Explore the parks

Along the lakeshore, we have so many beautiful parks and trails to explore! Get outside this summer and visit a new one each week with our challenge.

Check off each park and trail you visit with our handy guide on this page!

Kirk Park

Known for its swimming and dog beaches, Kirk Park is fun for the entire family (furry friends included). The Kirk Park Dog Beach is open daily, but with limited hours due to high water; check its website before visiting.

9791 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/kirk.htm

Pigeon Creek Park 

Whether you’re into hiking, biking or riding horses, there’s a trail for it at Pigeon Creek Park. It’s also a great spot to grill out and have a picnic with the family.

12524 Stanton St., West Olive
616-738-9531
miottawa.org/parks/pigeoncreek.htm

Hemlock Crossing 

With its kayak and canoe launch, Hemlock Crossing makes it easy to get out on the water. Also, check out the Nature Center — it’s full of exhibits, and it has a wildlife den with critters and activities, a wildlife viewing area and a gift shop. 

8115 W. Olive Road, West Olive
616-786-4847
miottawa.org/parks/hemlockcrossing.htm 

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

With 1,000 acres of land and 2½ miles of shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a great place to break out the beach gear and kick back and relax. The park’s varied terrain also makes it a popular spot for birdwatchers and hikers.

6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck
269-637-2788
michigan.org/property/saugatuck-dunes-state-park

Ottawa Sands County Park

Nature lovers will have their hands full at Ottawa Sands — with hiking trails, forested dunes and a natural surface trail around the in-land lake, there’s plenty to enjoy and explore.

18153 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/ottawasands.htm

Riverside Park

A boat launch and barrier-free fishing dock make this park a perfect spot to enjoy the water. With 1,000 feet of grassy picnic area along the riverbank, it’s also a nice place to grill out and relax.

10317 N. Cedar Drive, Grand Haven
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/riverside.htm

Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Preserve

With such a unique ecosystem, the KLH Dunes Preserve is a hidden gem of West Michigan. Explore its 115 acres of protected dunes, forest and wetlands.

20001 Berwyck St., Grand Haven
616-842-5803
klhdunespreserve.org

Rosy Mound Natural Area

Check out Rosy Mound for its boardwalks, hiking trails, and stairways and decks that share some incredible views of Lake Michigan. 

13925 Lakeshore Drive, Grand Haven
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/rosymound.htm

Riley Trails

Outdoor enthusiasts love Riley Trails for its fishing and extensive trail system, which includes hiking and mountain biking trails.

16300 Riley St., Holland
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/riley.htm

West Side County Park

If you want to catch a gorgeous Lake Michigan sunset, look no further. West Side County Park has some of the best views of water, as well as a sparkling beach, picnic area and playgrounds.

2152 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville
269-686-9088
allegancounty.org 

Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area

Accessed from Oval Beach’s parking lot, this natural area has 173 acres of duneland and is the perfect spot for wildlife viewing and hiking; all trails lead to the water’s edge.

690 Perryman St., Saugatuck (Oval Beach)
269-857-2603
saugatuckcity.com

Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Are you a cycling enthusiast? Then Upper Macatawa Natural Area is the park for you. The park is filled with single-track mountain bike trails, paved bike trails and hiking trails.

1300 84th Ave., Zeeland
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/upper.htm

Sanctuary Woods Preserve

Take a short hike (0.9 mile) through the forest to the dune stairway and climb your way to some breathtaking views of both Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leashes.

4750 66th St., Holland
616-335-3050
laketowntwp.org

Paw Paw Park

It’s easy to get moving at Paw Paw Park — with an 18-hole disc golf course, a paved trail and natural surface hiking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

1230 Paw Paw Drive, Holland (East entrance)
616-738-4810
miottawa.org/parks/pawpaw.htm