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Access Site MI

Allegan Dam (Lower)

Kalamazoo River

Source: michigan_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Allegan, MI
County: Allegan County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.56650843, -85.95200499
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Kalamazoo River
1 run
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Located off Monroe Street near 42nd Street in Allegan, this DNR hard-surfaced boat ramp provides access to Lake Allegan, an impoundment of the Kalamazoo River. The site offers parking for more than 10 vehicles and is open 24 hours. This is a straightforward launch point for boaters and paddlers looking to access the calmer waters of the impoundment rather than the moving river itself.

**Important considerations:** The ramp is located in an area of limited water depth and limited water body size, which means launching and retrieving larger boats may be difficult and is not recommended. Kayakers and canoeists will find this more suitable than motorized craft. The site is approximately 2.5 miles downstream from the Above Calkins Dam Access site, making it useful as either a put-in or take-out point for river trips. If paddling the main Kalamazoo River, be aware that recreational access may be seasonal or limited during certain periods—check with local authorities about current conditions and alternative access points like Pine Creek and Fox Mountain/Bittersweet before planning your trip.