Kalkaska is a rural village surrounded by lakes and greenery
Deep in northern Michigan’s woodlands, the village of Kalkaska is a gateway to the outdoors. Trails, lakes and rivers surround the village, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to hike, cycle and soak in the natural landscapes that define the region’s character. Nearly 50% of the county’s land is designated as state forest. But it was once used for lumbering, which spearheaded its early 19th-century economy, along with the railroad. Kalkaska’s growth continued through oil, gas, tourism, and, more recently, cannabis. Today, several cultivation facilities and a large number of dispensaries are located here. Though rural, it's not a tiny pass-through town. "It's an established community with plenty of businesses," says Kathy Pecar Lightbody, a realtor of five years who works for Key Realty. "It's completely self-sufficient and not so small you don't have all your needs met." The village's highways also offer easy access to Traverse City, Gaylord and Grayling.
Rustic cabins in the woods and spacious suburban streets
Kalkaska's mix of farmhouse-style homes, rustic cabins, modern cottages and spacious lots appeals to those seeking privacy and a sense of belonging. Landscapes vary from forested lots to lakeside living to suburban streets within walking distance of downtown. Streets near town form a grid, yet lots remain spacious. "There is nothing that resembles what I'd consider a city lot," Pecar Lightbody says. "The kids all have front and back yards to play in." Smaller homes and properties needing renovation generally range from around $100,000 to $240,000, while larger or more updated homes are priced between $245,000 and $445,000. Outlying prices are as low as $60,000 and as high as $885,000, with private waterfront homes on acreage being particularly sought after.
Seasonal fun, from fishing to cross-country skiing
Trails in the surrounding area accommodate winter sports from snowmobiling to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well as general hiking, horseback riding and cycling. Hikers can enter the county from Pere Marquette State Forest from the North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail continues through the village, with its exit being County Road 612. Chalker Park, in the heart of Kalkaska, is home to a castle-themed playground decorated in fairytale murals. The park also has picnic areas, a basketball court and sledding hill. Numerous county lakes provide fishing, swimming, camping and paddling spots. A disc golf course and volleyball court are adjacent to the Log Lake Campgrounds.
The annual trout fishing celebration and bike race draw a crowd
Kalkaska is known for its trout fishing and proudly displays a trout sculpture downtown. The National Trout Festival, a tradition since the 1930s, honors this pastime with activities that, interestingly, don’t focus on fishing. Held in April at the Kalkaska County Fairgrounds and Railroad Square, the festival offers attractions such as camel rides at the petting zoo, a pizza-eating contest and carnival rides. The Kalkaska County Agricultural Fair happens in early August, showcasing 4-H livestock and entertainment, including a rodeo and derby. The Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge attracts thousands to Kalkaska in November for a 30-mile off-road race. On game days, locals head to The Kaliseum Recreation Complex to watch the Kalkaska Battlers take the ice, a semi-pro hockey team of the APHL.
Local eats and dispensaries on Cedar Street
Cedar Street is the center for shopping and dining, with early 20th-century buildings clustered around the historic train depot, now the Kalkaska County Historical Museum. Railroad Square Pavilion, formerly a lumberyard, opened in 2021 as a lively hub featuring food trucks, an event pavilion and lawn that hosts the local farmers market from May to October. Favorites pit stops include Biggby Coffee and the neighborhood bar, Kal-Ho Lounge. Moose & Stella’s Cafe sells breakfast and lunch classics and specialty dishes. Fast food is also an option in the village. Retailers include Jack’s Sport Shop and Hidden Treasures Resale. Several dispensaries line Cedar Street, including Green Pharm Kalkaska. Nearby, favorites like Trout Town Tavern & Eatery and a small shopping center with chains such as Verizon and Dollar General offer additional options. Grocery stores include Northland Food And Family Center and Family Fare Supermarket.
Education through Kalkaska Public Schools
Students attend Kalkaska Public Schools, which participates in school choice. They may start at Birch Street Elementary, which earns a B plus on Niche before moving on to the C-rated Kalkaska Middle School and Kalkaska High School. The high school partners with North Central Michigan College to offer dual enrollment opportunities to its students.
Public transit links Kalkaska to Traverse City and beyond
Kalkaska’s downtown area is pedestrian friendly and links shops, parks and neighborhoods. Michigan Highway 72 and U.S. Route 131 intersect in the village. The Kalkaska Public Transport Authority offers scheduled and flexible bus routes throughout the county and to Traverse City.
During the 2024 to 2025 seasons, Kalkaska saw over 83 inches of snow. The village has experienced instances of flooding, and the local library has been affected in recent years. Kalkaska’s still-active railroad, now part of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, is used for freight transport.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
