Kalkaska is the county seat of Kalkaska County and a true outdoor town, surrounded by the Pere Marquette State Forest, trout streams and more than 80 lakes. It sits about 25 miles from Traverse City, so you get small town prices and a slower pace with big town shopping, dining and jobs within easy reach.
Quick Facts
| County | Kalkaska County (the village is the county seat) |
| Population | 2,132 (2020 Census) |
| Schools | Kalkaska Public Schools |
| Highways | US 131, M 66 and M 72 meet in town. M 72 leads west to Traverse City. |
| Hospital | Kalkaska Memorial Health Center (Munson Healthcare), with a 24 hour emergency department |
| Median home value | About $155,600 (ACS estimate) |
Outdoor Recreation
- Rivers: the North Branch of the Boardman River runs through town, with the Rapid River, the Manistee and the Jordan nearby.
- Lakes: more than 80 lakes in the county, including Bear Lake, Lake Skegemog and part of Torch Lake.
- Trails: the North Country Trail runs right through downtown, plus the VASA Trail and the Sand Lake Quiet Area with about 10 miles of hiking, biking and ski trails.
- State forest: much of the county is Pere Marquette State Forest, open for hunting, hiking and camping.
Types of Homes You Will Find
- In town homes close to schools, the hospital and downtown
- Lakefront and lake access homes across the county
- Cabins and recreational property near state land and trails
- Acreage and hunting land, often at a lower price per acre than areas closer to Traverse City
Getting Around
| Traverse City | About 25 miles, roughly 40 minutes |
| Grayling | About 26 miles |
| Lake City | About 29 miles |
| Cadillac | About 40 miles |
Annual Events
- National Trout Festival the last week of April, celebrating the opening of trout season.
- Kalkaska County Agricultural Fair in early August.
- Iceman Cometh Challenge, the famous mountain bike race that starts in Kalkaska the first weekend of November.
Buying or Selling in Kalkaska
Kalkaska is part of District Health Department #10, which handles well and septic permits and prepurchase soil evaluations for vacant land. If you are looking at acreage, read Buying Land in Northern Michigan and Hunting and Recreational Property. Nearby, see Fife Lake and Torch Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kalkaska from Traverse City?
About 25 miles, or roughly 40 minutes, by way of M 72.
Is there a hospital in Kalkaska?
Yes. Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, part of Munson Healthcare, has a 24 hour emergency department.
When is the National Trout Festival?
Every year during the last week of April, to mark the opening of trout season.
What outdoor recreation is nearby?
The Pere Marquette State Forest, the North Country Trail through downtown, the Boardman and Manistee rivers, the Sand Lake Quiet Area and more than 80 lakes in the county.
Thinking about buying or selling in Kalkaska? Send me a message or call or text 231.920.7579.