What to Do Near Gull Lake Year-Round

Whether you're new to Gull Lake or you've lived in this region of Southwest Michigan your entire life, it's easy to find new things to do in Richland even after summer is over!

"Gull Lake is the only regional lake with the size and feel of a Northern Michigan getaway," says Matt Callander, owner of Callander Commercial. "Save yourself the 3.5 hour drive and have access to year-round Pure Michigan right here."

That sentiment holds up no matter what season it is. Gull Lake life is wonderful, no matter the time of year.

Why Gull Lake Works In Every Season

Most people assume that "lake life" is only lively during the summer. Gull Lake is here to prove them wrong.

"Living near Gull Lake means experiencing something special in every season," says Stephanie Wiltgen, Commercial Specialist at Callander Commercial. "Summer speaks for itself. The fall colors are vibrant, the snow-covered lake looks like a postcard, and watching everything come to life in the spring is filled with color and activity."

No matter the month, there's outdoor fun to be had here. Richland and the surrounding communities host activities all year long. The natural beauty surrounding the lake feels like a vacation getaway yet you're still close to where you work and live!

Spring: Color, Wildlife, And Nature Trails

Spring around Gull Lake is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. You get to witness nature waking up all around you. It's a beautiful sight, watching the trees bud, wildflowers bloom, and the lake come back to life after a long, Midwest winter.

The summer crowds aren't quite out yet, so it's a great time to hit the Fort Custer Recreation Area, just down the road. This beautiful place offers more than 40 miles of trails meant for hiking, biking, and horseback riding all within a 3,033-acre park located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Plus, there are three lakes situated there that offer early-season fishing and paddling.

Spring is a wonderful time of year to check out Ross Township Park in Hickory Corners as well. It's a public park with a picnic area, a place to swim, and a boat launch that leads right into Gull Lake (and spring is the perfect time to explore before the tourists hit the water!).

Summer: Long Lake Days And Family Memories

Summer is, of course, when Gull Lake really gets to strut its stuff. It boasts over 18 miles of shoreline and can always be counted on for crystal-clear water (thanks to it being spring-fed). People of all ages enjoy swimming, wakeboarding, boating, waterskiing, and so much more on this wonderful lake.

The best part is that you don't need to own a boat to get the full experience. Quite a few local marinas and boat clubs in the area offer rentals, dock access, and lessons in watersports for anyone who wants to spend a day on the water without the upkeep of owning a watercraft.

For family outings that don't involve the lake, there are two long-standing favorites that are just a short drive from Richland:

Gull Meadow Farms

This kid-friendly attraction is best known for its fall activities, but it's open from the end of July through the end of December. Season permitting, it offers fresh apples, baked goods, seasonal favorites, and farm-fresh food. And don't forget the giant slide and the petting zoo!

Binder Park Zoo

One of Michigan's top zoos is about a half-hour drive from Gull Lake. This place lets you get up close and personal with giraffes (if you've never hand-fed a giraffe, this is something you need to check off your bucket list), and learn all about the amazing animals that live all over the world.

Fall: Cool Air, Beautiful Colors, And Comfort Food

Fall is the most photogenic season in Michigan, and the Gull Lake area is no exception. The shoreline turns shades of gold, red, yellow, and orange, and that crisp air draws people outdoors bundled up in their boots and cozy sweaters (with pumpkin spice lattes in hand, preferably).

Autumn is peak season at Gull Meadow Farms; this is the time of year when visitors go to pick apples, get lost in the corn maze, explore the "Corn Crib" (basically a giant pit filled with corn), pick pumpkins, grab fresh cider, and enjoy homemade doughnuts. The farm is a fall tradition for thousands of locals every year, drawing families from all over the state.

The Gilmore Car Museum is another good choice for fall. Located in Hickory Corners, North America's largest auto museum features over 400 vintage and collector vehicles (and motorcycles) from all eras, spanning across a 90-acre campus. When the air gets a little too crisp, inside the museum is the perfect place to be.

Winter: Picturesque Snow Days Without The Long Drive

People new to the area don't expect Gull Lake to be pleasant during the wintertime. We love seeing them get pleasantly surprised.

The lake looks like something out of a storybook once winter hits and the first snow falls. Beyond that, there's no shortage of cozy, winter activities nearby.

Echo Valley, located just outside Kalamazoo, is a West Michigan staple. With a 500-foot tubing hill, eight quarter-mile toboggan tracks, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and a warming lodge to get the feeling back in your fingers and toes, it's a haven for all things winter.

Fort Custer stays busy in the winter as well. Their biking and hiking trails shift to cross-country skiing once there's a layer of snow on the ground.

Convenience For Everything And Everyone

Most people are drawn to Gull Lake for its beautiful scenery, but they stay for the convenience after they've lived here a while.

"The natural beauty and peacefulness of the area is the initial draw," says Wiltgen. "Some tenants (at The Bluffs at Gull Lake) have been skeptical of the commute at first but, once they've been here for a bit, they realize the short commute to wherever they're going is worth it."

There's a good mix of "small town living" and short drives that'll take you to Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, or anywhere you'd like to go. This is what makes the Gull Lake area work for so many different lifestyles, whether you're heading to work, going on a family excursion, or just going on a shopping trip.

Year-Round, Not Just Lake Season

Locals know that the fun at Gull Lake extends far past Labor Day.

"After one visit, you'll get it," says Wiltgen. "Spend some time researching all there is to do year-round, and you will be pleasantly surprised. From the abundant golf courses, to all that the lake has to offer, Gull Meadow Farms, the Gilmore Car Museum, Fort Custer Recreation Area, the list goes on and on. If you love the outdoors, you will love living at The Bluffs, year-round."

Living at The Bluffs provides the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the relaxation and excitement of living near the lake and all the activities in the surrounding area, without the hassle of owning property on the water.

Getting Started

The best way to find out what year-round life near Gull Lake looks like is by spending a season here. Between the farms, the trails, the activities, the museums, and the lake itself, there's rarely a dull moment.

If you're interested in seeing what year-round lake-area living looks like firsthand, get in touch with us today to schedule a walk-through at The Bluffs.