Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is a highlight of the Portage Park System. Initiated in 1976 in honor of the nation’s 200th birthday, it now represents a unique marriage between environmental stewardship and community enrichment. This unique park is known as a “linear” park and features a 3.5 mile biking/hiking trail along Portage Creek.
The popular park protects the sensitive environment of the Portage Creek basin and offers residents many opportunities to enjoy the creek and surrounding environment – from walking, hiking, and bike riding to canoe and bicycle surrey rentals. Featured attractions include over eight miles of hiking and biking trails, the Milham Avenue activity area, and the Celery Flats Interpretive Center and Historical Area.
During the winter, the trail is kept open to provide year-round access for walking and fitness. Cross-country skiers can enjoy the gentle terrain and natural environment as well. To get started, perhaps you should get a copy of the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park bikeway and hiking trail system map.
The Celery Flats Interpretive Center highlights the celery heritage of Portage and Kalamazoo County. From 1890 to 1930, Kalamazoo County was the Celery Capital of the world. The Interpretive Center celebrates this history through artifacts, photos, narratives, and video presentations.
The Celery Flats Historical Area is home to four relocated structures of historic significance to the community. Come visit the 1856 schoolhouse and the 1931 grain elevator, Portage's oldest remaining commercial building. Stuart Manor, an 1846 “Four Square ” Greek Revival house, was relocated in 1994. The house, which is the oldest remaining residential structure in Portage, was built by William Welch and was once the summer home of Michigan's second U.S. Senator, Charles Stuart. By restoring these buildings, the city not only saved important structures, but a unique part of the past. Learn more by downloading a pdf copy of the Celery Flats brochure.
These buildings are not mere artifacts, but continue to serve the community by educating and entertaining. The Summer Entertainment Series utilizes the facilities of the Celery Flats Historical Area to perform Shakespeare, children's plays, and to provide a venue for both musical up-and-comers and seasoned pros. The facilities can even be rented for weddings, parties, school functions and other events involving groups. To learn more, download a copy of the Facility Rental Guide.
"Funny, it doesn't look like a nature preserve." In spite of its popularity as a running and biking venue, Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is one of the treasured nature preserves of Portage. Its centerpiece is a 3.5 mile asphalt bike/pedestrian trail that runs through a river basin adjacent to Portage Creek in what is known as a linear park. The availability of unique recreational activities like canoeing and bicycle surrey rentals contribute to community appreciation for this wonderful linear park and nature preserve. The Portage Creek basin is an environmentally sensitive and irreplaceable natural treasure that will be protected for future naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Park Amenities/Facilities:
Active Recreation: canoe livery, bicycling, bicycle surrey rental
*Complete rental information for facilities in this park are available in the "City of Portage Park Rental Facility Guide." If you are interested in renting a facility at this park, email or call 269-329-4522.
The Celery Flats Historical Area is home to four relocated structures of historic significance to the community. Come visit the 1856 schoolhouse and the 1931 grain elevator, Portage's oldest remaining commercial building. Stuart Manor, an 1846 “Four Square ” Greek Revival house, was relocated in 1994. The house, which is the oldest remaining residential structure in Portage, was built by William Welch and was once the summer home of Michigan's second U.S. Senator, Charles Stuart. By restoring these buildings, the city not only saved important structures, but a unique part of the past. Learn more by downloading a pdf copy of the 
"Funny, it doesn't look like a nature preserve." In spite of its popularity as a running and biking venue, Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is one of the treasured