Located less than two miles outside of Downtown New Buffalo, Michigan, The Galien River County Park offers natural beauty and unique landscapes to explore in the heart of Southwest Michigan.

From hiking to fishing and wildlife watching, Galien River County Park offers visitors no shortage of outdoor adventure opportunities. Before visiting this beautiful park near New Buffalo, Michigan, here is everything you need to know for a smooth experience.

What Is Galien River County Park?

Galien River County Park, located in New Buffalo Township, was established in 2001 by the Berrien County Parks Commission. This 86-acre park features upland and wetland habitats along the Galien River, a 30-mile river that snakes through Southwest Michigan and empties into Lake Michigan at the river’s mouth at the New Buffalo Municipal Marina.

The park’s wetlands are part of the greater “New Buffalo Marsh,” a Great Lakes marsh that provides a vital habitat for waterfowl, shore birds, fish, and small mammals in Michigan. Great Lakes marshes can be found along all the rivers that connect to the Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, Superior, Huron, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario.

Details for Visiting Galien River County Park

  • Hours — Galien River County Park is open daily from dawn until dusk during the spring, summer, and fall. It is closed in the winter. 
  • Fees — There is no entry fee for Galien River County Park.
  • Directions — To reach the park from Downtown New Buffalo, take Red Arrow Highway northeast for 1.3 miles. Take a left off the highway, and you’ll arrive at the parking lot.
  • Rules — No dogs are allowed at Galien River County Park.

Best Things to Do and See at Galien River County Park

The image shows a person sitting on the edge of a wooden dock, fishing in a calm body of water. The person is wearing a plaid shirt and a straw hat, and they are silhouetted against the bright sky, which is filled with fluffy white clouds. The fishing rod is bent, suggesting the person may have caught something.

Looking for the can’t-miss major features and best things to do in Galien River County Park?

Be sure to check out the park’s three hiking trails and boardwalks! Two of the park’s major features — the observation tower and fishing platform — can be reached on barrier-free hiking trails, which are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

Marsh Boardwalk and Fishing Platform

The Marsh Boardwalk is a 600-foot-long platform offering gorgeous views of the marshes in Galien River County Park. This hard-surfaced, marsh-level platform is ADA-accessible, making it a fantastic spot for everyone to get a closer look at Southwest Michigan’s unique swamp scenery. It’s also an excellent place to spot wildlife up close, like birds, deer, turtles, and frogs.

Fishing is a popular pastime at Galien River County Park — common catches include steelhead, bass, and freshwater drum. Be sure to bring your fishing gear to cast a line from the fishing platform, located right on the Marsh Boardwalk.

Canopy Walkway and Marsh Observation Tower

The Canopy Walkway is a 300-foot, ADA-accessible trail in Galien River County Park, making it a short and scenic hiking option for families.

This walkway leads to the Marsh Observation Tower, a 60-foot observation tower that offers stunning views of the New Buffalo Marsh and the kayakers on the river below. It is also a great vantage point for spotting birds, small mammals, and other wildlife that call the park home.

Ridge Trail

The Ridge Trail is the only traditional hiking trail in Galien River County Park.

This hard-packed trail loops through the woods and offers shade under a tree-covered canopy. On this 1.4-mile hike, you’ll pass wetlands, steep ravines, and the Galien River. It’s the only hiking trail in Galien River County Park that is not ADA accessible.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Galien River County Park

The image shows a serene lake during what appears to be sunset or sunrise, casting a warm golden hue over the water. A single duck is seen gently floating in the middle of the lake, creating small ripples around it.
  • Arrive Early — Visit right when the park opens early in the morning for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Evenings are the second-best time to visit.
  • Dress Comfortably — Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for hiking.
  • Plan Ahead — The park does not have flush toilets, so prepare accordingly. The parking lot has limited spaces, so arrive early to snag a spot.

Keep Exploring Southwest Michigan

Turtle Creek Preserve, located a one-mile drive southwest of New Buffalo, is another beautiful spot to explore in Southwest Michigan. This nature preserve, part of Chikaming Open Lands, features seasonal wetlands and a mature beech-maple forest.

If you have kids, you can also consider visiting the New Buffalo Township Playground across the street from Galien River County Park. It even has a splash pad, making it the perfect stop on hot summer days!

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Explore our homes to find the right place to stay for your upcoming vacation. We look forward to hosting you!