Markin Glen was once the estate of Morris Markin, founder of Checker Motors Corporation of Kalamazoo. The park features a modern campground and swimming.
The Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County was responsible for leading the fundraising drive that allowed the west side of Markin Glen to open as a County Park in 1994 after the County acquired the property from the City of Kalamazoo. The Foundation then raised over $5M to construct the east side of the park.
Markin Glen features unique and beautiful natural features. From the top of one of the highest points in Kalamazoo, hikers can experience a scenic view of downtown. The park is also home to a wide variety of spring flowers and has a mature beech maple forest. The state-of-the-art campground was opened in 2004 and offers 38 sites conveniently located just north of downtown Kalamazoo.
Other park activities include a swimming beach, fishing lake, paved multi-use trail, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and hiking.
