Portman Nature Preserve — Attraction in Antwerp Township

Portman Nature Preserve is a beautiful place to enjoy nature and hike through the woods with your dogs. It's so close to home and nice and private making you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. However, the main reason I go is to take my two dogs for a nice long walk. The leash law rule is posted for a reason, but unfortunately I've run into a lot of people who ignore the rule. My dogs are always on their leash as I understand and respect other people who are their to enjoy a safe walk. It's very hard to feel safe their when someone ignores this rule and let their dog(s) run free. My dogs are not always dog friendly and it creates a dangerous situation when I'm having to try and hold my dog back when she sees another dog running towards her off leash. I wish people would follow the leash rule so that EVERYONE there can enjoy a stress free walking environment. There are many dog parks that these people can take their dogs to and let them run free. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE follow the leash rules and respect everyone and the nature this...

‘Twas a hot one today but a good day for a shorter hike at the Portman Preserve in between Paw paw and Mattawan. This is a Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy property and is always a beautiful hike. Today saw mom, dad and baby swans on Lime Lake, a snake trying to pretend to be an ostrich, tons of dragon flies and chipmunks running amok. All in all a great day in the great outdoors. This preserve is free, most of the trails are packed dirt with some boardwalks, dog on leash friendly, kid friendly. There’s a good mix of forest and wetlands, two viewable lakes, and a large variety of plant, animal and bird life here. There is a large parking area. No facilities so plan...

Very nice nature trail. You can come across 3 separate lakes on this trail; Mud lake, ...you can hike this trail with your kids. Be careful it can be fairly challenging for them. Slight incline as you continue your hike to the further lakes. Snow and raining seasons might want to wear boots. It was a bit muddy in some areas of the trial. We hiked along the lake side so you can imagine the kind of hike we came across. The lake at some part were frozen but that’s to be expected on a hike when temperatures are below 35 degrees. Had a great time on this trail very pleasant. Overall doable for even the novice of hikers, just remember to plan accordingly for...