Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

Kayaking & Canoeing

With the Grand River, Pigeon River and Macatawa River, Ottawa County offers many locations for those looking to paddle. Several Ottawa County Parks offer kayak and canoe access. In addition, the Grand River Heritage Water Trail offers maps, tips and more. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, Kayak tours are organized and rentals available. This is a great opportunity to try kayaking before making a large investment! Please note kayaks are only available to rent during scheduled tours. Check out our event calendar to register for a kayak trip.

Fishing

Fishing is available at many properties. Fisherman must follow the state laws. Boat launches are available at Deer Creek Park, Grand River Park and Riverside Park. A motor vehicle permit (daily or annual) is required at the Riverside Park boat launch Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Boating

The Ottawa Beach Marina at Historic Ottawa Beach on Lake Macatawa is open from April 15-October 31 each year. It is the closest marina to the mouth of Lake Michigan and features 26 transient slips, 15 seasonal slips, and 5 moorings. To book a transient slip, please click here. For information regarding seasonal slips and kayak storage, please call: (616) 298-1482

Boat launches are available at Deer Creek Park, Grand River Park, and Riverside Park. An annual motor vehicle permit is required at the Riverside Park boat launch Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Biking

Bike-friendly paved paths are offered along the Musketawa Trail, as well as on the paved Idema Explorers Trail at Grand Ravines and Connor Bayou.
Additional bike paths and trails are available along the lakeshore and winding through local communities.
There are a number of exciting regional trail systems under construction in Ottawa County. Learn more about them using the links below:

• Grand River Greenway & Idema Explorers Trail
• Macatawa River Greenway Trail
• Spoonville Trail

Mountain bike trails are offered at Grand River Park, Pigeon Creek Park, Riley Trails, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, and Riverside Park.
Mountain bikers should be aware that Upper Macatawa Natural Area allows archery hunting by special permit and that the technical trails close during very wet conditions; to get the most up-to- date information about the Upper Mac trails, visit their Facebook page or miOttawa.org/trails
Please note that bicycles are not allowed at Pigeon Creek once winter operations have begun. Confirm winter operation on our trail conditions page. Those interested in fat tire winter biking should visit Riley Trails or Grand River Park.

Hiking

Whether you prefer hiking along the lakeshore, though forests, or along rivers and streams Ottawa County has miles of hiking trails too offer. Nearly every park location offers hiking, download trail maps for each park from this page. If a guided tour interests you, check out our programs presenting nature and wildlife themed hikes tailored to the season.

Horseback Riding

Equestrian trails are available at Pigeon Creek Park (3 miles), Eastmanville Farm (4.5 miles) and the Musketawa Trail (10 miles). Horses are welcome on designated trails at Pigeon Creek Park from March 15 through November 30, if trail conditions permit. Because of cross country skiing at Pigeon Creek Park and snowmobiling on the Musketawa Trail, these trails are unavailable for horseback riding during the winter. The trails at Eastmanville Farm are clay-based and become slippery during heavy rainfall throughout the year. Trails at the farm will close under these conditions. For trail conditions at Pigeon Creek or Eastmanville Farm, visit miOttawa.org/trails.

Having a Safe Visit

Ottawa County Parks are generally safe. These common-sense precautions will help make your visit a pleasant one.