Non-military Uses
Established during World War I and greatly expanded during World War II, the base reached a size of over 14,000 acres (57 km2). After the wars the size of the base was reduced. In 1923, 675 acres (2.73 km2) were transferred for the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs hospital. The extensive grounds included a 200-acre (0.81 km2) working farm for vocational therapy
The 3,000-acre (12 km2) Fort Custer Recreation Area is a state park adjoining the Fort, donated from base land in 1971. It includes 22 miles (35 km) of hiking trails, 20 miles (32 km) of mountain bike trails and 16 miles (26 km) of bridle trails. There is cross-country skiing in the winter. Mini cabins and rustic cabins are available for rent. The park is just east of Augusta on M-96.
Battle Creek Unlimited built Fort Custer industrial park containing over ninety businesses which provide over 8,000 jobs. It was developed on base land in the 1970s and lies between the Fort Custer Military Reserve and W. K. Kellogg Airport (civilian and Air National Guard). Goods produced include shopping carts, noodles, fiber optic traffic signals, automotive parts, water purification pumps, and instruments for microscopic study of surgical specimens. An master plan was developed and implemented. "The charge to retain, develop and attract employers led to resounding success in Fort Custer Industrial Park, at 3,000 acres the largest modern industrial park in Michigan."
The 770-acre (3.1 km2) Fort Custer National Cemetery lies on land from Fort Custer and from the VA Medical Center. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that as of September 30, 1999 the cemetery had 11,955 total burials. During FY 1999 (Oct 98-Sept 99) there were 1,112 burials. The VA estimates Fort Custer National Cemetery has sufficient space to continue providing full casket gravesites beyond the year 2030.
Read more about this topic: Fort Custer Training Center