I love going on walks! Walking is an easy way to explore an area – be it a town, park or nature trail. Once my son was born, I knew I wanted to continue my routine of exploring parks and trails in the Greater Grand Rapids/western Michigan lakeshore area. However, it is not always obvious if a trail is accessible by stroller. This post contains a list of the best stroller friendly parks and trails in West Michigan. As I discover more, I’ll keep updating this post so be sure to subscribe to my blog by entering your email on the right side of your screen!
These trails are not in any particular order, however I do call out a park or paved trail with a little something extra that makes it stand out! I hope this post helps out all you West Michigan mamas to get out and explore with your little one! Or if you’re visiting the area for a day, weekend or week, you find an interesting trail to check out!
Map of the Best Stroller Friendly Parks & Trails in West Michigan
List of the Best Stroller Friendly Parks & Trails in West Michigan
Grand Ravines
First up is the Grand Ravines, located between Jenison and Allendale and managed by the Ottawa County Parks Department. With over 187 acres, this park contains paved and rustic trails with signage on the area’s history and plant life, an off leash dog park, and several ravine overlook platforms.
What makes this park/trail interesting? Additionally, one of the coolest features is its 275 foot long suspension bridge that goes over part of the ravines. Besides that, I highly recommend walking the path down to the Grand River. Many times when we are at the rivers edge we see a boater or jet ski pass by!
This is a park I frequent often and every time I visit, I notice something new and interesting. From late spring into early fall, it’s common to see different types of wildflowers springing up. Alternatively, during the winter, it’s easy to spot foxes hanging out in the ravines below.
Bathrooms: Also important to note are the bathrooms! There are two modern bathroom facilities in the park, one in the lodge overlooking the Grand River and the second by the dog park.
Parking/location: The Grand Ravines Park is located at either:
9920 – 42nd Ave, Jenison, MI 49428
3991 Fillmore Street, Jenison, MI 49428
Grand Haven Boardwalk
Second is the Grand Haven Boardwalk. While not a park or trail (technically), the Grand Haven Boardwalk is a great stroller friendly place to take the little one on a walk. With lots to see and do as well as many parks connected to it, these are all the reasons the Boardwalk makes it on the list of the best stroller friendly parks and trails in West Michigan.
The Boardwalk extends from the Lighthouse, past downtown Grand Haven and all the way to the GTW Railroad Coal Tower, which is around 2 miles in one direction. My favorite part of this walk is to see what my son notices every time we go. One time he was entertained watching the water jump around at the splash pad, another time he stared at every dog walking by.
What makes this park/trail interesting? There are plenty of pit stop points – my favorite is Temptations Ice Cream at the old Depot building. Temptations is conveniently located by the amphitheater providing a great place to take a break and let the little one wiggle around. Another fun place to stop and play is the playground located on the north end of the Boardwalk, nearby the railroad relics.
Bathrooms: Important to note, the city of Grand Haven maintains a couple public bathrooms along the Boardwalk. There’s also one nearby the State Park.
Parking/location: There are a few public lots to park with easy access to the Boardwalk. My preferred lot to park at is on the northeast corner of North Harbor Drive and Washington Ave. Alternatively, the Grand Haven State Park parking lot is a nice spot to park to access the lighthouse. Addresses to put in your GPS are:
5 North Harbor Drive, Grand Haven 49417
1001 South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven 49417
Millennium Park
Next up is both Millennium Park and the Meadows at Millennium Park, which are across the street from each other in Walker, just besides the Grand River. These parks and trails are maintained by the Kent County Parks Department. Both parks are on over 1,400 acres making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
With about 13 miles of paved trails within it, Millennium Park connects with the greater Kent Trails system as well as neighboring Johnson Park. Further, there are about 5 miles of rustic trails available to hike. Besides the hiking and walking, there are boardwalks, bridges, and scenic areas that make the park a great place to practice photography.
What makes this park/trail interesting? Millennium Park offers more than just trails. Throughout the summer, a six acre beach and splash pad are open for recreation for $4 for adults and $2 for children (age 3-15). Also, there’s a boat house with paddle boats, stand up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks for rent.
Another neat thing about Millennium Park is the story in how it came about. Back in the year 1998, planning began to create a park system that would eventually reclaim over 1,500 acres of land previously home to gypsum mines and gravel pits. After 6 years of planning and construction, Millennium Park opened to the public in 2004.
Bathrooms: There are 3 bathrooms within Millennium Park. One is located in the pavilion on the Meadows side, while two are on the other side by the recreational area.
Parking/location: There are several places to park at Millennium Park. To get to either side of Millennium Park, put this address in your GPS:
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Grand Rapids Township Park
A fourth stroller friendly park in West Michigan is the Grand Rapids Township Park managed by Grand Rapids Charter Township! We stumbled upon this park when we had about half an hour to burn between commitments. This paved trail is nice and easy. Also, it’s tree covered throughout most of it then right in the middle opens up to a wide natural area with lots of wildflowers growing. Next to the park there is a playground, ball fields, and tennis courts.
What makes this park/trail interesting? This park is conveniently located off of the busy East Beltline northeast of Grand Rapids. As such, it is a great place to stop and take in some nature before continuing on with your day. If you’re off running errands on this side of town (as I often find myself doing), consider rewarding your little one by letting them run wild on the playground or seeing what they may find on the nature trail.
Bathrooms: Beside the playground there is a shelter with bathrooms.
Parking/location: To get to this park, drive into the Grand Rapids Charter Township Offices and enter the park from the
3333 Park Ridge Ln NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Spring Grove Park
Another great stroller friendly park in West Michigan is Spring Grove Park, which is managed by Ottawa County Parks. This lush 16 acre park is both a playground on one side and small trail on the other. The towering trees are remarkable and provide great relief in the hot summer months. Additionally, there’s a beautiful wedding trellis to check out that’s covered with vines in the eastern side of the park.
What makes this park/trail interesting? This park is so special due to spring that runs alongside and under the trail. When we visited, many magical things occurred. For one, we saw a grandma and her toddler grandson hopping from stone to stone to cross over the spring. They were having a blast! Additionally, beautiful flowers frame sections of the spring providing a gorgeous setting. Finally, there are a couple small waterfalls to appreciate along the trail!
Bathrooms: The bathrooms are located in between the playground and trail on the side of the picnic building.
Parking/location: There is one large lot right in front of the park at:
1800 Greenly Street Grandville, MI 49418
Centennial Park
Next up is one of my favorite parks to visit during the summer and early fall, Holland’s Centennial Park. Located in downtown Holland’s historic district, this park contains gazebos, fountains, statues, flowers and more. While it sits on about 6 acres, every step offers a generous eye full of beauty. Further, this park is a prominent location in the spring during Holland’s annual Tulip Time.
Centennial Park, established in 1876, is maintained by the City of Holland. Interesting to note, Holland is one of Michigan’s first cities to develop a plan that created public parks. Also historically significant is the 20 foot rock fountain in the center of the park. This stone, donated by Dutch immigrant Teunis TenHouten, was converted into a fountain by Johannes Van Lente in 1902.
What makes this park/trail interesting? If all of the above isn’t enticing enough, the park is home to a 10×12 foot “Book of Oz” composed of thousands of living plants. From there, a yellow brick road guides you across the street to the library to enjoy six life sized bronze sculptures of the Wizard of Oz characters. The book is on display at the park from spring through early fall. During the winter, it is protected from the elements in the city’s greenhouse.
In case you’re now wondering why there is a Wizard of Oz display in Holland, Michigan, it is because the books author L. Frank Baum used to vacation along Lake Macatawa. It is also where Baum wrote much of the book.
Bathrooms: Seasonal bathrooms exist on the lower level of the bandstand.
Parking/location: There is plenty of street parking. However the nearest public parking lot is located on the southeast corner of 9th and Central. The actual address is:
250 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423
Buck Creek Trail
The final park/trail (for now) is the Buck Creek Trail, which traverses Grandville from Canal Avenue and ends at 34th. This paved trail system winds through Grandville’s neighborhoods with Wedgwood Park serving as a mid point. With a playground and picnic tables, Wedgwood Park is a great place to take a break with the little(s) to allow them to play before continuing on.
Although the trail is suburban with homes visible from the footpath, there are plenty of trees, wildflowers, and the actual Buck Creek to enjoy!
What makes this park/trail interesting? I’m a sucker for ducks. Of all the bird types, duck is my favorite to watch. So it comes as no surprise that my favorite part about the trail are the ducks that congregate in the creek and along the trail! The best place to see a large group of ducks is behind the Wedgwood Park playground. Here the creek is a bit wider and slow moving with a clearing allowing the ducks to sun themselves on shore. My son was fascinated watching them, especially since they allowed us to get close to them.
Bathrooms: There are public bathrooms available at Wedgwood Park.
Parking/location: Unless you live along the trail, I recommend parking at the Wedgwood Park playground. After you enter the park, turn and park in the left lot.
3391 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418
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As I continue to explore the Western Michigan and Greater Grand Rapids communities, I’ll keep updating the list of best stroller friendly parks and trails in West Michigan.
Which park are you most excited to take your little one? What is your favorite park to go on a walk with your baby?
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from Michigan with Love,
Jackie
