The area features lakes, the Kalamazoo River, over 25 miles of multi-use trails, second growth oak barrens and dry-mesic southern (oak-hickory) forests.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acquired the land in 1971 as part of the Nixon administration's Legacy of Parks program.

Today, the Fort Custer Training Center of the Michigan National Guard borders the recreation area.

Fort Custer is a popular destination for hunting, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and dog mushing.

The Fort Custer mountain bike trails are divided into two levels of difficulty: blue being easy, green and red being difficult.

Because of the large amount of land and restoration projects in place at Fort Custer, there are countless species of plants and animals.

Because of the current issues with the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), visitors are not allowed to move fire wood in or out of the park.

Fort Custer State Recreation Area is located north of Interstate 94 between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan at exits 85 or 92.