booking requirements.
Kalkaska County Road Commission — County road maintenance, construction and contact information.
MDOT Mi Drive — Road conditions and construction information.
Michigan public transit providers — Official transit agency contacts across Michigan.
Michigan transportation guide — Airports, bus connections and other travel resources.
Postal Services
Official USPS tools for local mailing and delivery needs.
USPS Post Office locator — Search your town or ZIP for nearby offices and services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Confirm the mailing ZIP for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold.
USPS Change of Address — Use the official postal address-change service.
USPS PO Boxes — Find and manage a post office box.
USPS package pickup — Check and schedule an eligible pickup.
Veterans Resources
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Connect with state benefits assistance and local support.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund — Review emergency-assistance options and eligibility.
VA health care enrollment — Find enrollment guidance.
Veterans education benefits — Explore federal and state education programs.
Veteran Readiness and Employment — Learn about employment and rehabilitation support.
Veterans burial benefits — Find benefit and memorial planning resources.
Employment and Training
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Works! — Find the workforce agency serving your area.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency — Claims, account help and program information.
Michigan Reconnect — Check eligibility for community college tuition support.
Veterans Employment Services — Career assistance for eligible veterans.
Workforce education and training — Explore state training programs and pathways.
Make yourself at home
Practical answers for residents and visitors
County Questions
Know Before You Go
Find answers to common questions about exploring and living in Kalkaska County.
Seven Bridges offers a short nature outing through woodland near the river. Use the current preserve map and follow posted rules.
Railroad Square is a downtown public gathering space with a path, event lawn and facilities for markets and events. Food purchases and facility rentals are separate from an ordinary visit.
Seven Bridges offers an outdoor option, while Kalkaska County Library provides reading spaces and scheduled activities. Check weather, hours and program registration.
South Boardman Preserve and Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area provide different settings. Consult their maps and current access rules before choosing a route.
Hartwick Pines State Park is near Grayling in Crawford County. It is listed as a regional option, with separate travel and entry arrangements.
Trout Town Tavern & Eatery, G’s Pizzeria Kalkaska and Moose & Stella’s Cafe provide restaurant and cafe choices. Consult each business for current menus and hours.
Jack’s Sport Shop carries outdoor equipment, while Karefish at Past To Present Emporium offers a gift selection inside Past To Present Emporium. Contact the seller about current stock.
KAIR Resale Store sells resale clothing, Family Farm & Home Kalkaska offers workwear shopping, and Kalkaska Blazer Gear Mascot Shop links to school-branded apparel ordering.
Kalkaska County Library lists its main location and services at Garfield and Coldsprings township halls. Check the specific location’s hours before traveling.
Kalkaska Area Transit provides county transportation and other scheduled services. Confirm pickup, destination coverage, advance booking and return-trip arrangements.
Kalkaska Memorial Health Center provides health services in Kalkaska. Consult its current department contacts for routine questions and call 911 for emergencies.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make a day of itExplore places to eat, shop and spend time together.
Kids’ Fun
- Seven Bridges — Woodland and river nature area in Kalkaska County; use the preserve map and follow posted access rules.
- Railroad Square — Downtown gathering space with a pedestrian path and event lawn; purchases, rentals and special events are separate.
- Kalkaska County Library — Public browsing and reading spaces; see current main-library and township branch locations and hours.
Restaurants
- Trout Town Tavern & Eatery — Restaurant in Kalkaska serving comfort-food meals; check current menus and service hours.
- G’s Pizzeria Kalkaska — Pizza and casual meals at the Kalkaska location; confirm dine-in, takeout and delivery arrangements.
- Moose & Stella’s Cafe — Kalkaska cafe with breakfast dishes, sandwiches and a children’s menu.
Shopping & Retail
- Jack’s Sport Shop — Outdoor equipment, fishing supplies and hunting gear in Kalkaska; check current inventory.
- Karefish at Past To Present Emporium — Gift selection inside the Kalkaska emporium on M-72; contact the seller for current in-store availability.
- KAIR Resale Store — Resale clothing and goods in downtown Kalkaska; store hours differ from assistance-program hours.
Clothing & Boutiques
- KAIR Resale Store — Resale clothing and goods in downtown Kalkaska; store hours differ from assistance-program hours.
- Family Farm & Home Kalkaska — Farm, home and workwear shopping at 784 South Cedar Street; confirm local clothing stock and sizes.
- Kalkaska Blazer Gear Mascot Shop — School-branded apparel through the district’s linked shop; review ordering and fulfillment arrangements.
Outdoor Fun
- Seven Bridges — Woodland and river nature area in Kalkaska County; use the preserve map and follow posted access rules.
- South Boardman Preserve — Township-owned nature preserve with a short trail; check property rules and current conditions.
- Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area — Wetland and forest wildlife area spanning Kalkaska and Antrim counties; choose access from the official map.
Free Things To Do
- Seven Bridges — Woodland and river nature area in Kalkaska County; use the preserve map and follow posted access rules.
- Railroad Square — Downtown gathering space with a pedestrian path and event lawn; purchases, rentals and special events are separate.
- Kalkaska County Library — Public browsing and reading spaces; see current main-library and township branch locations and hours.
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