Kalkaska is located at the base of northern Michigan’s Traverse City State Forest. Natural beauty surrounds Kalkaska, which is convenient to numerous lakes, streams, and rivers in addition to several state and county parks. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are naturally plentiful, with a variety of sites amenable to activities like hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and camping.

Kalkaska is home to the National Trout Memorial, a museum adorned with a massive trout statue in Kalkaska’s quaint downtown area. A number of specialty shops, restaurants, and offices in historic buildings also line Cedar Street in Downtown Kalkaska.