Parks | Ottawa County, MI

Idema Explorers Trail

Elyssa Hobbs — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:21:30 +0000

Idema Explorers Trail

Trail Map

Address

Multiple trailheads in
Grand Haven & Jenison, MI

Hours

Open year-round.

Visitor Info

The Idema Explorers Trail is open year-round. Please note plowing of trailheads varies by location. Motorized vehicles of any kind are not allowed.

About the Idema Explorers Trail

The Idema Explorers Trail (IET) is a planned 36.5-mile, non-motorized, multi-use pathway that will connect public lands between Grand Haven and Grand Rapids in Ottawa County, following the Grand River Greenway. The trail is being constructed in phases along the south side of the Grand River. Once completed, it will link to Grand Rapids and the Kent County portion of the Grand River Greenway.

Explore the Grand River Greenway

Trailheads

Grand Haven

Connor Bayou Trailhead
12945 North Cedar Dr.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Directions

M-231 Trailhead
12250 North Cedar Dr.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Directions

Riverside Park Trailhead
10317 North Cedar Dr.
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Directions

Jenison

Bend Area Access Site
8914 12th Ave
Jenison, MI 49428
Directions

Grand Ravines Trailhead
South – 3991 Fillmore Street
North – 9920 42nd Ave
Jenison, MI 49428

Grand River Park
9473 28th Ave
Jenison, MI 49428
Directions

Jenison Mill Trailhead
7746 Cottonwood Dr
Jenison, MI 49428
Directions

Connor Bayou Trailhead

12945 North Cedar Dr.
Grand Haven, MI 49417

M-231 Trailhead

12250 North Cedar Dr.
Grand Haven, MI 49417

Riverside Park Trailhead

10317 North Cedar Dr.
Grand Haven, MI 49417

Bend Area Access Site

8914 12th Ave
Jenison, MI 49428

Grand Ravines - South

3991 Fillmore Street
Jenison, MI 49428

Grand Ravines - North

9920 42nd Ave
Jenison, MI 49428

Grand River Park

9473 28th Ave
Jenison, MI 49428

Jenison Mill Trailhead

7746 Cottonwood Dr
Jenison, MI 49428

10’ paved trail for hiking and biking along the Grand River Greenway
Access to public lands along the route
Restrooms/rustic toilets available at trailheads (amenities vary by location)
Access points to Grand River Heritage Water Trail

10’ paved trail

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Dogs are required to be leashed (10’ max) and under control at all times and are not permitted in buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, off-trail, or as posted. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Service dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted in all areas at any time.

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

10’ paved trail for hiking and biking along the Grand River Greenway
Access to public lands along the route
Restrooms/rustic toilets available at trailheads (amenities vary by location)
Access points to Grand River Heritage Water Trail

Accessibility

10’ paved trail

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Van Buren Street Dunes

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:16 +0000

Van Buren Street Dunes

View Map

Address

16780 VanBuren St. (approx.)
West Olive, MI 49460
Directions

Hours

5am to 10pm

Visitor Info

There are no entry fees. The parking area is not plowed in winter.

Small parking area and information kiosk
Off-trail hiking and cross-country skiing
Dogs are allowed on or off leash
Open to hunting per DNR Laws. More information

Open Spaces have fewer amenities and less restricted rules than parks. Many do not have designated trails and at properties where trails do exist, they are natural surface and are not signed as extensively as Parks. This Open Space does not have any features or amenities deemed accessible or that meet ADA compliance.

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (off leash)

Dogs are allowed off-leash, year-round in Open Space Lands. Carry a leash with you and maintain voice control of your dog. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Please be aware that hunting (both gun and archery) is allowed at some Open Space Lands; be mindful of the season when visiting with your pet.

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

Small parking area and information kiosk
Off-trail hiking and cross-country skiing
Dogs are allowed on or off leash
Open to hunting per DNR Laws. More information

Accessibility

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (off leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:16 +0000

Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Park Map

84th Ave Entrance

1300 – 84th Avenue (approx.)
Zeeland, MI 49464
Directions

76th Ave Entrance

2171 – 76th Avenue (approx.)
Zeeland, MI 49464
Directions

Hours

March 1 - October 15: 7am to 10pm
October 16 - February 28: 7am to 8pm

Upper Macatawa Natural Area

The 612-acre property features stunning bridges and is popular among bikers, hikers, runners, and birders. The bike path running through the park connects to Byron Road’s Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail which leads to Kent County on the north side and to the Adams Street’s bike path, which runs to the lakeshore, on the south side. The single-track mountain bike trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers and are some of the best trails in the area. Visitors will find a variety of habitat, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, that is home to diverse wildlife.

Single-track mountain bike trails (FYI: these trails close temporarily if conditions are hazardous. Please check this page to see whether they are open before visiting).
Hiking and ungroomed cross-country ski trails
Paved bike trails
Scenic overlook decks
Picnic tables
Rustic toilets
Hunting by special permit. See hunting for details.
Reservable picnic shelter

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is committed to creating a legacy of expansive, accessible, and biodiverse natural communities for all to enjoy. All parks have varying levels of accessibility. At this park you will find:

Accessible pit toilet on a paved trail
Accessible benches provided at overlooks

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

Single-track mountain bike trails (FYI: these trails close temporarily if conditions are hazardous. Please check this page to see whether they are open before visiting).
Hiking and ungroomed cross-country ski trails
Paved bike trails
Scenic overlook decks
Picnic tables
Rustic toilets
Hunting by special permit. See hunting for details.
Reservable picnic shelter

Accessibility

Accessible pit toilet on a paved trail
Accessible benches provided at overlooks

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Tunnel Park

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:16 +0000

Tunnel Park

Park Map

Address

66 Lakeshore Drive N
Holland, MI 49424
Directions

Hours

Open April 1 until the first snowfall: 7am to 10pm

Visitor Info

The parking lot is closed for the winter season. FYI: The dune climb overlook stairs are currently under construction. Visitors can still access the overlook via the wooded trail near the south shelter.

About Tunnel Park

Along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, this popular 22 acre park is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking. In addition to the unique tunnel through a dune, this park has a children’s playground complete with a dune climb and a stairway with scenic views of Lake Michigan.

North Picnic Shelter (reservable)
South Picnic Shelter (reservable)
Swimming Beach (NO LIFEGUARDS)
Children’s playground with dune climb
Dune stairway
Picnic tables & grills
Seasonal vending machines
Four sand volleyball courts
Horseshoe pit
Modern restrooms

Barrier free facilities include both picnic shelters, restrooms, playground, some picnic tables and grills and trails to key use areas including through the tunnel to a beach overlook deck.

Motor Vehicle Permit Required

Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Dogs Allowed (on leash - seasonal restrictions)

Dogs welcome October 1-April 30. Dogs are required to be leashed (10’ max) and under control at all times and are not permitted in buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, off-trail, or as posted. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Service dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted in all areas at any time.

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

North Picnic Shelter (reservable)
South Picnic Shelter (reservable)
Swimming Beach (NO LIFEGUARDS)
Children’s playground with dune climb
Dune stairway
Picnic tables & grills
Seasonal vending machines
Four sand volleyball courts
Horseshoe pit
Modern restrooms

Accessibility

Barrier free facilities include both picnic shelters, restrooms, playground, some picnic tables and grills and trails to key use areas including through the tunnel to a beach overlook deck.

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Required

Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Dogs Allowed (on leash - seasonal restrictions)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Musketawa Trail

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:16 +0000

Musketawa Trail

Park Map

Conklin Trailhead

19610 Main St. (approx.)
Conklin, MI 49403
Directions

Marne Trailhead

15295 – 8th Ave. (approx.)
Marne, MI 49435
Directions

Visitor Info

A 12-mile-long section of the Musketawa Trail in Ottawa and Muskegon counties is closed throughout 2025 for a reconstruction project, including two trailheads in Marne and Conklin. The Ravenna trailhead/parking lot will remain open during this construction with the trail to the east closed and the trail to the west open.

12-mile segment temporarily closed

A 12-mile-long section of the Musketawa Trail is closed throughout 2025 for a reconstruction project, including two trailheads in Marne and Conklin. The Ravenna trailhead/parking lot will remain open during this construction with the trail to the east closed and the trail to the west open. The work includes several culvert and bridge replacements, trail repaving, and tree-clearing work. The project began Jan. 6, 2025 and the expected project duration is about one year.

Learn More

About The Musketawa Trail

The Musketawa Trail is a 12 foot wide, all-season path constructed on an abandoned rail line between Marne and Muskegon. Ottawa County Parks manages 10 miles of the 26 mile trail between April 1 and November 30. For more information, visit www.musketawatrail.org. A brochure is also available.

Snowmobiling is allowed only when trails conditions have been approved. Contact Oscar Reed-the West Shore Snowmobile Council rep at (231) 744-5731. Conditions are often posted at the Michigan Snowmobile Association.

Paved trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling (when approved) and more
Picnic tables in parking areas
Portable toilets in parking areas

12-foot wide, all-season paved path

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

Paved trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling (when approved) and more
Picnic tables in parking areas
Portable toilets in parking areas

Accessibility

12-foot wide, all-season paved path

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Spoonville Trail

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:16 +0000

Spoonville Trail

View Map

Trailhead

15609 120th Avenue
Nunica, MI 49448
Directions

Hours

Open year-round.

Visitor Information

No motorized vehicles allowed.

10′ paved trail for hiking and biking
Access to public lands along the route
Restrooms/rustic toilets available at trailheads (amenities vary by location)

Motorized vehicles of any kind are not allowed.

10′ paved trail

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

10′ paved trail for hiking and biking
Access to public lands along the route
Restrooms/rustic toilets available at trailheads (amenities vary by location)

Motorized vehicles of any kind are not allowed.

Accessibility

10′ paved trail

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Stearns Creek

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:16 +0000

Stearns Creek

Park Map

North

13600 132nd Ave
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Directions

South

13594 136th Ave
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Directions

Hours

March 1 through October 15:
7:00am - 10:00pm

October 16 through February 28:
7:00am - 8:00pm

Welcome to Stearns Creek

Located at the headwaters of the Grand River’s Stearns Bayou, Stearns Creek Park is a key piece of Ottawa County’s Grand River Greenway, a system of protected natural lands along the river and its tributaries. With over a mile of creek frontage, diverse wetlands, picturesque ravines, and tracts of older growth forests, Stearns Creek Park is an ecological treasure for both recreation and wildlife. Although much of its 146 acres was worked for decades, the wetlands and shoreline are among the highest quality in the Ottawa County park system. Even the original old pine plantations on the south side of the creek harbored uncommon prairie plants when the land was purchased. These pine plantations have been thinned or removed to begin to restore a diverse habitat of scattered trees and abundant native grasses and wildflowers known as Oak savanna.

North

Hunting per special permit
Helstrom Family Trail System

South

Hiking trails and boardwalks
Benches
Picnic tables
Port-a-let

This park is undeveloped except for a basic natural surface trail system.

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

North

Hunting per special permit
Helstrom Family Trail System

South

Hiking trails and boardwalks
Benches
Picnic tables
Port-a-let

Accessibility

This park is undeveloped except for a basic natural surface trail system.

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (on leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

History & Funding

Opened in 2019, the original 118-acre acquisition south of the creek features the 2.1-mile Helstrom Family Trail System, as well as benches and picnic tables donated by members of the Vollmer Family who once lived on this site. Funding for the $989,850 purchase came from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), $491,925; a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for $429,318; and a $60,300 gift made possible by the generous support of John J. Helstrom, in memory of parents Mathias and Esther Helstrom. The Trail System was named in honor of the gift.

In late 2021 an additional 28-acre parcel north of Stearns Creek was purchased for $242,000 utilizing funds including an additional $95,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and an additional gift from John J. Helstrom in memory of parents, Mathias and Esther Helstrom.

In honor of this gift, the new area has been designated as the Helstrom Family Natural Area, and 0.8 miles added to the Helstrom Family Trail System. The Helstrom Family, who lived in West Michigan, had a great appreciation of nature and the need to protect it for future generations.

The original $989,850 park acquisition was funded with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), covering $491,925; a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for $429,318; and a $60,300 gift made possible by the generous support of John J. Helstrom, in memory of parents Mathias and Esther Helstrom. In honor of the gift, the new park will feature the Helstrom Family Trail System.

A special thank you to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation for their funding of the park kiosk and trail signage.

Kirk Park

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:15 +0000

Kirk Park

Park Map

Address

9791 Lakeshore Drive N
West Olive, MI 49460
Directions

Hours

March 1 through October 15: 7am to 10pm
October 16 through February 28: 7am to 8pm

Visitor Info

Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Dogs are not permitted on the north side of the beach May 1 through September 30.

About Kirk Park

Stretching along Lake Michigan’s shoreline for over 1/3 mile, this park boasts 68 acres of sandy beach, high bluffs and wooded dunes. Nature trails with wooden stairways wind through the wooded dunes, offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan. A paved path leads to a deck overlooking the beach and Lake Michigan. This is a popular park for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and cross country skiing.

Picnic Shelter (reservable)
Kirk Park Lodge (reservable)
Swimming beach (NO LIFEGUARDS)
Off-leash dog beach
Picnic tables & grills
Playground
Scenic Lake Michigan views
Hiking and ungroomed cross country ski trails
Cornhole boards
Modern restrooms (closed in winter)
Parking lot

Barrier free facilities including picnic shelter, restrooms, some picnic tables and grills and a trail to the Lake Michigan overlook deck.
Paved parking lot with barrier free spaces
Accessible modern restroom with family/unisex changing rooms
Barrier-free playground

Motor Vehicle Permit Required

Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Dogs Allowed (on leash - seasonal restrictions)

Dogs are required to be leashed (10’ max) and under control at all times and are not permitted in buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, off-trail, or as posted. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the dog beach (south) year-round. Dogs (on or off leash) are not permitted on the north beach or it’s access point May 1 – Sep 30. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Service dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted in all areas at any time.

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

Picnic Shelter (reservable)
Kirk Park Lodge (reservable)
Swimming beach (NO LIFEGUARDS)
Off-leash dog beach
Picnic tables & grills
Playground
Scenic Lake Michigan views
Hiking and ungroomed cross country ski trails
Cornhole boards
Modern restrooms (closed in winter)
Parking lot

Accessibility

Barrier free facilities including picnic shelter, restrooms, some picnic tables and grills and a trail to the Lake Michigan overlook deck.
Paved parking lot with barrier free spaces
Accessible modern restroom with family/unisex changing rooms
Barrier-free playground

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Required

Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Dogs Allowed (on leash - seasonal restrictions)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Jubb Bayou

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:15 +0000

Jubb Bayou

View Map

Address

10340 Oriole Drive (approx.)
Nunica, MI 49448
Directions

Hours

5am to 10pm
The parking area is not plowed in winter.

Visitor Info

The parking area is on Oriole Drive just east of 104th Avenue. There are no entry fees.

About Jubb Bayou

Jubb Bayou, located in Crockery Township is 97 acres. The property includes nearly a mile of frontage on the Grand River, some high ground and significant floodplain and wetlands adjacent to the river. There are no designated trails or restrooms.

Small parking area
Fishing
Off-trail hiking and cross-country skiing
Dogs are allowed on or off leash
Archery deer hunting. More information

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (off leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

Small parking area
Fishing
Off-trail hiking and cross-country skiing
Dogs are allowed on or off leash
Archery deer hunting. More information

Accessibility

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (off leash)

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules

Kuits Bayou

Elyssa Hobbs — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:03:15 +0000

Kuits Bayou

View Map

Address

4575 Warner St
Allendale, MI 49401
Directions

Hours

5am to 10pm

Visitor Info

This property is accessible only by boat from the Grand River.

Off-trail hiking
Dogs are allowed on or off leash
Open to hunting per DNR Laws. More information

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (off leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.

Review Park & Open Space Rules

Features

Off-trail hiking
Dogs are allowed on or off leash
Open to hunting per DNR Laws. More information

Accessibility

Requirements & Restrictions

Motor Vehicle Permit Not Required

There are no entry or launch fees.

Dogs Allowed (off leash)

Dog Rules & Tips

Follow Park Rules

All Ottawa County Parks Official Rules are in place.
Review Park & Open Space Rules