About Asylum Lake
Asylum Lake Preserve is a 274-acre parcel of land that is owned by Western Michigan University. The lake and adjoining property lie in the West Fork of the Portage Creek Watershed. The land is preserved as a passive-use recreation area under an agreement between the city of Kalamazoo and WMU. Asylum Lake's preservation was ensured as a condition of the development of the College of Engineering on Parkview Avenue.
The property serves as a research area for professors and students of anthropology, biology, geography, hydrogeology and environmental studies at WMU as well as other educational institutions. It is managed by the Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council, made up of representatives from local neighborhood organizations, environmental groups and WMU departments. The preserve is part of the Landscape Division's Natural Areas Program.
Location of the preserve
The Asylum Lake Preserve is located on the corner of Drake Road and Parkview Avenue in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Are dogs allowed at the preserve?
Dogs are allowed on the property but must be leashed at all times, including if in the water. This rule is enforced to protect the natural environment as well as other visitors and their pets. Kalamazoo County Animal Control Officers will be ticketing anyone with unleashed pets.